Green Cards for the Spouse & Children of Green Card Holders
You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to sponsor your family. Lawful permanent residents can petition for a spouse and unmarried children through the F2A and F2B categories — and we help you do it right.
Family Petitions by Green Card Holders, Explained
What this means for you
Start your family's case now — even before citizenship. As a green card holder you can petition for your spouse and unmarried children today, securing their priority date while you continue toward citizenship.
A lawful permanent resident (green card holder) can sponsor a spouse and unmarried children through the second family preference categories: F2A for a spouse and minor children, and F2B for unmarried adult children.
These categories are subject to the visa bulletin, so the priority date set when you file Form I-130 governs the wait. F2A often moves relatively quickly compared to other preference categories.
The Atlas advantage
Work directly with your attorney
Same-day response guarantee
Flat fees, no surprises
Who Can You Petition?
As a green card holder, you can sponsor a spouse and unmarried children — here is how the categories break down:
F2A — Spouse
Your husband or wife.
- The legally married spouse of a green card holder.
- A bona fide, genuine marriage.
- Often the faster-moving F2 category.
F2A — Children Under 21
Minor, unmarried children.
- Unmarried children under 21.
- Included with, or alongside, the spouse case.
- Stepchildren may qualify under specific rules.
F2B — Adult Children
Unmarried sons and daughters 21+.
- Unmarried children 21 or older.
- A longer wait than F2A.
- Marriage ends F2B eligibility while you are an LPR.
Wondering how fast F2A is moving, or whether your child still qualifies? We'll review the visa bulletin against your family.
How We Help Reunite Your Family
F2 cases reward early filing and careful tracking — here is what matters and how we handle it:
Lock In the Priority Date
Your family's place in line is set when Form I-130 is filed — and F2 categories move with the visa bulletin.
How we help: We file promptly and accurately so your spouse and children secure the earliest possible priority date.
Prove a Bona Fide Relationship
You must document a genuine marriage or a qualifying parent-child relationship.
How we help: We assemble strong relationship evidence and civil documents so the petition stands up to scrutiny.
Upgrade When You Naturalize
If you become a U.S. citizen, an F2A spouse and minor children convert to immediate relatives — skipping the line.
How we help: We coordinate your family petitions with your citizenship timeline to reach a green card sooner.
The Process Step by Step
We guide your family from petition through the green card:
- 1
Confirm the Category
We determine whether your family member falls under F2A or F2B and check the visa bulletin.
- 2
File Form I-130
We file the petition with relationship evidence and set the priority date.
- 3
Adjustment or Consular Processing
When the date is current, your family member files Form I-485 or completes consular processing.
- 4
Interview & Approval
We prepare your family for the interview and guide them through to the green card.
Why Trust Atlas Immigration Law with Your Family
F2 cases reward early filing and smart coordination with your path to citizenship — exactly the kind of strategy that shortens the wait. Our team removes the guesswork:
Work directly with your attorney
No call centers, no handoffs — the lawyer building your case is the one you talk to.
Flat fees, known up front
You agree on the full cost before we start. No hourly billing, no surprises.
Same-day response
Questions during your case get a reply the same business day.
You work directly with your attorney, know your flat fee up front, and get answers the same business day — and we time your family's case with your own journey to citizenship.
Documents You'll Typically Need
An F2 family case is generally built around:
- Proof of your lawful permanent resident status (green card).
- Your marriage certificate (for a spouse) and proof of a bona fide marriage.
- Your child's birth certificate naming you as the parent.
- Evidence resolving any prior marriages (divorce or death certificates).
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) showing financial sponsorship.
Exploring all your options? See our green card overview for every family and employment pathway.
Common Questions
F2A / F2B Green Card FAQs
Yes. A lawful permanent resident can petition for a spouse and unmarried children under the F2A category. Unlike U.S. citizens, green card holders cannot petition for parents, married children, or siblings.
Ready to petition for your family?
Let's confirm the category and lock in your family's priority date. It's completely free.