United States•North America3 months – 2 years
Varies by processing route
$2,745–$2,795 USD
Varies by filing options
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
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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| 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 |
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
~87,900 (77% of F2 annual allocation; F2 total is ~114,200 of the worldwide family preference limit)
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
Min. Income
27,050 EUR/yr
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
| 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 |
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