F2A: spouse and child of the same LPR. Are two I-130 petitions needed?

The Family Based F2A visa is intended for spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of United States lawful permanent residents (LPRs). This category allows close family members of an LPR to be reunited in the US. However, each family relationship is evaluated individually according to immigration requirements.

In the specific case where an LPR wishes to bring both their spouse and child, it is necessary to file two separate I-130 petitions: one dedicated to the spouse and another for the child. In other words, even though they belong to the same family, each beneficiary needs to have their own approved petition for the process to proceed correctly.

This separation is due to how immigration law structures family categories, not allowing the child to be considered a derivative beneficiary in the spouse’s petition, as happens, for example, when the sponsor is a US citizen.

It is important to always keep track of changes in rules and guidelines provided by USCIS and other immigration authorities, as well as to seek information from reliable and specialized sources. This way, you minimize the risks of falling for offers or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous results without proper legal backing.

Remember that strictly following United States immigration laws and maintaining correct documentation are essential steps for a smooth process within established deadlines.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.