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The U.S. Department of State's recent Visa Bulletins indicate modest progress in the F-2A family-sponsored visa category, while other family-based categories remain largely stagnant.
F-2A Category: Modest Progress
The F-2A category, which covers spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents (green card holders), has seen slight advancements in recent months. For instance, in the November 2024 Visa Bulletin, the final action date for F-2A applicants from all countries advanced to January 1, 2022. This represents a modest improvement, offering some relief to families awaiting reunification.
Other Family-Based Categories: Continued Stagnation
In contrast, other family-based visa categories have experienced minimal to no movement:
• F-1 (Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): The final action date for most countries remains at November 22, 2015, indicating prolonged wait times.
• F-2B (Unmarried sons and daughters, 21 years or older, of permanent residents): This category has seen little change, with the final action date for most countries at May 22, 2016.
• F-3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): The final action date has advanced slightly to July 1, 2010, for most countries, reflecting slow progress.
• F-4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens): This category remains largely static, with India's final action date at April 8, 2006. Outlook
The modest progress in the F-2A category is a positive development for families of permanent residents. However, the continued stagnation in other family-based categories underscores the challenges many face in the immigration process. Advocates continue to call for reforms to address these prolonged wait times and to facilitate family reunification.
