Nevertheless, these applications will not be processed until their priority date becomes current. However, the “Dates for Filing” for the F-2A category are still current, allowing applicants to submit their green card applications. Due to a buildup of cases in this category, the “Final Action Dates” for F-2A applications are no longer current, indicating that applications with priority dates that have reached the front of the line and can be adjudicated are no longer valid.

In the April 2023 Visa Bulletin, the F-2A family-based category underwent a significant change that affects spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SPOUSES OF GREEN CARD HOLDERS (March 24, 2023):

In this scenario, the NVC will send you a notice (by mail or email) stating that “visas are not currently available for your visa category” and that you should watch the visa bulletin to monitor progress. green card holders, the NVC will hold the case until the “priority date” for the case appears in the State Department’s visa bulletin. citizens, the NVC starts processing your case immediately after receiving it from USCIS. You’ll need all of these numbers in order to submit the online forms and fees described below at the NVC’s Consular Electronic Application Center.įor spouses of U.S. The beneficiary ID number is a unique number that the NVC assigns to each beneficiary in a case (e.g. This notice will include your case number, a beneficiary ID number, and an invoice number.

Once the National Visa Center (NVC) receives your approved paperwork from USCIS, they will send you a welcome notice by mail or email, depending on which notification method you choose. When approved, USCIS will forward your paperwork to the National Visa Center. Assuming that USCIS has all of the information that it needs, they will usually approve or deny this sponsorship petition within 13.75–32.5 months, depending on your situation. The sponsoring spouse will generally get a receipt notice in the mail from USCIS within about two weeks. The first step in this process is to file the family sponsorship form (I-130) with USCIS, along with supporting documents.

Immigration form ds 260