Are you an adult child of a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and seeking to join your parents in the United States? At Cohen Immigration Law Group, our experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through the process of obtaining a green card and building a new life in the U.S.
The Adult Child of Lawful Permanent Resident category allows unmarried adult children of U.S. green card holders to immigrate to the United States.
However, there are specific eligibility requirements that must be met:
The adult child must be under 21 years old at the time the parent becomes a lawful permanent resident.
The adult child must be unmarried at the time the petition is filed
The adult child must be a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of the lawful permanent resident parent.
The process of obtaining a green card as an adult child of a lawful permanent resident involves several steps:
The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Once the petition is approved, your name is placed on a waiting list based on visa availability.
If you are living outside the United States, you will need to attend a consular interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
If you are living in the United States, you may be eligible to adjust your status to a green card without returning to your home country.
The lawful permanent resident parent files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This establishes the family relationship.
Once the I-130 is approved, the child is placed in the F2B visa queue. Approval of the I-130 alone does not grant a Green Card.
The child must wait until their “priority date” becomes current per the monthly Visa Bulletin, which depends on visa availability and quotas.
Once the priority date is current, the child can proceed with either Consular Processing (if abroad) or Adjustment of Status (if already in the U.S.), depending on their situation.
Current estimates for F2B petitions show a wait time of approximately 6-10 years for many beneficiaries — though this varies depending on country of origin and visa-queue demand.
From filing of Form I-130 to approval alone typically takes 10-14 months (for many preference-category petitions), but may take longer depending on case load.
After I-130 approval, the child must wait until visa availability — which often represents the bulk of the waiting period.
If the child marries while the petition is pending, the F2B petition is no longer valid. Green Card holders cannot petition for married children.
Visa availability and priority-date waiting times fluctuate depending on demand, country of chargeability, and annual limits set by law.
Even after the I-130 is approved, immigration eligibility still depends on visa availability and consular or adjustment-of-status processing.
Experienced Immigration Lawyers: Our team has extensive experience handling adult children of lawful permanent resident cases and can guide you through the entire process.
Former Immigration Judge: Our firm is led by Raisa Cohen, a former Immigration Judge who brings unique knowledge and expertise to your case.
Personalized Attention: We understand the importance of family unity and provide personalized attention to each client.
Meticulous Preparation: We meticulously prepare your application and supporting documents to maximize your chances of success.
Effective Advocacy: We effectively advocate for your rights throughout the process, representing you at interviews and responding to any requests for evidence.
If you are an adult child of a lawful permanent resident and seeking to join your parents in the United States, contact Cohen Immigration Law Group today for a consultation. Our experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through the process and help you build a brighter future in the U.S.
🔒 100% Confidential. We treat your case with care and clarity.
