How to Get Green Card for Child

Steps to Get Green Card for a Child

Child of permanent resident living in the U.S.:

Children of U.S. permanent residents are automatically granted permanent resident status when the parent(s) adjusts status to permanent residency if:

If the child does not meet the above requirements, they can apply for permanent residency through adjustment of status only if they are unmarried.

1The U.S. permanent resident parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien relative on behalf of the child.

2Once the I-130 is approved and a visa number becomes available, the child files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

3Once the I-485 application is approved, the child attends a green card interview.

Generally, only children over the age of 14 are required to have an interview.

4If the interview goes well, the child will be granted U.S. permanent residence and receive a green card in the mail.

Child of permanent resident living outside the U.S.:

Children of U.S. permanent residents are eligible for U.S. green cards only if they are unmarried.

1The U.S. permanent resident parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS on behalf of the child.

2Once the I-130 is approved and a visa number becomes available, the child files for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State.

3The child attends a visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.

Generally, only children over the age of 14 are required to have an interview.

4If the interview goes well, the child will receive an immigrant visa passport stamp and a visa packet, allowing them to travel to the U.S.

5Once in the U.S., the child will officially be a lawful permanent resident. A green card will be mailed to them within 30 days of their arrival.

Child of a naturalized citizen living in the U.S.:

Children of U.S. citizens are automatically granted citizenship when their parents naturalize if:

If the child does not meet the above requirements, they can apply for permanent residency through adjustment of status.

1The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien relative on behalf of the child.

2Once the I-130 is approved and a visa number becomes available, the child files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

3Once the I-485 application is approved, the child attends a green card interview.

Generally, only children over the age of 14 are required to have an interview.

4If the interview goes well, the child will be granted U.S. permanent residence and receive a green card in the mail.

Child of a citizen living outside the U.S.:

1The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS on behalf of the child.

2Once the I-130 is approved, the child files for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State.

3The child attends a visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.

Generally, only children over the age of 14 are required to have an interview.

4If the interview goes well, the child will receive an immigrant visa passport stamp and a visa packet, allowing them to travel to the U.S.

5Once in the U.S., the child will officially be a lawful permanent resident. A green card will be mailed to them within 30 days of their arrival.