Navigating US immigration can be overwhelming, especially when reuniting with your spouse or child hangs in the balance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the F2A visa, from eligibility and required documents to timelines, fees, and how to track your application, to make moving your family to the US as easy as it is to transfer money abroad with Remitly.
Green card sponsorship for spouse and children
The F2A visa is a family-based immigration permit that allows lawful permanent residents (or green card holders) to sponsor their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 to join them in the US.
This visa was created to help keep families together, recognizing the essential role that family unity plays in a successful immigration experience. To qualify, the sponsor must be a green card holder—not a US citizen—and must prove the family relationship with official documentation, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
Once granted, the F2A visa allows recipients to live, work, and study in the US. Although it doesn’t immediately provide permanent residency, it does act as a stepping stone. Holders of this visa can apply for a green card after they arrive in the US, opening the door to long-term settlement and, eventually, citizenship.
Limitations of the F2A visa
Unlike some other family visa categories, the F2A falls under the family second preference category. This means that each year there is a cap on the number of people who can get one.
In 2025, a total of 21,984 F2A visas can be granted to applicants worldwide, with a maximum of 6,151 dependents coming from any one country. However, unused visas from higher-tier family preference categories (F1 and FX) can “fall down” to top up the total number of visas available in the F2A category.
F2A family-based immigration requirements
To qualify for the F2A visa, the beneficiary must either be the spouse of a lawful permanent resident or their unmarried child under the age of 21.
Children over 21 generally don’t qualify for the F2A visa. However, some applicants might be able to retain their eligibility if processing delays caused them to “age out” of this category. Alternatively, they can apply for the F2B visa, which is specifically created for adult children of US permanent residents.
The petitioner, or person sponsoring the visa, must be a green card holder. It’s not possible for temporary visa holders or US citizens to sponsor their relatives under this visa.
Some visas, like the P-3 visa, have linked visas for family members of the holders. You’ll need to investigate whether these types of visas are available if this is your situation. US citizens, on the other hand, can file an immediate relative petition (IR-1 for a spouse or IR-2 for unmarried children under 21).
In all cases, proving the legitimacy of the family relationship is essential, and both the sponsor and the applicant must meet specific eligibility and admissibility criteria laid out by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Required documents for an F2A visa application
The petitioner and the beneficiary must provide clear, accurate, and complete information from the start of the F2A visa application process if you want to avoid delays or denials.
The following documents are typically required for all applications:
- Proof of lawful permanent resident status: A copy of the petitioner’s green card or I-551 stamp.
- Form I-130: The Petition for Alien Relative form, completed and signed by the petitioner.
- Marriage or birth certificate: Clearly showing the names of both parties (i.e. spouses or parent and child).
You will also be asked to submit passport-style photos, proof of any legal name changes, and, in some cases, evidence of a bona fide marriage or relationship. There may also be a need for extra documentation. For example, if the child is the stepchild of the petitioner or is adopted.
Stepchildren will need to provide a marriage certificate showing the relationship between their sponsor and biological parent was formed before their 18th birthday, along with proof of the biological parent’s relationship to the child.
Adopted children will need to include the final adoption decree and proof the child has lived with the petitioner for at least two years before the application.
Whatever documents you’re required to submit, it’s best to be thorough and transparent. This can significantly improve the chances of a smooth and timely visa process.
Restrictions on immigration for permanent residents with the F2A visa
Beneficiaries living outside of the US can’t legally travel to or work in the US while waiting for an F2A visa to become available. Instead you must wait for your visa to be issued before entering the country.
Once the F2A visa is granted, you can live, work, and study freely. However, you must maintain lawful status and avoid any actions that could affect future green card eligibility (e.g. overstaying a previous visa or committing criminal offences).
How to apply for the F2A visa
The F2A visa application process can seem complicated at first, but it’s relatively easy once you know what to do (and what to expect). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. File Form I-130
You must file Form I-130 (also known as the Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to show the family relationship with the potential beneficiary. Here, you’ll need to submit documents like marriage or birth certificates, proof of permanent residency, and government-issued IDs.
2. Receive I-130 approval and priority date
Once USCIS approves your I-130 petition, your spouse or child will receive a priority date. This is essentially a place in line based on when the petition was filed and is important for tracking F2A visa availability.
