Who the F2A is for
#- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of LPRs
- Applicants with valid family relationships
- Families navigating Visa Bulletin timelines
Official guidance to review
#Use the official USCIS humanitarian program pages for eligibility and filing steps.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- Form I-130 filed by the LPR sponsor
- Proof of relationship and eligibility
- DS-260 immigrant visa application
- Medical exam and consular interview
Documents and evidence
#- Marriage or birth certificates
- I-130 approval notice
- Visa Bulletin priority date evidence
- DS-260 confirmation and police certificates
Step-by-step overview
#- File Form I-130 and wait for priority date.
- Complete NVC processing when date is current.
- Attend consular interview and medical exam.
- Enter the U.S. and receive permanent residence.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#Immigrant visa fees, affidavit of support fees, and USCIS petition fees can apply. Immigrant visa and affidavit of support fees apply.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Processing times
#Processing depends on USCIS petitions, NVC timelines, and visa bulletin availability. Visa Bulletin timing can be a major driver of delays.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Misreading Visa Bulletin charts
- Incomplete relationship evidence
- Missing NVC deadlines
FAQs
Who qualifies for F2A?
F2A is for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents.
How do I follow the Visa Bulletin for F2A?
Track your priority date on the Visa Bulletin charts and follow NVC instructions when the date becomes current.
Do I need an affidavit of support?
Yes. The petitioner typically submits Form I-864 during NVC processing.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
- Family immigration (Department of State)
- Family preference immigrant visas (Department of State)
- Immigrant visas overview (Department of State)
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (USCIS)
- Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
- Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
- USCIS processing times tool
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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