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.
THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.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 considerations for a child to receive an immigrant visa as a refugee?Are there any special requirements for a child to be granted a visa?
What is the difference between family-based immigration and employment-based immigration?
Are minors able to be financially sponsored by a third party?
What is the definition of a “minor” in immigration law?
Is a child eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if they are a dependent of a lawful permanent resident?
Is a child eligible to apply for a T visa if they are victims of trafficking?
Is a child able to travel outside of the U.S. while their application for a green card is in process?
Are children eligible for special immigration considerations?
Can a child apply for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
Related Blog Posts
Understanding Immigration Law for Children: A Guide for Families - July 31, 2023The Disadvantages of Not Knowing Immigration Law for Children - August 7, 2023
Family-Based Immigration Law Options for Children - August 14, 2023
Defending Children’s Immigration Rights in Court - August 21, 2023
What You Need to Know About Representing Children in Immigration Court - August 28, 2023