What is the process for a child to become a green card holder?

The process for a child to become a green card holder, also known as a lawful permanent resident, in California is an involved one. Generally speaking, the child must obtain a visa before they enter the United States. The type of visa they need depends on how they are entering the country. Family members can file an I-130 petition, which is a petition for an alien relative, to sponsor the child. The child must also have a sponsor in the United States and meet certain age, marital status and financial requirements. Once the child has the visa, they can enter the United States. Once they are legally in the U.S., they must apply for permanent residence. This can be done through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by submitting an application for a green card, which is also known as an I-131 application. The USCIS considers several factors when deciding if a child qualifies for a green card. The child must have a sponsor in the United States who can financially support them. The child must also be at least 18 years of age and maintain a valid visa status. The child must also not be inadmissible to the United States. If the application is approved, the child will receive a green card in the mail and become a lawful permanent resident. Once they have the green card, they can live and work permanently in the United States. The green card will need to be renewed every 10 years. With a green card, the child may also eventually be eligible to become a U.S. citizen.

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El proceso para un menor de edad para convertirse en un titular de tarjeta verde depende de la situación legal del niño. Si un menor de edad es el hijo de un ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, el niño tiene la opción de solicitar una tarjeta de residencia a través de un proceso conocido como "petición de familia". El padre (ciudadano de los EE. UU.) debe presentar un Formulario I-130 a la oficina de USCIS en nombre del niño. El niño también puede solicitar una tarjeta verde a través de un proceso conocido como "petición de status del menor huérfano" si el padre ya no vive. Para esto, el niño debe recibir una declaración judicial firmada por un juez judicial que certifique que el niño no tiene padre legalmente presente. Una vez que el niño reciba una tarjeta de residencia, deberá seguir una serie de pasos para convertirse en un titular de tarjeta verde apropiado. Esto incluiría solicitar la tarjeta verde a través del Formulario I-485, proporcionar la documentación requerida y pagar las tarifas apropiadas. Una vez que se completen todos los pasos, la USCIS procesará la solicitud y le otorgará el status de tarjeta verde al menor de edad.

Related FAQs

Are there any special provisions for a child to receive a green card through their parent’s adoption?
Are children able to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if they are in removal proceedings?
Are there any special circumstances that allow a child to stay in the U.S.?
Does a child need to submit a Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with their green card application?
Are there any exceptions to the two-year home country residency requirement for Naturalization for children?
Are there any special programs available to children who are victims of trafficking?
Does a child need to attend an interview when applying for immigration?
What is the process for a child to adjust their status from a nonimmigrant to an immigrant?
Are certain countries eligible for special immigration considerations for children?
What is the process of applying for permanent residence for a child?

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