Child Sponsorship to the USA: A Guide for U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents
At Wang Law LLC, we help families reunite through the child sponsorship process. If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) seeking to bring your child to the United States, this guide outlines eligibility, the application process, and what to expect.
Who Can Sponsor a Child for Immigration to the U.S.?
Both U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can petition for their children through family-based immigration. The eligibility criteria vary based on the sponsor’s status and the child’s age and marital status:
U.S. Citizens Can Sponsor:
- Unmarried biological or adopted children under 21 years old (Immediate Relative category).
- Married children of any age (Family Preference category).
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) Can Sponsor:
- Unmarried children under 21 years old (Family Preference category).
- Unmarried adult children (21 years or older) (Family Preference category).
The Child Sponsorship Process
The child sponsorship process involves multiple steps, from filing the I-130 petition to obtaining a visa or adjusting status in the U.S.
Step 1: Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- The sponsor must submit Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the parent-child relationship.
- Required documents include:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status of the sponsor
- Proof of adoption (if applicable), including final adoption decree and evidence of two years of legal custody and residency with the adoptive parent
Step 2: Visa Processing (For Children Outside the U.S.)
- Once Form I-130 is approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
- The sponsor must submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to demonstrate financial ability.
- The child must complete Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application).
- A medical exam and an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate are required.
Step 3: Visa Issuance and Entry to the U.S.
- If the visa is approved, the child can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident (Green Card holder).
- If the child is under 18 and enters as the unmarried biological or adopted child of a U.S. citizen, they may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
Processing Times and Challenges
- Immediate Relative petitions (children of U.S. citizens) generally process faster than Family Preference petitions (children of Green Card holders).
- Potential delays may arise due to background checks, missing documents, or visa backlogs.
- Adopted children require additional legal steps to confirm the validity of the adoption under U.S. immigration law.
How Wang Law LLC Can Assist
Our experienced immigration attorneys provide full support for child sponsorship cases, including:
- Assessing eligibility and preparing required documents.
- Filing Form I-130 and ensuring accuracy in supporting documentation.
- Assisting with visa processing and interview preparation.
- Resolving legal challenges and delays in the immigration process.
If you need legal guidance for child sponsorship, we are here to help.
Contact Wang Law LLC
Wang Law LLC
203 N LaSalle Blvd #2100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: +1 (708) 966-9999
Email: info@wanglaw.com
Website: www.wanglaw.com