If I become a citizen, can I expedite my spouse’s F2A interview?

When it comes to family visas, the difference between the F2A category – intended for spouses and children of permanent residents – and the immediate relative category, exclusive to spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens, is fundamental to understanding the process and processing times.

If you become a U.S. citizen, your petition for your spouse can be reclassified from the F2A category to the immediate relative category. This change is important because immediate relatives are not subject to numerical quota limitations, which generally results in shorter wait times and, in many cases, eliminates the wait for a “visa number.”

However, it is important to remember that this status update requires the submission of a new petition or, when allowed, the updating of the existing process according to the procedures of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State.

Although changing to citizen status may facilitate the scheduling of the interview and, consequently, the residence authorization for your spouse, it does not guarantee an “immediate acceleration” of the interview automatically. Each case must be analyzed individually, as several factors, such as the priority date and the progress of the process, can influence the total time until the interview is conducted.

It is always advisable to strictly follow the current immigration laws and rely on support from trusted sources and professionals specialized in the area to avoid mistakes or falling for promises of quick results without legal basis. This caution helps prevent scams and marketing campaigns that may offer miraculous solutions without guaranteeing the safety and legality of your process.

In summary, upon becoming a citizen, there is the possibility of reclassifying your spouse’s petition to an immediate relative immigrant category, which may result in reduced wait times. However, it is important to pay attention to the details of the process and always seek updated information from reliable sources.

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.