Because Family Is Worth Bringing Together!

Are you a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident hoping to bring your son or daughter to live permanently in the United States?

U.S. immigration law allows eligible citizens and Green Card holders to petition for qualifying children, sons, and daughters through family-based immigration.

However, the immigration process depends on several important factors, including the petitioner’s immigration status, the beneficiary’s age, marital status, and applicable visa category.

WHO CAN PETITION FOR A SON OR DAUGHTER?

1. U.S. CITIZENS

U.S. citizens may petition for:

• Unmarried Children Under 21 (Immediate Relative Category): These children generally qualify as immediate relatives and are not subject to annual immigrant visa numerical limits.
• Unmarried Sons or Daughters Age 21 or Older (F1 Category): These petitions fall under the Family First Preference category and are subject to visa availability.
• Married Sons or Daughters of Any Age (F3 Category): These petitions fall under the Family Third Preference category and are subject to visa availability.

2. LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS (GREEN CARD HOLDERS)

Lawful permanent residents may petition for:

• Unmarried Children Under 21 (F2A Category): Subject to applicable immigration requirements and visa availability.
• Unmarried Sons or Daughters Age 21 or Older (F2B Category): Subject to visa availability and the applicable priority date.

IMPORTANT: Lawful permanent residents cannot petition for married sons or daughters. Changes in marital status may affect an existing petition.

WHAT DOES THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS INVOLVE?

STEP 1 – FILING THE FAMILY PETITION

The process generally begins with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, submitted to USCIS by the qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent.

Supporting documents may include:

• Evidence of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
• The beneficiary’s birth certificate.
• Documentation establishing the qualifying parent-child relationship.
• Adoption, marriage, or other family relationship records when applicable.
• Additional supporting evidence requested by USCIS.

STEP 2 – UNDERSTANDING PRIORITY DATES AND VISA AVAILABILITY

For family preference categories F1, F2A, F2B, and F3, visa availability is determined through the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.

Depending on the category, priority date, and applicable country of chargeability, additional waiting periods may apply.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to these annual numerical visa limits.

STEP 3 – DETERMINE WHERE THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS WILL TAKE PLACE

IF YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER LIVES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

The process generally involves:

• Filing Form I-130 with USCIS.
• USCIS petition review and approval.
• National Visa Center (NVC) processing when applicable.
• Completing Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application.
• Preparing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and supporting financial documents when required.
• Submitting the required civil documentation.
• Completing the medical examination and attending a consular interview.
• Traveling to the United States after immigrant visa approval and issuance.

IF YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER IS ALREADY IN THE UNITED STATES

Some applicants may qualify to apply for Adjustment of Status using Form I-485, depending on their immigration category, visa availability, immigration history, and other eligibility requirements.

In certain qualifying situations, Form I-130 and Form I-485 may be filed concurrently.

IMPORTANT: Approval of Form I-130 does not automatically grant permanent residence, employment authorization, or permission to remain in the United States.

ADDITIONAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Child Status Protection Act (CSPA): Certain applicants may qualify for age-related protections that can affect their immigration classification.

Derivative Beneficiaries: In qualifying family preference categories, eligible spouses or unmarried children under 21 of the principal beneficiary may be included in the immigration process, subject to applicable requirements. Immediate relative petitions do not provide derivative benefits.

Changes in Family Circumstances: Marriage, divorce, naturalization of the petitioning parent, or changes in age may affect an immigration petition.

U.S. Citizenship Through Parents: Some children born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents may already have acquired U.S. citizenship and may not need an immigrant visa.

HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU?

At COLOMBIA USA INMIGRACIÓN LLC, we provide virtual immigration form preparation and document assistance services in English and Spanish.

Our services include:

• Form I-130 petition preparation assistance.
• Organization of parent-child relationship documentation.
• Assistance preparing applicable immigration forms.
• NVC documentation preparation and organization.
• Form DS-260 preparation assistance.
• Form I-864 preparation and financial document organization.
• Consular interview preparation and coaching.
• General information about administrative immigration procedures.

YOUR STORY IS UNIQUE. YOUR PROCESS IS TOO!

Because the bond between parents and children knows no borders.

Every family has a unique story, and every immigration journey comes with different circumstances.

Our goal is to help you stay informed, organized, and prepared throughout the administrative steps of your family-based immigration process.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD FAMILY REUNIFICATION?

Schedule your personalized virtual consultation today and learn how our immigration document preparation services can assist you and your family.

COLOMBIA USA INMIGRACIÓN LLC is an independent immigration document preparation service. We are not attorneys or a law firm and do not provide legal advice or legal representation. We are not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. Department of State. Immigration eligibility, processing times, and application outcomes depend on individual circumstances and government decisions. Approval is not guaranteed.