United States•North AmericaF2A — Family Second Preference (F2A)
At a Glance
3 months – 2 years
Varies by processing route
USD $2,745–$2,795
Varies by filing options
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
The F2A is a US family-based immigrant visa for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents (LPRs). It leads directly to a green card and falls under the second family preference category, subject to annual numerical limits.
The LPR petitioner must meet 125% of federal poverty guidelines via Form I-864. If the marriage was under 2 years at approval, a conditional 2-year green card is issued and conditions removed via Form I-751. Spouses receive unrestricted work authorization on approval; an EAD is available while I-485 is pending.
This visa is ideal for spouses and minor children of US green card holders who want to join their LPR family member and obtain permanent residence.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| I-130 petition (USCIS) | 1–2 years |
| I-485 Adjustment of Status (after visa availability) | 6 months – 1.5 years |
| Consular processing (after visa availability) | 3 months – 1 year |
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Annual Cap & Quota
~87,900 (77% of F2 annual allocation; F2 total is ~114,200 of the worldwide family preference limit)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Petitioner must be a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR/green card holder)
Qualifying relationship: spouse or unmarried child under 21 of the LPR petitioner
Relationship must be bona fide (genuine marriage or biological/legal parent-child)
Petitioner must meet income threshold (125% of federal poverty guidelines via Form I-864)
Beneficiary must be admissible to the United States
Visa number must be available per the monthly USCIS Visa Bulletin
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
27,050 USD/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Form I-130 with filing fee
Form I-130A (if beneficiary is a spouse)
Copy of petitioner's Permanent Resident Card (both sides)
Proof of qualifying relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate)
Passport-style photos for beneficiary
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs
Valid passport for beneficiary
Civil documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates for all parties
Police clearance certificates from each country of residence (consular processing)
Medical examination results (Form I-693 or DS-2053)
Form I-485 or DS-260 depending on processing pathway
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Leads directly to U.S. lawful permanent residence (green card)
- Full and unrestricted work authorization upon receiving green card
- F2A subcategory historically has shorter backlogs than F2B, F3, and F4 categories
- If petitioner naturalizes to U.S. citizen, petition upgrades to immediate relative status (no annual cap), accelerating the process
- Derivative beneficiaries (unmarried children under 21 of the principal) may be included on the petition
- Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may protect child beneficiaries from aging out during long wait times
- Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years as LPR
Worth Knowing
- Annual numerical cap creates variable wait times depending on demand
- Country of birth significantly affects wait times; Mexico and Philippines face longer backlogs
- Petitioner must maintain valid LPR status throughout the entire process
- Beneficiary must remain unmarried and under 21 (CSPA may help preserve child's age)
- Divorce or termination of qualifying relationship terminates petition qualification
- Unlawful presence in the U.S. may trigger 3- or 10-year bars to admissibility
- Two-year conditional residence applies if marriage was less than 2 years old at time of approval; requires Form I-751 to remove conditions
- Backlog varies by country
Application Process
LPR petitioner files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS
Wait for I-130 approval and priority date to become current per Visa Bulletin
If adjusting status in the U.S.
file Forms I-485, I-765, and I-131 concurrently
If abroad
NVC processes case; schedule immigrant visa interview at U.S. consulate
Attend biometrics appointment (AOS applicants)
Complete medical examination (Form I-693 for AOS; DS-2053 for consular)
Attend interview if required or scheduled
Receive decision; green card issued (AOS) or immigrant visa stamped in passport (consular)
Application Forms
Go to application portal| I-130 Petition for Alien Relative | Fill online |
| I-130A Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary | Fill online |
| I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA | Fill online |
| I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Fill online |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization | Fill online |
| I-131 Application for Travel Document | Fill online |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in United States
Family visas in other countries
- Refugee Family Support Resident Visa
New Zealand
- Join Family (Long Stay D Visa)
Ireland
- Family Reunification Permit
Saint Lucia
Living in United States
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