1. What is the F2A Visa?
The F2A Visa is a family-preference immigrant visa that allows spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. Green Card holders to join their family members in the United States. Part of the Family Second Preference (F2) visa category, the F2A Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for qualifying family members of U.S. lawful permanent residents.
2. Benefits of the F2A Visa
- Path to U.S. Permanent Residency: Allows holders to live, work, and study in the U.S. permanently.
- Green Card Eligibility for Dependents: Spouses and minor children can apply for a Green Card after receiving the F2A visa.
- Eventual Pathway to Citizenship: After becoming a Green Card holder, the F2A visa recipient may apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
3. Eligibility Requirements for the F2A Visa
To qualify for an F2A Visa, the applicant must meet specific requirements:
- Relationship to U.S. Green Card Holder: The applicant must be either:
- The spouse of a U.S. lawful permanent resident, or
- An unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. Green Card holder.
- Sponsor Requirements: The U.S. Green Card holder must serve as the sponsor, filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the family member.
- Financial Sponsorship: The Green Card holder must provide an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to prove they can financially support their family member without relying on U.S. public funds.
4. Application Process for the F2A Visa
The F2A Visa process involves two main steps: the U.S. family member petitioning for the foreign relative and the foreign relative applying for the visa once a visa number becomes available.
Step 1: Petition Filing (Form I-130)
The U.S. Green Card holder must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with proof of relationship and any supporting documents.
Step 2: Wait for Visa Number to Become Available
The F2A Visa category has an annual cap, so applicants must wait for their priority date (the date the I-130 petition was filed) to become current, as per the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
Step 3: Complete DS-260 Online Visa Application
Once the priority date is current, the applicant fills out Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, online via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal.
Step 4: Pay Fees and Submit Supporting Documents
The applicant pays the visa application fee and submits required documents to the National Visa Center (NVC). These typically include:
- Valid Passport: With at least six months of validity.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Provided by the U.S. sponsor.
- Proof of Relationship: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documentation.
- Police Clearance: From the applicant’s home country or any country where they’ve lived for over six months.
Step 5: Medical Exam and Interview
The applicant must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, the applicant will be asked questions about their relationship with the sponsor, their background, and their intent to immigrate.
Step 6: Visa Approval and U.S. Entry
If approved, the F2A visa will be issued, allowing the applicant to enter the United States as a permanent resident. Once in the U.S., they will receive their Green Card.
5. Processing Time for the F2A Visa
Processing times vary based on factors like visa availability, USCIS processing times, and the applicant’s country of residence. The typical processing time can range from 1 to 3 years. Visa availability for the F2A category is typically more favorable than other family-preference visas, making it one of the quicker options for family reunification.
6. Fees for the F2A Visa
| Fee Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Form I-130 (Petition Fee) | $535 |
| DS-260 Visa Application Fee | $325 |
| Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) | $120 |
| Medical Examination | Varies by country (typically $200–$500) |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 (if applicable) |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can F2A visa holders work in the U.S.?
Yes, F2A visa holders receive Green Cards, allowing them to work legally in the U.S. - Can children age out of F2A eligibility?
Yes, children who turn 21 before the visa is issued may age out, but Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) rules can sometimes protect eligibility. - Can the F2A visa holder bring dependents?
No, F2A visas are issued only to the spouse or child of the U.S. Green Card holder, but the primary F2A applicant’s eligible children may also apply under the same petition. - Is the F2A visa quota-limited?
Yes, F2A visas are subject to an annual cap, which can lead to waiting periods, but they generally have shorter wait times than other family-preference visas. - Can an F2A visa holder apply for U.S. citizenship?
Yes, after obtaining a Green Card and meeting residency requirements, F2A visa holders can apply for U.S. citizenship.
8. Conclusion
The F2A Visa provides a reliable pathway for U.S. Green Card holders to reunite with their spouses and minor children. While the process involves waiting for visa availability, it typically has shorter wait times than other family-preference visas, making it one of the fastest family-based immigration options. By understanding the requirements and following each step carefully, families can achieve a successful application and join their loved ones in the United States.