F2A

F2A Immigrant Visa for Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The F2A visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows the spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) to permanently live in the United States. This visa leads directly to lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) upon entry to the U.S.
The F2A category remains available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens, subject to annual numerical limits and priority dates.

F2A is part of the family preference system and is subject to visa bulletin movement.

Who qualifies for the F2A visa

An applicant may qualify for an F2A visa if:

• The petitioner is a lawful permanent resident of the United States

• The applicant is the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of the permanent resident

• A legally valid family relationship exists

• The marriage or parent-child relationship is bona fide

Marriage of a child or aging out may affect eligibility.

What the F2A visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without additional work authorization

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to a Social Security number and U.S. services

• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future

Permanent resident status begins immediately upon entry.

What the F2A visa does NOT allow

• Immigration for married children of permanent residents

• Sponsorship by non-residents

• Avoidance of priority date waiting periods

• Ignoring immigration compliance obligations

Any change in marital or age status must be reported.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They are the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. permanent resident

• The family relationship is legally documented

• The permanent resident sponsor agrees to act as financial sponsor

• Both parties intend to live together as a family unit

The applicant’s place of residence does not affect eligibility.

What immigration officers really check

Authorities primarily evaluate:

• Authenticity of the marital or parent-child relationship

• Age and marital status of the child

• Validity of civil documents (marriage, birth certificates)

• Immigration history of both sponsor and applicant

• Absence of fraud indicators

The process is relationship-based, not document-count based.

Financial sponsorship requirements

The permanent resident sponsor must:

• File an Affidavit of Support

• Meet minimum income requirements under U.S. law

• Accept long-term financial responsibility

A joint sponsor may be used if necessary.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Entry to the U.S. grants permanent resident status

• Green Card allows unlimited residence, work, and study

• Long absences may affect resident status

• Permanent residence carries legal obligations

F2A beneficiaries must maintain lawful resident status.

Priority dates and waiting periods

• F2A visas are subject to annual numerical limits

• Applicants must wait for their priority date to become current

• Waiting times vary by country and demand

• Visa bulletin movement determines final timing

Processing time can vary from months to several years.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Insufficient proof of family relationship

• Child aging out or marrying

• Financial sponsorship issues

• Prior immigration violations

• Inconsistent or incomplete documentation

Correct timing and documentation are critical.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Filing an immigrant petition by the permanent resident sponsor

• Waiting for the priority date to become current

• Case processing through USCIS and the National Visa Center

• Submission of civil and financial documents

• Medical examination

• Immigrant visa interview

• Entry to the U.S. as a permanent resident

Processing time varies based on demand and quotas.

Important note for 2026

• F2A visas are available in 2026, subject to quotas

• Priority date availability may fluctuate

• Visa bulletin monitoring is essential

Unsure if F2A is the right category?

Before applying, it is recommended to evaluate relationship validity, age limits, and priority date risks.
A professional assessment helps avoid delays and loss of eligibility.