Understanding The F2 Visa
The F2 visa is a visa that allows long-term permanent residents to bring certain family members into the United States. By doing so, those family members can begin living, and working, in the United States.
Going over what the F2 visa is, and speaking with a lawyer, will make it easier for a long-term permanent resident to obtain an F2 visa for their family members.
What Is The F2 Visa?
The F2 visa – or second family preference visa – is a visa for spouses, minor children, and the unmarried sons and daughters of someone who is a long-term permanent resident of the United States.
Just as an example, if a woman living in the United States on a green card has a foreign spouse whom she wishes to bring over then, by using the F2 visa, she has the ability to do so.
To obtain an F2 visa, a long-term permanent resident must file the application on behalf of their spouse or son/daughter. And, to do so, they must:
- Be 18 years old, or older.
- Reside in the United States as a permanent resident and, in turn, have a permanent address.
A person who is in the United States, on an F2 visa, may be able to:
- Live in the United States on a permanent basis.
- Get a job in the United States.
- Go to school in the United States.
Every single one of the above will allow an immigrant to start a new life in the United States, with the assistance of their spouse or mother/father who, as mentioned earlier, must be a long-term permanent resident.
Outside of that, there is one thing to clarify, regarding the “unmarried sons and daughters” portion of the F2 visa: this applies to those who are 21 and over. And, with that fact in mind, if a son or daughter is over the age of 21, and married, they do not qualify for the F2 visa.
Is Pursuing The F2 Visa A Good Idea?
The answer to this question is “It depends.”
If a long-term permanent resident has a foreign spouse, whom they would like to bring to the United States, then an F2 visa is almost certainly a good idea.
On the other hand, if a long-term resident has children who are married, then an F2 visa is not worth pursuing, as their children would be ineligible for an F2 visa.
Other visas can, and should, be considered with the assistance of a lawyer, in a situation like the one outlined above.
Outside of what has already been clarified, there is one more thing that must be clarified: even if a foreign citizen satisfies the requirements that underlie the F2 visa, this doesn’t mean that they qualify.
Just as an example, if a foreign spouse has been convicted of a serious crime, then they may not be able to obtain an F2 visa, even if they meet the requirements.
Or, alternatively, if a foreign spouse has serious medical problems and is at risk of relying on public benefits, then there is a strong chance that they will be denied.
The best way to determine if pursuing an F2 visa is a good idea is by going over the requirements, while speaking with a lawyer who is familiar with the F2 visa application process.
Speak With A Houston Marriage & Family Visa Lawyer
If you would like to obtain an F2 visa for your family members, you must obtain legal assistance. Speak with a Houston marriage and family visa lawyer at BBA Immigration and we will help you.
Sources:
uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-family-preference-immigrants
uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-2006.html#0-0-0-202
