If your spouse or parent (unmarried child under 21) is a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and you have an approved I-130 petition in the F2A category, this month’s visa bulletin has news worth paying attention to.
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin shows the F2A category as “Current” in the “B. Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications” chart. That single letter, “C”, means there is no wait for filing, and eligible applicants can move forward with their I-485 Application to Adjust Status right now or file I-130 Concurrently.
What Is the F2A Category?
The F2A preference category covers spouses and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. lawful permanent residents. Unlike immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, F2A applicants are subject to annual visa limits which means backlogs, waiting, and watching the bulletin month after month.
When the Dates for Filing chart shows “Current,” that backlog is temporarily cleared. Every eligible F2A applicant can file regardless of when their I-130 was approved.
Why This Matters Even Though the Final Action Date Is Retrogressed
Here is where it gets a little nuanced, and it is worth understanding the difference between the two charts in the bulletin.
The Final Action Date for F2A is retrogressed to August 2024. That is the date that controls when a visa can actually be issued or a green card granted. But the Date for Filing is currently “C,” meaning you do not have to wait for a visa number to become available before submitting your application.
USCIS has confirmed that applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart this month. That means you can file your I-485 now even though your final approval will come later, once the final action date catches up.
Why does that matter? Because filing your I-485 unlocks benefits you cannot access otherwise:
- Work authorization – You can file Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) at the same time as your I-485.
- Travel permission – Form I-131 (Advance Parole) lets you travel internationally while your green card is pending.
- A place in line – Even if the Dates for Filing chart changes next month, your application stays in the USCIS queue.
This Window May Not Stay Open
Visa bulletin dates move in both directions. The State Department can retrogress categories with little warning, and F2A has done exactly that before. If the Dates for Filing chart changes in June, applicants who have not yet filed would need to wait until dates advance again, which can take months or years.
If you are eligible and have been waiting for the right time to move forward, this is it.
Who Can File Right Now
You may be able to file your I-485 this month if:
- Your spouse has a green card (not just a visa, they must be a lawful permanent resident)
- You have an approved Form I-130 or file I-130 Concurrently in the F2A category
- You are physically present in the United States
- You entered legally or are otherwise eligible to adjust status
- You are maintaining valid non-immigrant status
Note for Mexico and Philippines: The F2A category chart above shows “C” (Current) for all chargeability areas including Mexico and the Philippines. Be sure to confirm the most current bulletin at travel.state.gov before filing, and consult with an attorney about your specific situation.
What to Do Now
Filing an I-485 package involves multiple forms, supporting documents, fees, a medical exam, and an Affidavit of Support from your sponsoring spouse. Putting it together correctly the first time matters because errors and missing documents slow everything down.
If you or someone you know is in the F2A category, now is the time to act. Our team can review your case, confirm your eligibility, and help you get your application filed before this window potentially closes.
Contact ILOLA Today to Schedule a Consultation
We help families across the U.S. navigate every step of the green card process. Call us at (213) 375-4084 or fill out our online form and we will get back to you promptly.
