<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="family-visas" data-vt-code="F2A"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/family-visas">Family</a><span>›</span><span>F2A</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Immigrant</span><span>Family-sponsored</span><span>Second preference</span><span>Annual limit</span><span>Form I-130</span></div> <h1><span>F2A</span> Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident</h1> <p class="vt-lede">Family second preference (A): a green card for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. lawful permanent resident.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: Department of State · USCIS · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/f2a">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">After arrival</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">After you arrive</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Who qualifies</dt><dd>Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents</dd></div><div><dt>Petitioner</dt><dd>Lawful permanent resident (Form I-130)</dd></div><div><dt>Annual limit</dt><dd>77% of the second-preference total (114,200+)</dd></div><div><dt>Final action date (most countries)</dt><dd>September 22, 2026</dd></div><div><dt>Dates for filing</dt><dd>Current for all countries</dd></div><div><dt>Result</dt><dd>Permanent residence (conditional if married < 2 years)</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Near-current in October 2026.</strong> As of the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">October 2026 Visa Bulletin</a>, the F2A final action date is September 22, 2026 for every country except Mexico (March 22, 2026), and the Dates for Filing chart is “Current.” USCIS requires family adjustment applicants to use the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dates for Filing chart</a> this month. Pauses and proclamations (as of October 1, 2026). Proclamation 10998 still suspends immigrant visas for nationals of 39 countries, with limited exceptions (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department notice</a>). The separate January 21, 2026 pause for 75 nationalities ended August 21, 2026 under a court order (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State notice</a>).</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">F2A is the larger half of the family second preference. It covers the spouse of a U.S. lawful permanent resident and the resident’s unmarried children under 21. Unlike immediate relatives of citizens, F2A beneficiaries are subject to annual limits.</p> <p class="b">The second preference receives 114,200 numbers a year, plus any amount by which the worldwide family level exceeds 226,000, plus unused F1 numbers; F2A gets 77% of that total, and 75% of F2A numbers are exempt from the per-country limit (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a>, INA 203(a)(2)).</p> <p class="b">If the permanent-resident petitioner naturalizes, a pending F2A petition for a spouse or child under 21 converts to the immediate-relative category, which has no annual limit (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-204.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 204.2(i)(3)</a>).</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The beneficiary must be</h3> <ul class="b"><li>The legally married spouse of a lawful permanent resident, or</li><li>The unmarried child under 21 of a lawful permanent resident (the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/child-status-protection-act-cspa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Child Status Protection Act</a> can lock in a younger age)</li><li>Admissible to the United States, including on public-charge grounds (Form I-864 required)</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The petitioner must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Hold lawful permanent resident status when filing Form I-130 and keep it until the beneficiary immigrates (naturalization converts the case to immediate relative)</li><li>Be able to sponsor financially, alone or with a joint sponsor</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Status granted</th><td>Lawful permanent residence</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Spouse, marriage under 2 years</th><td>Two-year conditional residence; remove conditions with Form I-751 (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title8/html/USCODE-2024-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1186a.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 216</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Green card validity</th><td>Typically 10 years for non-conditional residents (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/70-evidence-of-employment-authorization-for-certain-categories/71-lawful-permanent-residents-lpr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS M-274</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Path to citizenship</th><td>Generally after 5 years as a permanent resident</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Final action date — all countries except Mexico and Philippines</th><td>September 22, 2026</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Dates for filing — all countries except Mexico and Philippines</th><td>Current</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Final action date — Mexico</th><td>March 22, 2026</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Final action date — Philippines</th><td>September 22, 2026</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Dates for filing — Mexico / Philippines</th><td>Current / Current</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Fees as published on official schedules on October 1, 2026.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative</td><td class="amt">$675 paper / $625 online</td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Current <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055?topic_id=97270" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS fee schedule</a> amount; one petition per beneficiary.</td></tr> <tr><td>Immigrant visa application processing fee (DS-260)</td><td class="amt">$325 per person</td><td>Each applicant</td><td>Family-preference rate on the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee schedule</a>; non-refundable.</td></tr> <tr><td>Affidavit of Support review</td><td class="amt">$120</td><td>Petitioner / sponsor</td><td>Charged by State only when the I-864 is reviewed domestically (at the National Visa Center).</td></tr> <tr><td>USCIS Immigrant Fee</td><td class="amt">$235 per person</td><td>Each immigrant</td><td>Paid online to <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055?topic_id=97241" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a> after the visa is issued; the green card is not produced until it is paid.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-485 (only if adjusting status inside the U.S.)</td><td class="amt">$1,440 paper / $1,390 online</td><td>Applicant</td><td><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055?topic_id=97286" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$950 paper / $900 online</a> for a child under 14 filing with a parent. Replaces the DS-260, $120 review and Immigrant Fee path.