Not everyone checks U.S. visa bulletin updates, but this month U.S. green card holders with loved ones living outside the United States should take note. The August 2013 visa bulletin has arrived with the announcement that the F-2A category (spouses and minor children of U.S. green card holders) is now current.

What does it mean when a visa category is "current?"

Saying a visa category is current simply means that there is no wait time for the type of visa listed. The visa bulletin publishes "priority dates for visa categories monthly, which let applicants know how far along they are on the wait list. A priority date is like the "now serving sign at a deli counter or a fast food restaurant: the priority date listed is the application date of the people USCIS is currently serving. Having a "current" visa category means you don't even have to take a number.

Most family visa categories have wait times that are years long, if not decades. Having a current F-2A category is an exciting opportunity for U.S. permanent residents to bring their spouses and minor children to the United States as quickly as if they were U.S. citizens, which is a rarity.

How long is the August 2013 visa bulletin valid? How long is the F-2A visa category current?

The August 2013 visa bulletin update only refers to wait times through the month of August, so there is no guarantee this family visa category will stay current for long. Most immigration attorneys and specialists expect it to be current for a very limited time, probably no more than a couple months.

How can I take advantage of the F-2A category's current status?

If you are a green card holder (legal permanent resident) and you have a spouse or minor child that you want to join you in the United States, we highly recommend talking to an immigration attorney as soon as possible. There is no way of knowing how much longer the F-2A category will stay current, so it's best to get your case opened and processed as soon as possible. The faster green card holders apply, the faster they can reunite with their loved ones in the United States!

UPDATE: The F-2A category is still current for September 2013 according to the September 2013 Visa Bulletin.

If you want to learn more about the family-based green card petition process, visit our family green card page. If you are a green card holder/U.S. permanent resident looking to bring your spouse or minor child to the United States while the F-2A category is still current, contact us for more information or call 1-855-VISANOW for a free case assessment.