F2A Category
F2A Visa: A Green Card Holder Sponsoring a Spouse
Unlike a US citizen, a green card holder sponsor spouse petition falls under the F2A category rather than the immediate relative categories used for CR1/IR1. This distinction matters because F2A visas are subject to an annual numerical cap.
Why F2A Wait Times Differ
Wait times for F2A cases commonly run 2 to 3 years or longer, depending on the beneficiary's country of birth, since demand varies significantly by country under the per-country cap.
F2A Eligibility Requirements
Valid marriage
You and your spouse must have a legally recognized marriage.Petitioner status
The petitioner must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), not a US citizen. If the petitioner naturalizes while the case is pending, the petition automatically converts to the immediate relative IR1 category, removing the wait tied to annual caps.Visa availability
Unlike CR1/IR1, F2A cases must wait for a visa number to become available under the annual per-country cap, tracked through the State Department's Visa Bulletin.
The F2A Process
- 01
File Form I-130
The lawful permanent resident spouse files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, establishing the relationship. - 02
USCIS Approval
Once approved, the petition is assigned a priority date, which marks its place in line for visa availability. - 03
F2A Priority Date Wait
The case waits until its priority date becomes current on the State Department's Visa Bulletin, typically 2 to 3 years or longer depending on the beneficiary's country of birth. - 04
NVC or Adjustment of Status
Once current, the case proceeds either through the NVC for consular processing abroad, or through adjustment of status if the spouse is already lawfully in the US.
- 05
Interview and Approval
The spouse attends an interview, and once approved, receives a green card.
Filing fee
$675 to file Form I-130 by mail, or $625 online. Confirm the live figure using USCIS's fee calculator before filing, since fees change periodically.
Timelines and fees are subject to change. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Common Challenges with F2A Cases
Wait-time uncertainty
Category becoming current
Converting to IR1 if the sponsor naturalizes
If the petitioner becomes a US citizen while the F2A case is pending, the case automatically converts to IR1 status, removing the wait tied to annual caps. Two things commonly get missed here: if children were included as derivatives on the original F2A petition, they generally need separate IR2 petitions filed once the parent naturalizes, since IR petitions don't allow derivative beneficiaries. And if the case has already reached the I-485 adjustment of status stage rather than consular processing, the I-130 and I-485 are affected differently by the conversion, which is worth confirming directly with USCIS or an attorney rather than assuming both updates automatically together.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Every case is different, and a free case evaluation is the fastest way to get guidance specific to your situation.
Get a Free Case EvaluationWhat is an F2A visa?
F2A is the immigrant visa category for the spouse of a lawful permanent resident, as opposed to a US citizen. It requires a Form I-130 petition and is subject to an annual visa cap.
How long is the F2A priority date wait?
Typical F2A wait times run 2 to 3 years or longer, depending on the beneficiary's country of birth and current demand. Check the current Visa Bulletin →
What happens if I become a US citizen while my spouse's F2A case is pending?
Your spouse's case automatically converts from F2A to the immediate relative IR1 category, which removes the wait tied to annual caps.
Can my spouse live in the US while the F2A case is pending?
It depends on how your spouse is currently present in the US, if at all. This is worth a case evaluation, since options differ depending on your spouse's current visa status or location.
Is a permanent resident sponsor wife or husband treated differently under F2A?
No. The F2A category applies the same way regardless of the sponsoring spouse's or beneficiary spouse's gender.
How much does an F2A petition cost?
The USCIS filing fee for Form I-130 is $675 by mail, or $625 online. Additional costs may include NVC fees, medical exam, and any attorney fees.