3. Track your place in line using the Visa Bulletin
The F2A category is subject to annual caps, so applicants must wait until their priority date becomes “current.” To track this, you can:
- Visit the Visa Bulletin, which is published monthly by the US Department of State.
- Navigate to the “Current Visa Bulletin” and find the F2A category in Chart A (Final Action Dates).
When your country of chargeability and priority date match or fall before the posted date, your visa is available.
4. Submit documents and pay fees
When a visa becomes available, your case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). Your child or spouse must pay the necessary fees and submit civil documents, including police certificates and financial support forms (such as Form I-864, Affidavit of Support).
5. Complete the medical exam and attend a consular interview
Finally, the applicant must visit an embassy- or consulate-approved physician to undergo a medical examination before attending an interview at the US embassy or consulate. At the interview, an officer will review your case, ask questions, and determine your eligibility for the visa.
F2A visa processing times and fees
It usually takes around 12 to 36 months for an F2A visa to be processed. Of course, this depends on the backlog of applications the USCIS and NVC are dealing with, your parent’s country of origin, and how quickly you are able to move from one application stage to another.
Be sure to review all forms and supporting documents thoroughly before submitting your application. Missing or incorrect information is one of the most common causes of delays. Double-check names, dates, and supporting evidence for consistency.
You’ll also want to ensure that you maintain your eligibility during the wait by keeping your address up to date with USCIS, and avoiding unlawful stays or unauthorized work. Your sponsor will also need to keep their green card current and their income levels stable to continue meeting financial requirements at the time of interview.
As far as fees go, you’ll need to be prepared to pay the following fees:
- Form I-130 filing fee: 625 USD (online) or 675 USD (paper filing)
- Immigrant visa application fee: 325 USD
- Affidavit of Support Review: 120 USD
Besides the formal fees, you’ll need to cover the cost of your medical exam as well as any translations necessary to get your documents into English.
Common challenges when applying for the F2A visa
Applying for an F2A visa can be a complex and often frustrating process, especially given the long wait times and strict documentation requirements.
One of the most common challenges is delays due to visa quota limits. Because the F2A visa is subject to annual caps, even after your petition is approved, you may have to wait months—or even years—for a visa to become available.
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is another major issue. Minor mistakes, like mismatched names, missing forms, or unclear relationship evidence, can lead to costly delays or even denials.
Many applicants also struggle to track their case status or interpret updates, especially when trying to understand the Visa Bulletin or communicate with the NVC.
To reduce stress and stay on track:
- Check the Visa Bulletin regularly to monitor when your priority date becomes current.
- Keep digital and physical copies of all of your submissions and correspondence.
- Set reminders for deadlines and required renewals.
- Consult an immigration attorney or advisor if your case is complex, if there’s a risk of aging out, or if you’re unsure how to correct errors.
Staying organized and proactive can make a big difference in navigating this long and detailed process.
Plan ahead, reunite without delays
Reuniting with family through the F2A visa might take time, patience, and careful planning, but it’s well worth it in the end.
With the right preparation, a clear understanding of the process, and attention to detail, you can avoid unnecessary setbacks and move one step closer to seeing the people who matter most to you secure a stable future in the US.
FAQs
How long does the F2A visa process take?
The F2A visa application process typically takes 18 to 36 months, depending on your spouse or child’s country of origin as well as backlogs that the authorities may be dealing with. In some cases, USCIS approval alone can take years, so it’s best to get started early with your application.
Can children over 21 qualify under the F2A visa category?
Generally, no. Children over 21 need to apply for an F2B visa. However, if your child has made an F2A application and subsequently “aged out”, provisions of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may allow them to continue with the F2A application.
How do I track my priority date on the Visa Bulletin?
Your priority date is the I-130 filing date, which you’ll find on your receipt or approval notice. Each month, you’ll need to check the Visa Bulletin’s Final Action Dates (Chart A) for your country under the F2A category. If the date of your approval notice falls before this date, your visa is available.
What happens if my F2A petition is denied?
If an I‑130 petition is denied, the case stops. You can file a motion to reopen or reconsider with USCIS, or submit a new petition with updated evidence. Consulting an immigration attorney is recommended to assess options and strengthen a refiled case.
Are there any restrictions on working in the US during the application process?
Yes. F2A beneficiaries can’t work or study in the US until they enter on the F2A visa and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or adjust their status. Early employment, travel, or unauthorized stay can jeopardize your visa eligibility.