Relocating to the United States with your child marks your strong desire to give them a better life. Anyone who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) can use U.S. immigration laws to bring their children to the country using a visa.
Who Qualifies as a “Child” Under U.S. Immigration Law?
In the immigration law of the United States, a “child” is considered:
• Unmarried
• If the person involved is a teenager under the age of 21.
• Having a biological child, adopting a child (if the rules allow it) or marrying someone with children.
Visa Options for Bringing Children to the U.S.:
For U.S. Citizens:
U.S. citizens can petition to bring:
· Biological children (under 21 and unmarried)
· Stepchildren (if the marriage to the child’s biological parent occurred before the child turned 18)
· Adopted children (if adopted before age 16 and meeting legal residency requirements)
· Married or adult children (but under different preference categories with longer wait times)
For Green Card Holders (LPRs):
Lawful permanent residents can petition for:
· Unmarried children under 21 (F2A preference category)
· Unmarried children over 21 (F2B category — longer wait time)
How to Get Your Child to the United States
This form is known as I-130 (or Petition for Alien Relative).
You should start by submitting Form I-130 to USCIS to show your child qualifies as a family member.
Make sure you wait until your desired Visa is ready (only if this is a requirement).
Family members of U.S. citizens are exempt from the visa number system, whereas adult or married children must wait for their turn in line with visa bulletin dates.
Make an application for your Visa or for status change.
Outside the U.S., the final step is consular processing at a U.S. Embassy. People who are already legally inside the U.S. are eligible to apply for residency with Form I-485.
Go to your Biometrics appointment and your interview.
A biometrics check (fingerprints and photo) and an interview are sometimes required by USCIS or the consulate for security reasons.
Get the Green Card or the Visa
When your application is accepted, your child will either receive a green card (if in the U.S.) or an immigrant visa (when abroad) to live in the U.S. permanently.
Processing Times in 2025:
Processing times for minor children of U.S. citizens in 2025 are usually between 8 and 12 months. The estimated time for a green card holder is 18–30 months. Those who are older than 21 or are married will often have to wait a lot longer because of preference-based restrictions. HelpingGreenCard.com can assist you quickly with all the details and updates on your application status.
Among all the ways to immigrate to the U.S., family reunification is especially meaningful. With proper help, getting your child into the United States will be done so that it is right, with no problems and on time. If you want help, document check and professional filing, go to HelpingGreenCard.com or call +91 8305233223 and talk to a reliable expert.
