Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card
For spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of US lawful permanent residents.
The Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card is a US family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee) and processing time (~1-3 years (shortest of the family preference categories)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card is for
For spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of US lawful permanent residents.
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card - eligibility criteria
- Be the spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a green card holder
- Permanent resident files Form I-130
- Wait for the priority date to be current
- Sponsor meets income requirements
- Be admissible to the United States
Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card (United States) is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 years (shortest of the family preference categories). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Length of stay | Permanent (green card) |
| Work rights | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee |
| Processing time | ~1-3 years (shortest of the family preference categories) |
| Route to PR | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. |
Pathway & next steps
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Many applicants also compare F1 · Family First Preference (F1) Green Card, F3 · Family Third Preference (F3) Green Card, IR-1/CR-1 · IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card pitfalls we fix
Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card cost?
The Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card government fee is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 years (shortest of the family preference categories). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card lead to permanent residence?
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Can I work on the Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card?
Work rights: Full work authorization as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card?
For spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of US lawful permanent residents.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority