F2A Immigrant Visa (Spouse/Child of LPR) — United States

The F2A immigrant visa gives certain close family members of lawful permanent residents the chance to immigrate to the United States. This is part of the family-based immigration system and requires approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before visa processing or adjustment can move forward.

Who the category is for

The F2A category applies to specific relatives of a lawful permanent resident (LPR). You must fall within one of the qualifying relationships below.

Eligible beneficiaries:

• Spouse of a lawful permanent resident
• Unmarried child under 21 of a lawful permanent resident

If you’re the sponsoring LPR, you start by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This petition establishes the qualifying family relationship.

If you’re applying from outside the United States, you’ll later complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application, through the U.S. Department of State. If you apply from inside the United States and qualify, you may pursue adjustment of status through USCIS.

Purpose and outcomes

The F2A visa lets you live permanently in the United States with your sponsoring family member. It supports family-based immigration by reuniting spouses and young children with lawful permanent residents.

The process generally involves:

1. Filing Form I-130 with USCIS

2. Completing immigrant visa processing through the U.S. Department of State (DS-260) or applying for adjustment of status with USCIS

3. Submitting Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, from the sponsoring LPR

If the U.S. Department of State issues your immigrant visa, you may travel to the United States and seek admission. If USCIS approves your adjustment of status, you become a lawful permanent resident without leaving the country.

You start the F2A process by filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing or continues with adjustment of status, depending on your selection in the petition.

Filing the petition (I‑130) and initial USCIS steps

You begin family-based immigration for your spouse or unmarried child by filing Form I‑130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. Lawful permanent residents must file a separate I‑130 for each qualifying family member.

If you’re petitioning for your spouse, you must also submit Form I‑130A. Complete every section, answer each question accurately, and sign the form.

Key steps include:

1. Create a USCIS online account if you plan to file electronically.

2. Complete Form I‑130 in full.

3. Select only one option in Part 4 (Question 61 or 62) to show whether your relative will apply for:

Adjustment of status inside the United States, or

1. Consular processing abroad.

2. Submit all required supporting documents.

USCIS will review and adjudicate properly filed petitions. You can’t move forward with the F2A visa process until USCIS approves the I‑130.

After approval: NVC, consular processing, or adjustment

Once USCIS approves the I‑130, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for immigrant visa processing if your relative will apply abroad. The U.S. Department of State manages this stage.

At the NVC stage, you must:

• Complete DS‑261 (Choice of Address and Agent) promptly.
• Pay required visa fees as instructed.
• Submit civil documents.
• Complete Form DS‑260, Immigrant Visa Application.
• Submit Form I‑864, Affidavit of Support, if required.

The NVC will schedule an interview only after you submit all required documents and fees.

If your relative will apply inside the United States, they must pursue adjustment of status with USCIS, based on the approved I‑130 and visa availability.

Electronic filing and form completion tips

You can file Form I‑130 online through your USCIS account. Electronic filing allows you to upload supporting documents and track case updates.

Guidelines:

• Enter names, dates, and addresses exactly as shown on official documents.
• Complete all required fields before submission.
• Review Part 4 carefully and choose only one processing option.
• File a separate I‑130 for each child.
• Keep copies of everything you submit.

Do not leave sections blank unless the form specifically allows it. Incomplete or inconsistent information can delay adjudication.

Always confirm current form editions, filing fees, and instructions on the USCIS website before submitting your petition.

The F2A category lets your spouse or unmarried child immigrate through family-based immigration, but it creates binding financial and legal duties. You must meet income rules, submit specific forms to USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, and accept long-term support obligations.

Sponsor obligations and affidavit of support

When you file Form I-130 with USCIS and your case moves to adjustment of status or consular processing, you must submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. USCIS and the National Visa Center will not approve the case without it.

By signing Form I-864, you enter a legally enforceable contract. You agree to financially support the immigrant and confirm that your income meets at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines listed in Form I-864P.

Key points:

• You’re legally bound by the affidavit once it’s accepted.
• You must sign and date the form in Part 8.
• Incomplete or unsigned forms can lead to rejection or delay.

