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If you are the spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) in the US, you may be eligible to obtain a green card through the F2A visa category. For assistance with your US immigration and citizenship process, contact us at +16787013382 or +3301222991. We provide support over the phone or online.
The F2A visa is a type of Family Preference green card, available to spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents in the US. This visa allows eligible relatives to become permanent residents of the United States. With permanent residency, you can live, work, and study in the US. Note that the F2A visa differs from the F2B visa, which is designated for unmarried children of permanent residents who are 21 years or older.
The F2A visa category often has a high number of applicants, leading to long waiting times due to the limited number of visas issued annually. Currently, 70% of the available visas are allocated to F2A applicants, and 30% to F2B applicants, which usually results in longer waiting times for F2B visas.
To qualify for an F2A visa, you must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a lawful permanent resident in the US. You must demonstrate a qualifying family relationship with the sponsoring resident. The sponsoring family member must be over 18, live in the US, and meet the financial requirements, including an income of at least 125% of the US Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you are already in the US on a nonimmigrant visa, you must meet these requirements to adjust your status to a permanent resident.
The application process for an F2A visa starts with the sponsoring relative (a lawful permanent resident) filing a petition. If the petition is approved, the visa applicant applies at a US embassy or consulate in their home country, or, if already in the US, they may apply for an adjustment of status.
The process begins with the sponsoring relative filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which includes an affidavit of support. If the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not approve the petition, the visa application cannot proceed. Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC will provide the petitioner and beneficiary with a case number, required fees, payment instructions, and further guidance.
After NVC approval, the beneficiary can apply for the F2A visa when their priority date becomes current. Applicants residing outside the US undergo consular processing at a US embassy or consulate in their country, filing Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application, online. Those in the US undergo an adjustment of status process by filing Form I-485.
Applicants must undergo a medical examination and receive required vaccinations to demonstrate they are in good health to enter and reside in the US. The examination must be conducted by an embassy-approved physician.
The visa interview is a crucial part of the application process. After submitting the online application, applicants should schedule an interview at the US embassy as soon as possible. During the interview, an embassy officer will ask questions related to the application and the applicant’s relationship with the US resident. A decision will be made immediately or within a few weeks after the interview.
Fees associated with the F2A visa application include:
Form I-130 filing fee: $535
Form DS-260 processing fee: $325
Affidavit of Support: $120
Biometrics Fee (if applicable): $85
USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
Applicants may also need to pay for a medical examination, vaccinations, and certified translations of documents, if required.
The F2A visa is subject to annual caps, leading to long waiting times. Applications are processed in chronological order, so the earlier you apply, the better. In some cases, applicants may have to wait several years for visa approval.
The F2A visa grants permanent resident status in the US. Although this status is indefinite, green cards typically expire after 10 years and must be renewed online through the USCIS website.
Navigating the F2A visa process can be complex. Our services assist with all legal requirements, including:
– Verifying supporting documents
– Completing application forms
– Tracking visa availability
– Coordinating with family members, the NVC, and the US consulate or embassy.
To schedule an initial consultation, contact us today at +16787013382.
+44 (0)3301 222 991
