Marriage visa F2A Allowing US permanent residents to sponsor their spouses to settle in the US is of great interest to many customers, especially customers who want to reunite and live together in this country. So are the US Government's application procedures and regulations really complicated?
Together ABA VISA & Law Services Check out the article Instructions for opening an F2A sponsorship application to get the most general overview of this Visa category!
F2A Visa – Instructions for opening an F2A sponsorship application
What is F2A category?
F2A category is The sponsor in the US already has a green card. are allowed to sponsor their husband or wife from Vietnam to the US. Guaranteed person When you come to the US, you will receive a 2-year green card and become a permanent resident.
You can then convert to a 10-year green card. After 5 years, you have the right to take the exam for US citizenship. F2A category allowed Spouses who have common children or stepchildren under 21 years old can follow the same application.
How long does it take for a husband to have a US green card before he can sponsor his wife under the F2A category??
Currently, the waiting time for a husband to have a US green card to sponsor his wife under the F2A category is usually 2 to 3 years. However, this time may vary depending on the processing status and backlog of applications at USCIS.
Instructions for opening an F2A sponsorship application - Conditions for opening an F2A sponsorship application
Sponsorship conditions for this F2A visa will comply with Government regulations and:
- Guardian: Must be a Permanent Resident of the United States (USA), that is, a green card holder but not an American citizen (USA).
- Guaranteed person: Must be a spouse and accompanying unmarried children under 21 years of age.
- Prove the relationship: Need to provide documents proving family relationship, such as marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children).
- Financial conditions: The sponsor who is a US permanent resident when opening an F2A sponsorship application is required to provide documents proving the financial guarantee to the US government. To ensure that the person sponsored for immigration will not become a social burden (that is, dependent on government support) after immigrating to the United States. For example, need to provide proof of income or assets...
It is important to note that F2A visa sponsorship conditions may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case and you should consult with an immigration attorney or experienced immigration professional. like ABA VISA & LAW SERVICES for more detailed information.
Procedure for opening a spousal sponsorship application to the US under F2A
1. Prepare F2A documents
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): This is a petition to sponsor a foreign relative.
- Proof of sponsor's green card: Copy of Green Card or documents proving Permanent Resident status in the United States.
- Documents proving the relationship:
-
- Marriage certificate: Copy of legal marriage certificate.
- Evidence of living together: Family photos, joint bills, joint financial documents, letters, emails, messages, etc.
Application fee: Pay the Form I-130 filing fee. Check the USCIS website for current fees or contact us via Hotline: 0938165817 for instructions.
2. File I-130
- Submit form I-130 and accompanying documents to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
- Wait to receive a receipt from USCIS confirming receipt of the application.
3. Review F2A application
- Processing I-130 documents: USCIS will review and approve your application. Processing time may be extended, depending on the number of applications currently being processed.
- Notification of approval: If the application is approved, USCIS will transfer the application to the National Visa Center (NVC).
4. Processing stage at NVC (National Visa Center)
- Notice from NVC: NVC will send a notice about continuing the process, request additional necessary documents and instructions for payment of related fees.
- Prepare documents: and supporting documents such as identification documents, financial records...
5. Wait for the F2A interview schedule
- When an F2A visa becomes available, NVC will schedule an interview at the US consulate in the sponsor's country.
- Prepare for the interview: The sponsored person needs to prepare documents, undergo medical examination and bring all required documents to the interview.
6. Interview at the US Consulate F2A area
- Interview: The sponsored person will attend an interview at the consulate. They will answer questions related to your profile and relationship with the sponsor.
- Decision on visa issuance: If the interview is successful, the sponsored person will be granted an F2A immigration visa.
7. Enter the United States
- Get visa and enter the country: The sponsored person will receive a visa and can enter the United States. Upon entry, they will be issued a temporary green card.
- Green card: The official green card will be sent to the sponsor's address after the sponsored person enters the country.
Note
- Meantime: Because the F2A category has an annual visa limit, waiting times may be extended depending on the number of applications being processed and the number of visas available.
SEE MORE: Sponsor an IR1 spouse to immigrate to the US
Instructions for opening an F2A sponsorship application - What documents are needed for an F2A visa application?
Documents from sponsor (US Permanent Resident):
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative):
Application to sponsor foreign relatives.
Proof of permanent resident status:
-
- Green card copy (Green Card) or
- Other documents proving permanent resident status.
Proof of the sponsor's nationality:
- Copy of birth certificate (excerpt + notarized translation).
- Marriage certificate (if any) (excerpt + notarized translation).
- Divorce certificate (if any) (excerpt + notarized translation).
Documents proving family relationship:
-
- Marriage certificate: Copy of legal marriage certificate.
- Proof of living together: Family photos, joint bills, joint financial documents, letters, emails, messages, etc.
- Birth certificates of children (if there are children in the F2A category).
