When someone becomes a parent, they often start planning to offer their child a better life than they had. Parents may want to offer their children more economic stability or a better education than they were able to pursue. For some parents, the best opportunities for their children will require bringing them to the United States.
There are many ways for parents with children living in other countries to potentially help their children immigrate to the United States and potentially enjoy a better standard of living, as well as more opportunities.
With a visa
Some parents begin their immigration journey with an employment or student visa. Visa programs typically allow for immediate family members to apply to travel with the initial visa candidate. Parents can usually request a subordinate visa for an unmarried child under the age of 21 when traveling to the United States for an employment or educational opportunity.
With a green card
When someone born abroad secures the right to stay in the United States indefinitely, they become a permanent resident. Adjusting one’s status to obtain a green card and become a permanent resident also leads to eligibility for someone’s children to enter the United States on the fast track for a green card themselves. The family preference visa program allows parents with a green card to help their children who are unmarried and under the age of 21 to secure visas and potentially later green cards. There is a secondary, slightly lower preference category that could help children over the age of 21 who have not yet married travel to the United States.
Through naturalization
If a foreign national naturalizes and becomes a United States citizen, they will be in a better position to help their children enter the country eventually. United States citizens are the only ones who can help adult children who have already married secure he says or green cards. Once someone becomes a citizen, they are overall family immigration opportunities expand to include parents and siblings in many cases.
Seeking legal guidance to better understand the rules that govern different immigration opportunities can help those who are hoping to bring loved ones to the United States.