{"id":352865,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:50","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/bringing-a-child-to-live-in-the-us-info-for-permanent-residents.html"},"modified":"2026-05-11T09:23:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:23:00","slug":"bringing-a-child-to-live-in-the-us-info-for-permanent-residents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/bringing-a-child-to-live-in-the-us-info-for-permanent-residents.html","title":{"rendered":"Bringing Children of U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents into the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bringing Children of U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents into the U.S.<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

U.S. citizens<\/span> and lawful permanent residents (green card holders)<\/span>\u00a0can petition to bring their children to the United States, but eligibility<\/span> depends on the child\u2019s age, marital status<\/span>, and the parent\u2011child relationship. The process requires specific forms and proof of citizenship or residency, along with documentation showing a biological, adoptive, or stepparent<\/span> relationship.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Learning how to reunite with your children by bringing them with you to the United States may feel challenging and overwhelming. You must meet legal requirements on top of the emotional toll of being away from your children.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article explains how green card holders<\/span> can bring their children to the United States. The immigration process<\/span> can feel overwhelming, especially when you\u2019re fighting to bring your child home to you. Contact an immigration attorney<\/span><\/a> near you for help untangling the legal requirements.<\/p>\n

Are My Children Eligible for a Green Card?<\/h2>\n

Consider the essential factors. Included among them are the child’s age and\u00a0marital status<\/span>.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0U.S. <\/span>Citizenship<\/span> and Immigration Services<\/span> (USCIS<\/span>)<\/a>, a “child” for immigration purposes is an unmarried person under 21 years of age<\/span>. A “daughter” or “son” is a married person 21 or older.<\/p>\n

If you are a U.S. citizen<\/span>, you may petition for your children who are in the following categories:<\/p>\n