Adult Child of Lawful Permanent Resident
BEST Guide: How to Apply for a Green Card as an Adult Child of a Lawful Permanent Resident
About Adjustment of Status
Securing Your Path to U.S. Citizenship
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.
What is the Adult Child of Lawful Permanent
Resident Category?
What is the Adult Child of Lawful Permanent Resident Category?
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:
Age:
The adult child must be under 21 years old at the time the parent becomes a lawful permanent resident.
Unmarried:
The adult child must be unmarried at the time the petition is filed
Relationship:
The adult child must be a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of the lawful permanent resident parent.
How to Apply for a Green Card as an Adult Child
of a Lawful Permanent Resident?
How to Apply for a Green Card as an Adult Child of a Lawful Permanent Resident?
The process of obtaining a green card as an adult child of a lawful permanent resident involves several steps:
Petition Filing:
The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Visa Number Availability:
Once the petition is approved, your name is placed on a waiting list based on visa availability.
Consular Processing (if applicable):
If you are living outside the United States, you will need to attend a consular interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Adjustment of Status (if applicable):
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.
Eligibility Criteria for F2B Petitions for Adult Children of Lawful Permanent Residents
- The parent must be a lawful permanent resident living in the United States.
- The child must be at least 21 years old.
- The child must be unmarried. If the child marries before the petition is finalized, the F2B petition becomes invalid.
- The petition must prove the parent-child relationship (e.g., with a birth certificate), and include evidence of the parent’s Green Card.
How the Process Works (Step-by-Step)
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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.
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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.
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The child must wait until their “priority date” becomes current per the monthly Visa Bulletin, which depends on visa availability and quotas.
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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.
Typical Wait Times and What to Expect
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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.
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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.
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After I-130 approval, the child must wait until visa availability — which often represents the bulk of the waiting period.
Important Considerations
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If the child marries while the petition is pending, the F2B petition is no longer valid. Green Card holders cannot petition for married children.
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Visa availability and priority-date waiting times fluctuate depending on demand, country of chargeability, and annual limits set by law.
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Even after the I-130 is approved, immigration eligibility still depends on visa availability and consular or adjustment-of-status processing.
About Adjustment of Status
Why Choose Cohen Immigration Law Group?
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.
Contact Cohen Immigration Law Group Today
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.
Why Clients Trust Us
Trusted by Immigrants.
Respected by the System.
I cannot say enough good things about Cohen Immigration Law. Very professional and extremely thorough. Daniel Levy was very prompt with setting things up. Sarah has the patience of an angel. She was very easy to work with and very efficient at her job. I would highly recommend Cohen Immigration Law.
– D. Ragnone
I came for a second opinion on my asylum claim. Raisa told me the potential problems that could be raised by the dhs about my military service. Super helpful.
– Anonymous
I had a phenomenal experience with Attorney Raisa Cohen. I was facing removal proceedings and didn’t know where to turn. My prior attorney was disbarred, and I went to Attorney Raisa Cohen for help. She took on my case and fought hard for me. Her courtroom skills and legal strategy were incredible. I’ll always be tremendously grateful for her help and highly recommend!
– Rosemary
My case manager Diane Mahko and attorney Daniel Levy were great to work with. Diane, especially, was amazing. She made the process simple, provided excellent directions on what paperwork was needed, how to obtain it, and was always timely in replying to questions. If I need any assistance with Canadian immigration in the future they will be my first call.
– Tanya B.
I had an amazing experience working with the Cohen Immigration Law Group. Raisa Cohen was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case. Thanks to her guidance and support, the entire immigration process went smoothly. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an immigration attorney!
– Anonymous
I had an amazing experience working with the Cohen Immigration Law Group. Raisa Cohen was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case. Thanks to her guidance and support, the entire immigration process went smoothly. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an immigration attorney!
– Anonymous
I called Cohen Law for some advice and was genuinely impressed by how kind and helpful they were. I explained my situation and let them know I couldn’t afford to hire a lawyer, and despite that, I was given thoughtful, honest, and very helpful advice. I truly appreciated the time and care they showed me. Highly recommend them for anyone needing legal guidance!
– Jess Lynlopez
Raisa Cohen is a fantastic immigration lawyer whom I had the pleasure to do a consultation with. Her knowledge as a former immigration judge truly helped me out in my situation and I would highly recommend her services!
– Anonymous
I had the pleasure of speaking with Raisa Cohen, and she provided me with clear and valuable legal guidance. She patiently clarified important points, laid out a clear roadmap for me, and summarized everything in a way that was easy to understand. Her professionalism and dedication were truly impressive. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking reliable legal advice.
– Sayed
I must say, they made easier than I expected, very fast response times, clear guidance and affordable. Victoria (citizenship) and Tereza (passport) were very professional and polite, again this was easier than obtaining documents from the USA DMV. Use Cohen if you want knowledgeable professionals! Thanks again
– Ronald Craig
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