Green Card for Children
Green Cards for Children: A Complete Guide for Parents
At Law Offices of Monica Jara-Aguirre, we help U.S. citizens and green card holders reunite with their children through family-based immigration. Whether your child is 2 or 21, unmarried or married, living abroad or in the U.S., we’ll guide you through the fastest and most secure path to their green card.
Who Qualifies as a "Child" for Immigration?
- Under U.S. law, a "child" is:
- Under 21 years old
- Unmarried
- Biological, stepchild (if marriage occurred before their 18th birthday), or adopted (if adopted before 16)
- Note: Children over 21 or married fall into different visa categories with longer waits.
1. Immediate Relative (Fastest Option - U.S. Citizens Only)
- For: Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- No waiting list – Green cards always available
- Processing Time: 12-18 months
- Bonus: Can file I-130 + I-485 together if child is in the U.S. legally
2. F1 Category (Unmarried Adult Children 21+ of U.S. Citizens)
- For: Unmarried sons/daughters 21+ of U.S. citizens
- Wait Time: 7-10+ years (longer for Mexico/Philippines)
3. F2A Category (Unmarried Minor Children of Green Card Holders)
- For: Unmarried kids under 21 of green card holders
- Warning: If child turns 21, they "age out" into F2B (unless CSPA applies)
- Current Wait: 2-5+ years (varies by country)
4. F2B Category (Unmarried Adult Children 21+ of Green Card Holders)
- For: Unmarried children 21+ of permanent residents
- Wait Time: 6-9+ years
- Strategy: If parent naturalizes, can upgrade to F1 category
5. F3 Category (Married Children of U.S. Citizens)
- For: Married sons/daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens
- Longest Wait: 12-20+ years
Critical Deadlines: The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)
- If your child is close to turning 21, CSPA may freeze their age for immigration purposes if:
- I-130 was filed before they turned 21
- They apply for green card within 1 year of visa availability
- USCIS processing time is subtracted from their biological age
- Example: If USCIS took 2 years to approve I-130, a 22-year-old could be treated as 20.
- Don’t guess—we calculate CSPA eligibility precisely!
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
| If Child Is... | Process | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| In the U.S. legally | File I-485 Adjustment of Status | Can get work/travel permits while waiting |
| Outside the U.S. | Consular Processing via U.S. embassy | No need to enter U.S. first |
Top 5 Mistakes Parents Make
- Waiting too long to file (risking age-out)
- Not tracking visa bulletin dates
- Filing under wrong category
- Missing CSPA deadlines
- DIY applications with errors
Why Hire Us?
- CSPA Age-Out Specialists – We protect your child’s eligibility
- Visa Bulletin Strategists – Know when to file for fastest approval
- Adjustment & Consular Experts– Choose the right path
- 20+ Years Family Immigration Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1 : What areas of law do you practice?
We specialize in family law, immigration law, and civil litigation. Whether you’re facing a divorce, seeking a visa, or dealing with a legal dispute, we are here to help.
Q. 2 : Do you offer consultations?
Yes, we offer initial consultations to evaluate your legal needs and discuss the best course of action. Please contact our office at (818) 570-7197 or email jaraaguirrelaw@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
Q. 3 : Where is your office located?
Our primary office is at:
820 San Fernando Road, Suite 203A, San Fernando, CA 91340
We also have a mailing address in Encino:
4930 Balboa Blvd #261938, Encino, CA 91426
Q. 4 : Do you charge for consultations?
We denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms.
Q. 5 : What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any relevant documents related to your case (court papers, notices, contracts, identification, etc.) and a list of questions or concerns you have. This helps us better understand and assess your legal situation.