Visto n' Visa

Is it true that F2A can be ‘current’ and then retrogress?

The F2A category can be 'current' in one month and retrogress later due to fluctuations in demand and visa limits, requiring constant monitoring of the Visa Bulletin.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on February 24, 2026
2 min read
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The F2A category, which covers spouses and unmarried children of U.S. permanent residents, can indeed experience fluctuations in the priority date scenario in the Visa Bulletin. Simply put, this means that a certain period within the category can be “current” (that is, without delays) in a given month and, due to various factors, retrogress in subsequent publications.

These oscillations occur because the Visa Bulletin is influenced by the total number of applications and the visa limits available for each category each month. For example, if there is a sudden increase in demand or if processing data turns out to be different than expected, a drop (retrogression) may happen relative to the “current” status previously reached. Thus, even if at some point the F2A category is without delays (current), it is possible that, in a later update, the bulletin will show a cut-off date retrogressing, requiring applicants to wait for their respective periods to proceed with the process.

It is essential to follow the publications of the Department of State and always be attentive to changes in the Visa Bulletin. For this reason, it becomes important to stay well informed through official sources or immigration professionals and always strictly follow the laws and regulations of the country. Additionally, it is wise to avoid promises of quick and unfounded results, as the immigration scenario can be dynamic and subject to variations.

Remember that the interpretation of the Visa Bulletin and understanding changes in priority dates must be done carefully, and monitoring through official sources ensures that the information is accurate and up-to-date. If doubts arise or if you need clarification about your specific case, seeking proper guidance is always the best practice in immigration matters.

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Family-sponsored Green Card
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U.S. citizen or LPR
Petition
Form I-130
Processing
12 months to several years
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About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Is it true that F2A can be ‘current’ and then retrogress?

The F2A category can be 'current' in one month and retrogress later due to fluctuations in demand and visa limits, requiring constant monitoring of the Visa Bulletin.

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