15 Apr 2026 Great News for Spouses of Immigrants: F2A Is “Current” For Filing
The April and May 2026 Visa Bulletins provide hope and relief for many lawful permanent residents trying to reunite with their spouses and children. If you or someone you love is waiting on a family-based F2A petition, this article is for you.
For April and May 2026, the F2A category (spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents) is “current for filing.” What does this mean and why does it matter? In simple terms: If you are a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green card holder, you may now be able to file not just the immigrant petition but also adjustment of status and a work permit application at the same time for your spouse or minor child. And importantly, your loved one may be able to stay in the United States legally while waiting.
What is the F2A category?
The F2A category is part of the family-based immigration system. It covers: spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents. Unlike immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who have an unlimited supply of visas, the F2A category is subject to annual limits, or rationing of visas. That’s why people often have to wait years for a visa to become available. This is where the Visa Bulletin comes in and where things can get confusing.
Dates for Filing vs. Final Action Dates
The monthly visa bulletin has two different charts with different priority dates.
- Dates for Filing
- Final Action Dates
These are NOT the same thing, and understanding the difference is key. The Dates for Filing chart tells you when you are allowed to submit your application, specifically your adjustment of status if you’re already inside the U.S. If the F2A category is current for filing, that means there is no waiting line to submit your application. You can file Form I-130 (petition), Form I-485 (adjustment of status), Form I-765 (work permit) all at the same time, if eligible. To be clear, it does not mean that you are already entitled to a green card. It just means you can already “get in line” and file the paperwork and get a work permit while waiting for the visa to finally become available.
While Dates for Filing govern when you may “file” your paperwork, Final Action Dates determine when your case can actually be approved and when you can receive your green card. Even if you are eligible to file your paperwork now, you may still need to wait for your priority date to become current under the Final Action Date chart before your green card is issued. In sum:
- Dates for Filing = when you can apply
- Final Action Dates = when you can be approved
Why is this such a big deal?
When the F2A category is current for filing, eligible applicants in the U.S. may be able to: stay in the U.S. legally while their case is pending, apply for a work permit, apply for a travel document (advance parole), and most importantly remain with their families in the U.S. while waiting for their green card, versus being separated for years outside the U.S., waiting for the priority date to become current in the Final Action Dates chart. This can provide stability and peace of mind for families who would otherwise be separated.
However, not everyone qualifies. You must still meet all eligibility requirements for adjustment of status. For example: You must have entered the U.S. lawfully. You must not have certain immigration violations or bars, such as working without authorization, going out of status, etc. Further, you cannot use a visitor visa specifically intending to come to the U.S. to apply for a green card. This is because when using a tourist visa, your only intention can be to visit the U.S. and return to your home country.
If you’re unsure about your situation, it’s always best to speak with a qualified immigration attorney. If you are eligible, this is a powerful opportunity for many families. But every case is different. That is why I recommend you consult with an attorney to determine eligibility, and the attorney can assist in preparing the paperwork and filing.
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