F2A Green Card Overview
What is the F2A Visa?
The F2A Visa is a family-based immigration option that allows the spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States to obtain permanent residency. This visa falls under the family preference category, specifically designed to facilitate family reunification.
Key Benefits of the F2A Visa
- Permanent Residency: Holders gain lawful permanent resident status, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
- Family Reunification: It enables families to stay together in the U.S., providing stability and support.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a green card for a certain period (typically five years), holders may apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Travel Flexibility: Green card holders can travel outside the U.S. and return without needing a visa, as long as they maintain their residency status.
Eligibility Requirements for the F2A Visa
To qualify for the F2A Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Sponsor’s Status: Be the spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a lawful permanent resident.
- Relationship: Provide proof of the relationship with the LPR (e.g., marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children).
- Financial Support: The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to financially support the immigrant at 125% above the poverty line, as required by submitting Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides critical information regarding the availability of immigrant visas (green cards) for various categories of applicants. It outlines the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing, which help applicants understand when they can proceed with their green card applications based on their priority dates.
The priority date is established when the U.S. citizen files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This date serves as the applicant’s place in the visa queue, which is essential because the number of visas available in this category is limited.
The Final Action Date indicates when an immigrant visa number is available for issuance. If an applicant’s priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date listed for the Family 2nd category, they are eligible to receive their green card that month.
Conversely, the Dates for Filing chart specifies the earliest dates when applicants can submit their green card applications, even if their priority date is not yet current according to the Final Action Date. This allows applicants to prepare and file their applications in advance, which can help expedite the process once their priority date becomes current.
This process can often involve significant waiting periods, depending on the demand for visas in the Family 2nd category and the applicant’s country of origin.
Validity Period
The Green Card is typically issued as a permanent resident card, the card itself is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
If the green card is obtained through marriage to a lawful permanent resident and the marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, the beneficiary may receive a conditional green card valid for two years. In this case, they must file Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence within the 90 days before the card expires to obtain a permanent green card.
What We Do
- Provide assistance in preparing Form I-130 on behalf of a spouse or child (under 21) of an LPR Holder with USCIS and the National Visa Center
- Review applications to identify potential concerns that may affect the outcome of the application
- Provide assistance to Greencard Holders in the United States that wish to apply for Form I-485, Adjustment of Status, Form I-751 Removal of Conditions, Form I-90 Renewal of Green Card or Form N-400 Citizenship
Are you a spouse or unmarried child of a lawful permanent resident looking to secure your F2A Visa? Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to help you determine your eligibility and guide you through every step of the application process.
Why Choose Us
- Expert Guidance: We specialize in family-based immigration and understand the nuances of the F2A visa application.
- Personalized Support: Our dedicated caseworkers will work closely with you to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
- Streamlined Process: We’ll help you gather the necessary documentation and prepare for your visa interview, making the process as smooth as possible.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from reuniting with your loved ones in the U.S. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if you qualify for the F2A Visa.
Application Process for the F2A Visa
The application process for the Family-Based F2A Visa involves several steps:
Step 1 | Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative The U.S. lawful permanent resident (sponsor) must file Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the family relationship. |
Step 2 | Waiting for Priority Date After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the applicant must wait for their priority date to become current. The priority date is the date the petition was filed, and visas are issued based on this date. The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin provides monthly updates on visa availability. |
Step 3 | Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)
Adjustment of Status (Within the U.S.)
Work Authorization: Applicants may apply for work authorization (EAD) and travel documents (Advance Parole). |
Frequently Asked Questions
F2A
- Can I work while waiting for my F2A Green Card?
Generally, F2A visa holders do not receive automatic work authorization. However, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit (Form I-765) based on your pending adjustment of status application.
- Can I travel outside the U.S. while my F2A Green Card application is pending?
Yes, but if you leave the U.S. while your adjustment of status application is pending, you may abandon your application unless you have obtained advance parole (Form I-131) before leaving.
- Will my F2A Green Card have any conditions attached to it?
No, F2A Green Cards are not subject to conditional permanent residence. However, if you obtained your green card through marriage to an LPR, you may be subject to conditional permanent residence if you were married for less than two years at the time of approval.
- What is a priority date, and how does it affect my F2A Green Card application?
The priority date is the date USCIS receives the Form I-130 petition filed by your LPR family member. It establishes your place in the queue for an immigrant visa (green card). The availability of visas is determined by the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the Department of State.
- Will my F2A Green Card have any conditions attached to it?
Children applying for F2A Green Cards are not subject to conditional permanent residence. However, if you obtained your green card through marriage to an LPR, you may be subject to conditional permanent residence if you were married for less than two years at the time of approval.
