F2A Visa for Spouses and Children | Family Preference Visa
Overview
The F2A visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to enter the United States. It is part of the family-based immigration system, which allows U.S. citizens and LPRs to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence in the United States.
The F2A visa is divided into two categories: immediate relatives and family preference immigrants. Immediate relatives are spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of U.S. citizens, while family preference immigrants are other relatives such as married sons or daughters of U.S. citizens, brothers or sisters of U.S. citizens, and spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of LPRs.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for an F2A visa, applicants must meet certain requirements set by the U.S. government, including: being sponsored by a qualifying relative; having a valid passport; not having any criminal convictions; and not being inadmissible to the United States due to health or security reasons.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves in the United States without relying on public benefits or assistance from their sponsor.
Application Process
The application process for an F2A visa begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must be filed by the sponsoring relative in the United States.
Once USCIS approves the petition, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) where it will be processed further before being sent to the appropriate consulate or embassy abroad for final processing.
USA ESTA
If you are travelling to the United States from a Visa Waiver Program country, you may need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before entering the country. An ESTA is an online application that can be completed quickly and easily at USA ESTA. Once approved, it will allow you to travel to the United States without needing a visa.
Note: An ESTA does not replace a visa and cannot be used if you are applying for an immigrant visa such as an F2A visa.