US F-2A and F-2B Visas for Families of Lawful Permanent Residents

What Are the F2A and F2B Visas?

The Second Preference Family Visa can be divided into two categories: the F-2A Visa and the F-2B Visa. These are part of the Immediate Relative and Family Sponsored visa categories. It is a type of family-based immigration to allow an eligible applicant to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).

The F-2A and F-2B visas have been designed for certain family members of existing LPRs or citizens in the US.

Who Can Apply for an F2A Visa?

The F-2A Visa has been designed for the spouses and minor children of US citizens or LPRs. 

In order for the sponsor to meet the visa requirements, they must show that they are a legal parent or spouse of the applicant, they are a US citizen or LPR, and they have a registered address in the US.

Who Can Apply for an F2B Visa?

The F-2B Visa has been created for an unmarried child aged over 21 years of age whose parents are LPRs or US citizens.

In order for the sponsor to meet the visa requirements, they must show that they are a legal parent of the applicant, they are a US citizen or LPR, and they have a registered address in the US.

How to Apply for the F2A and F2B Visas

Both visas follow a similar process. There are two main stages in the application process. The first stage involves the US LPR submitting a petition to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Following this, the next stage is for the applicant to submit their application to a US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.

Step 1: Filing the Petition

The US resident must first complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and submit it to USCIS. The petitioner must pay a fee for filing. 

Step 2: The Petition Is Processed

The Department of Homeland Security then processes the petition. Afterward, USCIS announces the final result to the petitioner.

If the petition is rejected, the reasons will be explained to him/her.

Step 3: Getting a Case Number

The National Visa Centre first sends the necessary approvals to the petitioner and his/her spouse or child. The visa applicant then receives a package from NVC that contains information such as case number and invoice identification number. This package also contains instructions on how to apply for the visa. 

Step 4: Fee Payment and Document Submission

Applicants for an F-2 visas should demonstrate that they are qualified for a visa. Therefore, they must submit the following documents to the National Visa Centre:

• Valid passport: The passport of an visa applicant must be valid for at least six months after entering the United States.
•  Form I-864, Affidavit of Support which signed by the petitioner
• Documents related to medical examinations
• The spouse must provide a marriage certificate and the child needs to provide a birth certificate.
• Two photos
• Form DS-260 confirmation page
• If the applicant is already married, he or she must provide evidence such as a death certificate or divorce certificate to prove that the previous marriage has ended.
• If the applicant has served in the military, he or she can also provide military records.

The applicant and the visa applicant will have to pay different fees for different services. The amount of these costs varies. Consequently, it is not possible to give an accurate estimate of it. In general, the following actions must be paid for:

• Filing Form I-130
• Form DS-260 processing
• Performing medical examinations
• Translation of documents into English
• Getting supporting documents
• USCIS Immigrant Fee

Step 5: Visa Interview

If all the applicant’s documents are complete and correct, the National Visa Centre will schedule an interview at the embassy. On the interview day, the consular officer will inquire about the applicant’s purpose of immigrating to the United States, and in the end, decide whether the applicant is eligible for a visa.

Therefore, the applicant must answer all questions carefully and honestly.

Step 6: Visa Approval

When the visa application is approved, the National Visa Centre will deliver another package to the applicant through the embassy. Remember that the applicant should not open the package under any circumstances. Immigration officers will open this package in the United States, and they will decide whether the applicant is allowed to enter the United States or not.

Documents Required for the F2A and F2B Visas

The documents required for the F-2A and F-2B Visas include:

• Valid passport: The passport of an visa applicant must be valid for at least six months after entering the United States.
•  Form I-864, Affidavit of Support which signed by the petitioner
• Documents related to medical examinations
• The spouse must provide a marriage certificate and the child needs to provide a birth certificate.
• Two photos
• Form DS-260 confirmation page

Extra Documents for F2A Visa

Extra documents required for the F-2A Visa include:

• If the applicant is already married, he or she must provide evidence such as a death certificate or divorce certificate to prove that the previous marriage has ended.
• If the applicant has served in the military, he or she can also provide military records.

Extra Documents for F2B Visa

These are some additional documents that you must send to the National Visa Centre to prove you qualify for an application of the F-2B visa:

1. More than 6 months valid passport after your planned entry into the U.S
2. Affidavit of Support from the U.S petitioner or LPR (applicant’s parent), signed Form I-864
3. Confirmation page of form DS-260
4. Complete medical examination and vaccination documents together with the signature of a licensed doctor
5. Two photographs each
6. Valid birth certificate or adoption certificate
7. If you have been previously married, you must bring divorce or certificates of death to prove the marriage was officially terminated
8. If you served in the military, you must bring your military records
9. Court and criminal records and/or police certificate

What Are the F2A Visa Fees?

The applicant and the visa applicant will have to pay different fees for different services. The amount of these costs varies. Consequently, it is not possible to give an accurate estimate of it. In general, the following actions must be paid for:

• Filing Form I-130
• Form DS-260 processing
• Performing medical examinations
• Translation of documents into English
• Getting supporting documents
• USCIS Immigrant Fee

What Are the F2B Visa Fees?

The F-2B Visa fees are the same as the F-2A Visa fees, and they all depend on which services you choose to pay for. The amount of these costs vary. 

How Long Is the F2A Visa Processing Time?

Unfortunately, the annual issuance of F-visas is limited. This way, your petition may be approved, but you will have to wait for your priority date to become current. Some people may even wait up to 7 years to get their visas. 

How Long Is the F2B Visa Processing Time?

Unfortunately, the annual issuance of F-visas is limited. This way, your petition may be approved, but you will have to wait for your priority date to become current. Some people may even wait up to 7 years to get their visas.