F2A Category is Now Current

Question: What does it mean that the F2A category is now current?

Answer: The Immigration and Nationality Act sets numerical limits on the number of visas that will be issued each year to categories of prospective immigrants.  The F2A category is a family-based visa category that applies to spouses of lawful permanent residents and their unmarried children under 21 years of age.

Every month, the U.S. Department of State issues a bulleting that informs the public about how many visas are currently available since there are generally more potential immigrants than there are available visas.  In recent memory, the F2A category has always had a long wait (often two to three years).  The August 2013 visa bulleting, however, indicated that the F2A category is now current.  The category is also current for September. 

This means spouses of lawful permanent residents who are currently lawfully in the United States may immediately file the I-130 petition and I-485 Adjustment of Status application to get a green card.  Both forms may be filed concurrently as long as the category stays current.

If a spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 is currently residing outside of the United States, the individual is eligible to apply for Consular Processing if they have an approved I-130.  Individuals without an approved I-130 petition may wish to file as soon as possible to take advantage of this recent change as it is unknown how long the F2A category will remain current.  It is likely the category will experience some retrogression in the coming months.

Please consult an immigration attorney if you think you may be able to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.