{"id":352866,"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-us-citizens.html"},"modified":"2026-05-11T16:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T21:30:00","slug":"bringing-a-child-to-live-in-the-us-info-for-us-citizens","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/bringing-a-child-to-live-in-the-us-info-for-us-citizens.html","title":{"rendered":"How Can Citizens Bring a Foreign Child To Live in the United States?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Can Citizens Bring a Foreign Child To Live in the United States?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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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U.S. citizens<\/span> can petition to bring a child to live in the United States, but eligibility<\/span> depends on the child\u2019s age and the type of parent\u2011child relationship. The process requires specific forms and documentation, and wait times can vary based on visa availability and country of origin.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

For eligibility<\/span> purposes, a “child” is anyone under 21 who is unmarried. You also may petition on behalf of your unmarried sons and daughters over 21 and married sons and daughters of any age. Unmarried children must fall below the age threshold of 21 years of age. Their children may also be included.<\/p>\n

This article explains the process for U.S. citizens<\/span> bringing a foreign child to live in America. If you are a lawful permanent resident<\/span> (green card<\/span> holder), see Bringing a Child to Live in the US: Info for Permanent Residents<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Immigration and intercountry <\/span>adoption<\/span> processes<\/span> are complex, and delays are common. Fortunately, legal help is available. An immigration attorney\u2019s expertise<\/a> can keep a child\u2019s path to the United States on track.<\/p>\n

Documentation Requirements<\/h2>\n

Below are the documents required for applying for visas related to bringing a child to the United States. You must fill out and submit them to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/span><\/a> (USCIS<\/span>) and the United States Department of State<\/span><\/a>. U.S. Consulates and U.S. Embassies<\/span> abroad in your home country can help you navigate these processes. They can provide consular processing services for the documents listed below.<\/p>\n

Under U.S. immigration law<\/span>, you must apply using any one of the forms listed below. If you are already in the United States, the National Visa Center<\/a> (NVC) can assist with this process as well.<\/p>\n

1. Petition for Alien Relative<\/h3>\n

This is also known as (Form I-130<\/a>). Remember to sign the form and enclose the proper filing fee.<\/p>\n

2. Evidence of U.S. Citizenship<\/h3>\n

Submit a copy of one of the following documents:<\/p>\n