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Medical examination and vaccination costs are set by the panel physician or civil surgeon and are not on the government fee schedules. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee in Public Law 119-21 applies to nonimmigrant visas, not to immigrant visas.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Final action date (most countries)</dt><dd>September 22, 2026</dd><dd class="n">As of the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">October 2026 Visa Bulletin</a>.</dd></div><div><dt>Mexico</dt><dd>March 22, 2026</dd><dd class="n">F2A numbers for Mexico are all per-country exempt.</dd></div><div><dt>Dates for filing</dt><dd>Current</dd><dd class="n">All countries; required chart for USCIS family filings in October 2026.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">For October, F2A numbers exempt from the per-country limit go to applicants with priority dates before March 22, 2026; per-country-subject numbers go to applicants (except Mexico) with priority dates from March 22, 2026 up to September 22, 2026. I-130 and I-485 times vary; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Petitioner files Form I-130</div><div class="tx">The permanent-resident spouse or parent files Form I-130 with USCIS. The filing date becomes the beneficiary’s priority date — the place in line.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Wait for the priority date to become current</div><div class="tx">Each month the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a> publishes a final action date and a date for filing for each category and chargeability area. Numbers can be issued only when the priority date is earlier than the final action date.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">National Visa Center processing</div><div class="tx">After approval, USCIS sends the case to the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Visa Center</a>. The applicant pays fees, submits Form DS-260, the petitioner submits Form I-864, and civil documents are uploaded. Failure to apply within one year of notice of visa availability can lead to termination of the petition under INA 203(g).</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Medical exam and consular interview</div><div class="tx">Since November 1, 2025, NVC schedules interviews in the applicant’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-iv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">country of residence</a> (or nationality, on request). A medical exam by an embassy-approved panel physician is required.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Travel and become a permanent resident</div><div class="tx">On admission at a U.S. port of entry with the immigrant visa, the beneficiary becomes a lawful permanent resident. The $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee must be paid before the green card is produced.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">If already in the U.S.: adjustment of status</div><div class="tx">A beneficiary who is in the U.S. and eligible to adjust may file Form I-485 instead of consular processing. In October 2026 USCIS requires family-sponsored applicants to use the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dates for Filing chart</a>.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the petitioner</h3><ul><li><span>Proof of lawful permanent resident status (copy of both sides of the green card)</span></li><li><span>Proof of the family relationship: for a spouse, the marriage certificate and proof that any prior marriages ended; for a child, the child’s birth certificate naming the petitioner as parent</span></li><li><span>Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, with financial evidence (income must generally meet <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/affidavit-of-support.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">125% of the HHS poverty guidelines</a>)</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From each applicant</h3><ul><li><span>Passport biographic page</span></li><li><span>Birth certificate; marriage or divorce records where relevant</span></li><li><span>Police certificates and any court and prison records, as listed in State’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents/step-7-collect-civil-documents.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">civil documents</a> guidance</span></li><li><span>Form DS-260 confirmation and medical exam results</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">An F2A spouse’s unmarried children under 21 may immigrate as derivatives with the same priority date (INA 203(d)) even if they are not the petitioner’s own children. A child of the petitioner can also be petitioned for directly. A derivative or principal child who would turn 21 may stay under 21 under the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/child-status-protection-act-cspa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CSPA age formula</a> if residence is sought within one year of visa availability.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">After you arrive</h2> <p class="b">Family-preference immigrants become lawful permanent residents when admitted on the immigrant visa (or when USCIS approves Form I-485). Most receive a green card with a 10-year expiration date; a spouse whose marriage is less than two years old when residence is granted receives two-year conditional residence (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title8/html/USCODE-2024-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1186a.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 216</a>).</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee</div><div class="tx">The <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055?topic_id=97241" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$235 fee</a> is paid online, ideally before departure; the card is mailed to the U.S. address on file.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Keep residence in the U.S.</div><div class="tx">Long trips abroad can raise abandonment questions; an absence of more than one year generally requires a reentry permit or a returning resident (SB-1) visa.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Naturalization</div><div class="tx">Most permanent residents may apply for citizenship after <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title8/html/USCODE-2024-title8-chap12-subchapIII-partII-sec1427.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five years</a> of continuous residence, with physical presence for at least half that time.</div></div></div> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/ir-1"><div class="c">IR-1 / CR-1</div><div class="n">Spouse of a U.S. citizen</div><div class="tx">Where an F2A spouse case goes when the petitioner naturalizes.</div></a><a href="/visa/f2b"><div class="c">F2B</div><div class="n">Unmarried son or daughter (21+) of a permanent resident</div><div class="tx">The other half of the second preference.</div></a><a href="/visa/v"><div class="c">V</div><div class="n">Spouse or child of a permanent resident (V visa)</div><div class="tx">Legacy nonimmigrant bridge for long-pending F2A cases.</div></a><a href="/visa/ir-2"><div class="c">IR-2</div><div class="n">Child of a U.S. citizen</div><div class="tx">Immediate-relative category for citizens’ children.