It may be overwhelming to bring your child to live with you in the United States, but it is one of the most significant steps a parent can make. In U.S. immigration law, there are several methods to reunite with minor children in this situation. Your child’s age and U.S. status, as well as your base in the U.S., will dictate the best option.
Knowing these options makes it more likely that you’ll make the right decision regarding your family’s future. At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we support parents through these challenging times so they can successfully reunite with their children. As always, if you need assistance, you are welcome to contact us for personalized advice.
Options for Parents Who Are U.S. Citizens
As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your unmarried children who are under the age of 21. This category is also given precedence, so the process is frequently faster than other family immigration applications.
The process commonly begins with the submission of a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and continues either through consular processing (for a child living abroad) or adjustment of status (for a child already in the U.S.). Legal fees in such cases generally run from $3,000 to $5,000, and filing fees to the government total approximately $535 for the petition and can include additional costs for visa processing.
Because every case is different, being advised by a lawyer can cut those months of delays. If you would benefit from assistance during this process, you can schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilich, and we can discuss your options.
Options for Parents Who Are Lawful Permanent Residents
If you are a green card holder, you can petition for your unmarried children under 21 as well. But green card holders, unlike American citizens, may occasionally have to wait longer due to visa availability under the preference system.
Processing times may differ depending on the child’s country of origin. For instance, kids from countries with high demand, like Mexico or the Philippines, might wait longer. Attorneys’ services in such cases typically run from $3,500 to $6,000, depending on complexity. Government filing fees are the same as with the citizen petition system.
As the rules change and timing is everything, it’s smart to work with an immigration lawyer who can monitor your case. Contact us today. Our staff can discuss these waiting periods with you and take you through the process.
Options for Parents with Temporary Status
Parents in the United States on temporary visas or in the country on humanitarian programs often inquire about the possibility of joining their children. It would depend on the status you hold. For example, individuals holding O-1, H-1B, or L-1 work visas can bring their children under the age of 21 as dependents.
Likewise, people in humanitarian programs such as asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) might have special opportunities for their children. And in many cases, the price encompasses both legal fees — which can be as low as $2,000 each and up to $4,000 apiece — and government filing fees, which depend on the type of application.
Cases like these can be particularly complicated, so it would be best to consult with an immigration lawyer to find the safest and most expedient way out. If you have concerns about whether your temporary status can be reunified, feel free to check our immigration lawyer services.
Options Through Humanitarian Programs
Occasionally, children are unable to come to their parents through normal visa routes, but there are humanitarian alternatives. In fact, the Humanitarian Parole system can bring a child to the U.S. on a non-permanent basis if there are pressing reasons, like an endangerment to safety. Another course may be related to refugee or asylum protections if the child is at risk back home.
Such applications are likely to need robust evidence and legal submissions. Costs can be all over, but you may be looking at $4000 to $7500 for legal representation, based on the specifics. Humanitarian requests are closely scrutinized, so it helps to have an experienced lawyer. If you are a parent who needs help protecting your child and reuniting in the U.S., The Law Office of Olena Manilich can help guide you through the process.
Conclusion
Reuniting with your child in the U.S. is a matter of planning, patience, and the right legal advice. For citizens or green card holders, there are options to get your child here to be closer to you.
Every case is different, and costs and schedules will depend on your individual circumstances. We value family as much as you do and are committed to being with you every step of the way. If you would like to get started with the process, schedule a consultation with us. We will help you reunite your family.
