As of the December 2025 Visa Bulletin, the F2A category remains current. For lawful permanent residents (LPRs), this creates a strategic window to sponsor a spouse or unmarried child under 21 for a green card without the usual waiting period.
In short: the door is open—but it may not stay that way for long.
What Does “F2A Is Current” Mean?
Each month, the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which determines which green card categories are eligible to move forward. The F2A category, which applies to spouses and minor children of green card holders, is normally subject to visa backlogs.
However, the December 2025 Visa Bulletin shows that Final Action Dates for F2A are “C” for current, meaning:
Lawful permanent residents can sponsor spouses and children now—and their green card applications can proceed without delay.
This is significant. When a category is current, eligible applicants may skip the months or even years of backlog that often slows down family-based immigration.
Why Acting Now Is Strategic
1. Visa Availability Can Retrogress Without Warning
Historically, F2A has seen movement forward and backward. There is no guarantee that this favorable status will extend into 2026. In fact, the U.S. government explicitly states that visa availability is fluid and subject to change at any time.
A shift in demand or policy priorities could bring back long waiting periods.
2. The Current Administration May Shift Focus Away from Family-Based Immigration
Under the Trump administration, immigration priorities have consistently leaned toward employment-based and merit-driven categories over family reunification. While F2A is still open now, that policy landscape may change—and it may not favor long-term family sponsorship paths.
Filing now ensures that your petition is in the pipeline before possible restrictions tighten.
3. Processing Capacity Has Improved Since the Pandemic
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State have been working through pandemic-era backlogs. Current trends indicate more consistent adjudications and interview scheduling, especially in family-based categories that remain current.
Acting now places your family in the best position—ahead of possible slowdowns.
Who Can You Sponsor Under F2A?
As a green card holder (LPR), you may petition for:
- Your spouse
- Your unmarried children under 21
If your family member is lawfully present in the U.S., they may be eligible to adjust status (via Form I-485). If they are abroad, they can process the immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate.
Filing Steps to Get Started
To take advantage of the current status:
- Submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to establish the relationship.
- If eligible, file Form I-485 concurrently (for those in the U.S.) or begin consular processing.
- Prepare all necessary civil documents (passport, marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.).
- File Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to meet the public charge requirements.
- Monitor Visa Bulletin updates—retrogression may occur at any time.
Why This Opportunity Is Rare
The F2A category doesn’t remain current indefinitely. In past years, long wait times were the norm. When backlogs return, they can delay reunification by several years—particularly for children aging out or spouses needing to leave the U.S.
By acting while the category is still current, you can potentially:
- Avoid years of visa delays
- Protect against aging-out risks for children
- Increase chances of staying together in the U.S. during processing
Book a Consult to Discuss Strategy
At Ahluwalia Law Offices, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate the changing tides of U.S. immigration policy. We understand how to move quickly and accurately when opportunities arise—like the current F2A opening.