Demonstrate financial:
-
- Evidence to prove that the sponsor has enough financial capacity to support the guaranteed person.
- Proof of income and assets (tax reports, bank statements)…
Documents from the sponsor:
Passport: Copy of the sponsored person's passport.
Birth certificate: Copy of birth certificate of the sponsored person.
Other civil documents:
-
- Identification documents (citizen identification card or other identification document).
- Divorce papers or death certificate (if the sponsored person has been married before).
Medical records: Medical examination results as required by USCIS and NVC.
Other supporting documents:
Additional evidence of relationship:
-
- Photos, letters, emails, text messages, and other documents demonstrate the true relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.
Letter explaining: If there is any information that requires further explanation (e.g., length of time living apart, financial status), a detailed explanation letter should be attached.
How long does it take to process an F2A visa?
Processing times for F2A visas (also known as family-based immigrant visas) can vary depending on a number of factors, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) workload ) and the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC). Usually it takes a few years.
Benefits that F2A visa brings
F2A visa is a type of immigrant visa for family members of Permanent Residents, i.e. green card holders in the US, specifically spouses or Unmarried children under 21 years old. Here are some benefits that the F2A visa brings:
F2A family reunion
is an important program in US immigration policy, to help families have the opportunity to reunite and live together. F2A category is for spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of Permanent Residents (green card holders).
This program not only brings joy of reunion but also helps strengthen bonds and support each other in daily life. Being able to bring your family to the US through the F2A visa not only creates conditions for members to have a better life, but is also a solid stepping stone for the whole family's future in the new country.
Right to work
F2A visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to work legally in the US. This right to work not only helps them become financially independent, but also creates opportunities to integrate into the community, develop skills and build a career.
Being able to work legally also helps the sponsored person easily access social, educational and medical services, contributing to improving the quality of life.
Study
Your children can access America's advanced and diverse education system, from elementary school to college and graduate school.
The learning environment in the US not only equips professional knowledge but also encourages creativity, soft skills development and independent thinking.
Studying in an international environment also helps students expand their horizons, discover and develop their own potential, creating solid foundations for future success.
Roadmap to becoming a Permanent Resident
F2A visa holders can apply for a Green Card to become a Permanent Resident. After a certain period of time, they can apply for US citizenship if they meet the conditions.
Social benefits
When they become Permanent Residents, they can access social benefits, health care, education and social welfare programs like other people in the US. This not only helps them stabilize their new lives but also creates conditions for sustainable development and quick integration into the community.
To settle down
Being able to live legally and permanently in the US gives them the opportunity to build a stable life, develop their career and family.
The above benefits show that the F2A visa not only helps reunite families but also brings many opportunities to develop and stabilize life in the US.
F2A sponsorship fee
The fee for an F2A visa (also known as a family-based immigrant visa) is currently $535. This fee is paid to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and covers the cost of processing the I-130 petition, which is the first step in the F2A visa application process.
In addition to the I-130 application fee, there are also fees associated with other steps of the entire F2A visa application process.
It is important to note that fees may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and may change over time. You can contact us via HOTLINE: 0938165817 to update according to the latest Government costs.
Instructions for opening an F2A sponsorship application - Interview tips at the Embassy
If your spouse and/or children are applying for an F2A visa, here are some tips to help prepare for the interview:
Review the documents: Make sure you prepare all the necessary documents and that they are carefully organized and ready to present to the consular officer at the interview.
Practice: Encourage the sponsor to practice answering common interview questions, such as questions about your relationship and your family's future plans...
Suitable attire: Your spouse and children should wear formal business attire for the interview.
Be honest: Encourage interviewees to answer honestly and frankly during the interview. Lying or hiding information can be grounds for visa refusal.
Don't be late: You should plan to arrive at the embassy or consulate at least 30 minutes before your interview appointment to avoid traffic problems or other delays.
Relax: Encourage your spouse and children to relax and stay calm throughout the interview. The consular officer is simply trying to confirm that your relationship is genuine and that your spouse and children are eligible for an F2A visa.
Why should you choose ABA VISA & LAW SERVICES for F2A consultation?
- Our lawyers and consultants are experienced and knowledgeable about the F2A sector, and have supported many successful clients even in the most difficult cases.
- ABA VISA & LAW SERVICE Support in preparing necessary F2A visa application documents, advise on evidence, and guide on the best documents to achieve high results.
- We represent customers in submitting applications, helping you save time and effort.
- Reasonable cost, transparent refund even in case the guest fails the interview (Support the guest to re-interview or supplement the profile).
- Do not pretend to incur costs in the process of making and processing documents for customers.
- Law firms in Vietnam and the US always support 24/24 with clear legal entities that always protect the legitimate rights and interests of clients.
- Monitor visa results and handle problems that arise during the F2A application process.
- Always accompanies customers throughout the application process until they come to the US.
