Immediate Filing Window Opens for F2A Adjustment of Status

The U.S. Department of State’s April 2026 Visa Bulletin provides a critical and time-sensitive opportunity for families in the F2A category. For this month, the F2A category, which includes spouses and unmarried children under 21 of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), is listed as "Current" on the Dates for Filing chart.

This designation allows eligible individuals currently in the United States to file their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, regardless of when their initial immigrant petition was filed.

Filing Opportunity and Concurrent Processing

The "Current" status in the Dates for Filing chart signifies that there is no backlog for submitting adjustment of status applications this month. USCIS has officially confirmed that applicants may use this chart for April 2026 filings.

If you are a spouse or minor child of a green card holder and are physically present in the U.S. in a lawful status, you may take the following actions immediately:

• File Form I-485: Submit your green card application now.

  
  

• Concurrent Filing: If the initial immigrant petition has not been filed for you yet, your petitioning relative may file it concurrently with your Adjustment of Status Application.

  
  

• Ancillary Benefits: Filing the I-485 allows you to simultaneously apply for Employment Authorization and Advance Parole (authorization to leave the US and return), providing legal work permit and travel secondary benefits while the green card is pending.

Risk of Retrogression

Visa availability is fluid and can change every month. While F2A is current for April, there is no guarantee this status will remain in May or June. If the demand for visas exceeds the supply, the State Department may "retrogress" the dates, moving them backward and closing the filing window.

Applicants who do not submit their completed applications to USCIS before the end of April risk losing their eligibility to file for months or even years if retrogression occurs. Filing now "locks in" your place in the queue and secures your right to remain in the U.S. with pending status benefits.

Essential Requirements for Filing

To successfully take advantage of this window, applicants must ensure their filing package is complete and accurate. Key requirements include:

• Lawful Presence: You must be in a valid non-immigrant status or otherwise eligible for adjustment under specific provisions of the law.

  
  

• Medical Examination: A specific medical exam must be completed by a USCIS-authorized physician ("civil surgeon") and included with your initial filing to avoid delays.

  
  

• Financial Support: The petitioner must provide a signed Affidavit of Support, along with recent tax transcripts and proof of income to demonstrate that the applicant will not become a public charge.

  
  

Practical Steps

You should immediately verify your eligibility and begin gathering civil documents, such as birth certificates and marriage licenses. Because the window is limited to the calendar month of April, any delay in mailing the application could result in a missed opportunity if the May Visa Bulletin shows movement away from "Current" status.

For assistance with preparing your adjustment of status package or to evaluate your eligibility under the F2A category, contact Tran Flores Law at (512) 894-9984.