Is it better for the resident to become a citizen before applying for F2A?

When it comes to the family-based immigration process in the United States, it is important to understand the nuances between the different statuses and categories. Today, we will discuss whether it is advantageous for the resident to become a citizen before initiating the application for the F2A visa, which is intended for the spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of permanent residents.

One of the main differences between maintaining permanent resident status and becoming a U.S. citizen is related to processing times and visa availability. When the resident changes their status to citizenship, their family members become part of the “immediate relatives” group, who are not subject to numerical visa limitations. In this way, if the person becomes a citizen, the spouse and children will have access to immigration without facing long waiting lists – something that can be a considerable advantage in some cases.

On the other hand, if the resident chooses not to change their status and continues with the F2A process, the family will be subject to waiting periods that can vary according to the country of origin and the specific demand for this category. It is worth mentioning that, recently, in some contexts, the F2A category has been relatively current and without major delays; however, the situation can change with shifts in immigration policies and global demand.

Therefore, the decision to become a citizen before starting the application must be carefully evaluated, considering both processing times and the impact on family planning. It is essential to emphasize that each case is unique. Individual conditions, such as eligibility periods for citizenship, family context, and even changes in legislation, can greatly influence the decision.

For this reason, it is always worthwhile to strictly follow immigration laws and seek guidance from specialized professionals throughout the process, avoiding pitfalls, scams, or promises of results that do not fulfill what they claim.

In summary, while the option of naturalizing and accessing the benefits of the immediate relatives category can expedite family reunification, opting to remain as a resident and use the F2A category can also be viable, depending on the current scenario. The ideal approach is to carefully analyze the situation, monitor updates in legislation, and make an informed decision with the support of experts in the field.

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.