Once parents obtain a U.S. immigrant green card, they often consider the issue of how their children can also immigrate. How children can obtain a U.S. immigrant green card is a question many parents ask. So, how can parents apply for immigration for their children after receiving their own U.S. immigrant green card? Below, immigration experts from Worldway Group provide a detailed introduction.
First, many applicants preparing to apply for green cards for their parents often have the idea of applying for green cards for their siblings living with their parents at the same time, so that the whole family can immigrate to the United States together and reunite with their family sooner. However, things do not always go as planned. According to U.S. immigration law, for citizens applying for green cards for relatives, only three categories of immediate relatives—parents, spouses, and unmarried minor children—do not need to wait for visa bulletins. Other categories of family relationships require waiting periods. Even if siblings are minors and living with their parents in China, they cannot immigrate with their parents; they can only apply for immigration under the fourth preference category for family-based immigration (siblings of citizens), for which the current waiting period is approximately 11 years.
Second, another issue that everyone is very concerned about is whether a citizen can adopt a relative's child (such as a sibling's child) as their own and then apply for immigration for them. U.S. immigration law stipulates that a citizen cannot immediately apply for immigration for an adopted sibling's child. The adoptive parents must live with the adopted child for two years before they can apply for U.S. immigration for them. However, if the child is an orphan—for example, some citizens go to orphanages in mainland China to adopt orphans—this type of adoption does not require the two-year period of living together to apply for immigration.
Third, a green card holder cannot apply for immigration for their parents. Family-based immigration only allows green card holders to apply for immigration for their spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children. Green card holders cannot apply for immigration for their parents or siblings. This is also a question frequently asked by green card holders.
Fourth, applicants who have obtained a conditional U.S. green card can immediately begin applying for green cards for their unmarried children. There is no need to wait until obtaining a permanent U.S. green card to apply for the children.
There are clear regulations on how parents can apply for their children after obtaining a U.S. green card. Relevant matters must be handled according to the procedures, and one should not be overly impatient. Before applying for children, it is important to clearly understand the rules and regulations, and you can also seek assistance from immigration experts.