Options for Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents
If you are married to a U.S. green card holder, this is an important moment to understand your options.
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin
As of the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, the F2A category for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents is current across all countries, including India, Mexico, the Philippines, and the rest of the world.
This is not something that happens often. Historically, the F2A category has had a backlog, which meant that even after filing an I-130 petition, applicants had to wait for their priority date to become current before moving forward with the green card process. In many cases, this delay prevented individuals from filing for adjustment of status at the same time as the I-130.
A Strategic Shift: Concurrent Filing
That has now changed. Because the category is current, eligible applicants may be able to file the I-130 and the adjustment of status application concurrently if they are in the United States and otherwise eligible.
Practical Implications
This has practical implications. Filing concurrently allows applicants to:
- Also apply for work authorization and advance parole, which can provide more stability while the case is pending.
- Allow the case to move forward without waiting for a visa number to become available.
Risk Assessment and Critical Factors
However, it is important to understand that not everyone should file immediately just because the category is current. Before filing, it is critical to evaluate factors such as the following:
- Your current immigration status
- How you last entered the United States
- Whether there are any issues related to intent or timing
- Prior immigration history or visa applications
- Any potential inadmissibility concerns
A Note of Caution
For example, individuals who entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa such as B-1/B-2, F-1, or TN should be particularly careful about how timing and intent are analyzed before filing for adjustment of status.
Final Considerations on Timing
Additionally, while the category is current now, visa bulletin movement can change. There is no guarantee that it will remain current indefinitely, which is why timing and strategy matter.
This is a window of opportunity, but it should be approached carefully. The ability to file concurrently does not eliminate the need for a well-prepared case. USCIS will still review eligibility, admissibility, and the underlying relationship.
Every case is different, and what makes sense for one person may not be the right approach for another. If you are married to a green card holder and are considering filing, this is a good time to evaluate your options and determine whether filing now is appropriate for your situation.
Understanding both the opportunity and the risks is key to making the right decision.