</div></a><a href="/visa/f1"><div class="c">F1</div><div class="n">Unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen</div><div class="tx">First family preference.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Can an F2A spouse file for adjustment of status now?</summary><p>USCIS says family-sponsored applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart in October 2026, and that chart lists F2A as “Current.” Whether a specific person can adjust also depends on admissibility and eligibility under INA 245.</p></details><details><summary>What happens if the green-card holder becomes a citizen?</summary><p>A pending F2A petition for a spouse or child under 21 converts to the immediate-relative category on the date of naturalization (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-204.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 204.2(i)(3)</a>), which has no annual limit.</p></details><details><summary>Why is Mexico’s F2A date different?</summary><p>All F2A numbers for Mexico come from the per-country-exempt share, which in October 2026 reaches priority dates before March 22, 2026. Other countries can also use per-country-subject numbers.</p></details><details><summary>Do F2A spouses get a conditional green card?</summary><p>Yes, if the marriage is less than two years old when permanent residence is granted. <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title8/html/USCODE-2024-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1186a.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 216</a> covers spouses of permanent residents as well as of citizens.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Visa Bulletin for October 2026</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-family-preference-immigrants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-204.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 204.2 — Automatic conversion of preference classification</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title8/html/USCODE-2024-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1186a.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>GovInfo (U.S. Code)</strong> · 8 U.S.C. 1186a — Conditional permanent resident status</span><span>govinfo.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Fees for Visa Services</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055?topic_id=97270" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Fee Schedule (G-1055): Form I-130</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Suspension of Visa Issuance — Proclamation 10998</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Public charge final rule takes effect.</strong> DHS’s final rule (91 FR 45324, published July 20, 2026) rescinds the 2022 public charge regulations and applies to admissions and to adjustment applications postmarked or submitted on or after September 18, 2026. <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-20/html/2026-14539.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 4, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>October 2026 Visa Bulletin opens FY 2027.</strong> The first bulletin of fiscal year 2027 advanced several family final action dates; USCIS says family-sponsored adjustment applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart in October 2026. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>75-country immigrant visa pause no longer in effect.</strong> Under the court’s order in CLINIC et al. v. Rubio, et al., State says the January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries ended as of August 21, 2026. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 5, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Public charge bond pilot for immigrant visa applicants.</strong> State says consular officers may require certain immigrant visa applicants to apply for a public charge bond with USCIS under a pilot used for select cases; if the bond is approved, a visa previously refused under INA 212(a)(4) may be issued. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/public-charge-bonds-for-immigrant-visa-applicants.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 5, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Court vacates USCIS benefit holds for “high-risk” country nationals.</strong> In Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS, the court vacated PM-602-0192, PM-602-0194 and PA-2025-26, which had held pending USCIS benefit requests from nationals of listed countries. USCIS says it is complying pending further review. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-on-uscis-strengthened-screening-and-vetting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Immigrant visa issuance paused for nationals of 75 countries.</strong> State paused all immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 listed countries, citing public-benefits concerns. Interviews continued, but visas were not issued. The pause ended August 21, 2026 under a court order. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 suspends immigrant visas for 39 nationalities.</strong> Proclamation 10998 (signed December 16, 2025; 90 FR 59717) took effect January 1, 2026. It fully suspends visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries and suspends immigrant visas for nationals of 19 more countries and Turkmenistan, with limited exceptions; case-by-case national-interest exceptions remain possible. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Nov 1, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Immigrant visa interviews in country of residence.</strong> The National Visa Center now schedules immigrant visa applicants in their country of residence or, if requested, their country of nationality, with rare exceptions. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-iv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from 19 countries.</strong> Proclamation 10949 (90 FR 24497) fully or partially suspended entry of nationals of 19 countries. Proclamation 10998 later continued and expanded it. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/f2a">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Family", "item": "https://visatypes.com/family-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "F2A", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/f2a"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can an F2A spouse file for adjustment of status now?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "USCIS says family-sponsored applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart in October 2026, and that chart lists F2A as “Current.” Whether a specific person can adjust also depends on admissibility and eligibility under INA 245."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "What happens if the green-card holder becomes a citizen?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "A pending F2A petition for a spouse or child under 21 converts to the immediate-relative category on the date of naturalization (8 CFR 204.2(i)(3)), which has no annual limit."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Why is Mexico’s F2A date different?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "All F2A numbers for Mexico come from the per-country-exempt share, which in October 2026 reaches priority dates before March 22, 2026. 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