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Book an appointment with Law Tap

Get immediate help with your immigration issue.
Call 213-784-6598 to arrange a time to talk

When can you help your children enter the United States?

When can you help your children enter the United States?

On Behalf of | Jun 30, 2021 | Immigration

There are many ways for people to legally enter the United States. They can secure a work visa through their employer or an educational visa if they come for college or graduate school. Others will qualify to enter the country because of a relationship they have with a family member.

Spouses and even parents can qualify for family-based immigration. Children also sometimes have the right to enter the United States if their parents are here. When are you in the position to help your child enter the United States or get a Green Card? 

The age of marital status of your children is important

There are numerous ways that parents can help their children travel to the United States or even become permanent residents or citizens. However, in many cases, there are restrictions about the age of the children.

Parents of children under the age of 21 will have the most options for helping their children immigrate. Marital status is also key. Many family-based immigration options for children require that they not be married. If your children are under the age of 21 and unmarried, there are several ways that you could bring them into the United States. 

As a holder of a visa subordinate to your own

When you qualify for an employment visa, you can potentially ask to bring your spouse and your children with you while you stay in the United States. Your children will need to pass the same medical exams and background checks required of the recipient of the primary visa. However, provided that they qualify, they can travel with you and stay with you in the United States. 

Through the family preference Visa program

Both lawful permanent residents and United States citizens can sponsor family members for a family preference visa. Citizens receive priority consideration for such visas and have effectively no limit on the right to bring immediate family members, including unmarried children under the age of 21, into the country.

Permanent residents can also try to bring their unmarried children into the country, although there may be fewer visas available. There are limits to the total number of visas available each year, which may mean you need to apply more than once to bring your children to the United States.

Understanding the options for family-based immigration can help you reunite with your children as quickly as possible.