If your spouse or child applies through consular processing, you submit the affidavit with the Form DS-260 immigrant visa application through the National Visa Center under the U.S. Department of State process.

Financial thresholds and household contributors

Your household income must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your total household size. Count all dependents and any immigrants you previously sponsored if the form instructions require it.

Include these financial documents:

• Your most recent U.S. federal income tax return or tax transcript
• W-2s or other proof of income
• An employer letter, if you have one
• Business records if you’re self-employed

If your income alone isn’t enough, you can:

1. Add a qualifying household member’s income using Form I-864A.

2. Use assets if the form allows.

3. Get a joint sponsor if needed.

A household member contributing income must be related to you by birth, marriage, or adoption and must sign Form I-864A.

Errors in income calculations or missing financial documents often trigger Requests for Evidence.

Documentation and legal responsibilities

Submit complete and accurate forms to avoid delays. USCIS reviews Form I-130 and adjustment filings, while the U.S. Department of State reviews Form DS-260 and supporting documents for consular cases.

Make sure to:

• Sign and date every required section.
• Match household size calculations to your tax and affidavit entries.
• Include all required financial evidence at the start.

Filing Form I-864 with Form I-485 or through the National Visa Center with the DS-260 helps prevent processing delays.

Missing tax transcripts, unsigned affidavits, or unsupported income claims usually result in Requests for Evidence.

The affidavit creates a binding financial obligation. Be certain you understand and accept this responsibility under U.S. immigration law.

After USCIS approves Form I-130, your case proceeds to consular processing or adjustment of status. You must complete the correct forms, submit financial sponsorship, and follow the agency with authority over your case stage.

From petition approval to Green Card

USCIS approval of Form I-130 confirms the qualifying family relationship under family-based immigration. It doesn’t grant permanent residence by itself.

Your next steps depend on where the beneficiary lives.

If your spouse or child is abroad, they complete Form DS-260 and attend an immigrant visa interview with the U.S. Department of State. A consular officer decides whether to issue the immigrant visa.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines admission at the port of entry.

If your spouse or child is in the U.S. and qualifies, you may file Form I-485 to adjust status. In some cases, you can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together.

USCIS reviews both forms and decides the adjustment application.

When to file I‑864 and related steps

Submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to show you can financially support your relative. This form is required at a specific stage.

File Form I-864 when:

• Your relative has been scheduled for an immigrant visa interview abroad, or
• Your relative is about to submit Form I-485 for adjustment of status with USCIS

The affidavit supports either the DS-260 immigrant visa process or the I-485 adjustment process.

USCIS reviews the I-864 in adjustment cases. The U.S. Department of State reviews it during consular processing.

Follow this sequence:

1. Obtain I-130 approval from USCIS.

2. Complete DS-260 or prepare Form I-485, depending on location.

3. Submit Form I-864 at the required stage.

4. Attend the interview, if scheduled.

Refer to current USCIS instructions before submitting any application.

To qualify under the F2A category, a lawful permanent resident must file a petition for a qualifying spouse or unmarried child. USCIS reviews the petition, and the U.S. Department of State handles visa issuance through consular processing.

Who can petition

Only a lawful permanent resident (LPR) may file under the F2A category. You must hold a valid green card at the time you file Form Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.

You file Form I-130 to prove:

• Your status as a lawful permanent resident
• Your qualifying relationship to the beneficiary

USCIS must approve the I-130 before your spouse or child can move forward with immigrant visa processing or adjustment of status, if eligible.

If your case goes through consular processing, your relative applies for an immigrant visa using Form DS-260 with the U.S. Department of State. You must also submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to show that you accept financial responsibility.

Which relatives are eligible

The F2A category covers only specific family members of lawful permanent residents.

Your spouse qualifies if you are legally married.

Your child must be unmarried and under 21 at the time eligibility is determined.

Children who are married do not qualify in the F2A category. Parents and siblings are not eligible under this classification.

To complete the process, your spouse or child must apply for an immigrant visa through the U.S. Department of State or seek adjustment of status if eligible. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) makes the final decision on admission at the port of entry.