Family-based immigration is relatively common. People who have a lawful opportunity to enter or live in the United States may want to share that opportunity with their loved ones. People frequently help their spouses enter the United States. They can also potentially assist their children with immigration. There are multiple situations in which parents can legally help their children enter the country.
When can parents extend immigration opportunities to their children?
1. When they have visas
Employment visas typically create opportunities for immediate family members of the visa holder. An individual entering the country for work or higher education could apply for visas for their spouse and their unmarried minor children. Seeking visas together can allow the entire family to travel to the United States together. Children can renew their visas when their parents do and may be eligible for green cards eventually.
2. When they are permanent residents
Once people have green cards, their options for supporting family-based immigration expand. For example, they can potentially apply for a family preference visa for their children. Family preference visas allow unmarried children under the age of 21 an opportunity to secure a green card of their own. There is also a lower preference category for unmarried children over the age of 21.
3. When they become citizens
Naturalized citizens can help their children legally enter the country. Citizens can potentially even assist their married children. They can sponsor their children for family preference visas and can help them obtain green cards.
Factors including the age of the children and the legal status of the parent dictate the best options for family-based immigration. Partnering with an immigration attorney can help parents evaluate different options for helping their children legally live in the United States.