The Coleman Law Group

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Child & Stepchild Immigration

At the Coleman Law Group, we make sure that the process of filing an I-130 petition for your child or stepchild is as easy for you as possible. Our experienced team of lawyers helps parents figure out the complicated process of this petition application. Call today to book your consultation.

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What is an I-130 Petition and Who Can File It

The I-130 petition is useful to establish a certified relationship between a parent and a child. This helps the immigration process easier for the child, and they can gain lawful resident status in the United States. Although both U.S. residents and permanent residents can file for this petition, the eligibility criteria vary depending on the parents’ status. Other criteria for the petition include the child’s age and, in some cases, marital status. U.S. citizens can file for unmarried children below 21 years of age and for married children of any age. They can also file it for adopted or stepchildren, only if they meet the USCIS criteria.

For stepchild petitions, USCIS needs the marriage that created the step relationship with the child involved to have occurred when the child turned 18 years old. This point confuses many people. We help parents establish healthy relationships within their families and with each other.

Whether your family has a regular dynamic or involves divorce or separation, we ensure that you clear the eligibility for all these cases, and your case appears effective in front of USCIS.

Required Evidence for Child & Stepchild Petitions

The most foolproof way to ensure the success of an I-130 petition is to establish a proper relationship between the child and the parent. This is possible only by submitting high-quality evidence that effectively supports your case. These documents can include birth certificates, hospital or school records, pictures of the child, legal guardianship documentation, communication history, and any proof of involvement in the child’s life. For stepchildren, parents must submit a proper marriage certificate. Alternatively, in the case of a second marriage, proof of termination of the previous marriage must also be provided by the parents.

Adopted children will need documentation that confirms their legal status of adoption and a timeline of their adoption. This will be accompanied by proof that all adoption requirements under immigration law have been met. To avoid delays in the process, ensure that the documentation is clear and accurate before submitting the petition.

Our lawyers review and help you gather any missing information before your case reaches USCIS, so there is no chance of rejection.

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What Happens After I-130 Approval

Once USCIS approves the petition, the child can then pursue lawful permanent residency. However, if they are already in the United States, they can pursue an Adjustment of Status, which will allow them to stay in the country while they apply for their green card. However, if the child is in any other country, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center and assigned to a consular officer for further processing.

For other categories, the timeline depends on visa availability and the family preference category assigned by USCIS. These steps can be overwhelming for some families, as they involve a significant amount of legal activity that can be confusing, especially when navigating visa bulletin updates, uploading documents, and scheduling interviews.

Our firm provides guidance and support throughout all these steps, so you won’t feel burdened and will know what to expect at every phase.

Why Choose Coleman Law Group?

The Coleman Law Group utilizes a blend of legal expertise, meticulous case preparation, and a compassionate approach to help families reunite. We provide a thorough understanding of your story, answering your questions promptly and preparing your petitions with meticulous precision, ensuring that USCIS would not expect them to be any better done.


Our team of lawyers is dedicated to achieving the goal of reducing waiting times, strengthening your application if there are any flaws, gathering convincing evidence, and ensuring that every form you submit is perfectly completed the first time. Regardless of the complexity of your situation, we always have a customized solution ready for you. Contact us at 727-214-0400 today to book a consultation!

How is the Coleman Law Group helping you

We ensure that each case is handled with outstanding attention at The Coleman Law Group
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Listen Carefully

In reviewing your case, our attorneys will evaluate it from all perspectives to provide the most informed guidance.

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Use Legal Approaches

In fighting your case, our lawyers use proven methods to ensure compliance with legal standards.

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Ensuring Complete Transparency

Throughout your case, our attorneys provide clarity, support, and the guidance you need for confidence and peace of mind.

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Payment Plans

Enjoy flexible payment plans for our immigration services.

Our Practice Areas

Family-Based-Immigration

Family-Based Immigration

Our lawyer brings families together by leading petitions, overcoming challenges, and ensuring that loved ones can easily obtain lawful entry or residence.

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Family Based Green Card

Our lawyer guides family members seeking permanent residency by ensuring accurate applications and paperwork and providing comprehensive assistance throughout the immigration process.

Humanitarian Relief

Humanitarian Relief

The Coleman Law Group assists those in need to pursue humanitarian programs that aim to achieve safety, stability, and judicial security.

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Citizenship & Naturalization

The clients also assist the approved immigrants in the naturalization process, whereby immigration lawyers prepare the necessary forms, evidence, and questionnaires to facilitate a smooth change in their citizenship status.

Vawa Self Petitions

Vawa Self Petitions

The lawyers assist survivors in attaining independent legal status through confidential VAWA petitions, offering support, care, and effective advocacy.

Employment Based

Employment Based

Our immigration lawyer assists employers and visa professionals in compliance, documentation, strategic planning, and development of safe, long-term workforce access.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Here are just a few of the real stories from families we’ve helped reunite through
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Complex U.S. State Immigration Laws

Specialized immigration attorneys are dedicated to guiding families and individuals through every aspect of the immigration legal process.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a child petition under the U.S. immigration law?
The petition is the I-130 that a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident can submit to the USCIS and start the process of establishing a parent-child relationship for immigration.
A “child” is an unmarried individual below the age of 21 who can be a biological, adopted, or qualifying stepchild as per USCIS regulation.
Certainly, U.S. citizens can file petitions for both if the respective relationships satisfy the USCIS eligibility criteria.
No, the marriage must take place while the child is still a minor for the relationship to be classified as a stepchild.
The most common and important documents that are usually required are-birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption documentation, and proof of an active parental relationship with your child.
Generally, no, but in some unique cases, USCIS may require DNA tests to be carried out if they think the documents are not enough or if the relationship has not been established properly.
Yes, but only if adoption was done legally and was completed before the child turned 16 (or 18 in specific sibling cases).
Most of the time, yes, the minors seeking visas or green cards are usually required to be present at consular or USCIS interviews unless they qualify for an exemption.

Our Blogs

A Guide for Sponsorship of Stepchild for U.S. Green Card

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How to File a K-1 Fiancé Visa Petition Without Common Mistakes | Coleman Law Group

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It is exciting to fall in love across borders, but the process of bringing your fiancé to the United States...
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Complete Guide to Employment Based Immigration Visa

A Complete Guide to Employment Based Immigration Visa

The United States welcomes professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and talented workers. There are various channels into the U.S. immigration system, and they are open to individuals intending...
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Guide to Finding A Humanitarian Visa Lawyer Florida

Navigating the complexities of immigration law requires specialized knowledge, especially when it concerns applications for humanitarian visas. For those residing...
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Spousal Sponsorship Lawyer

¿Necesitas realmente un abogado de patrocinio conyugal?

Introducción Navegar por el sistema de inmigración estadounidense no es tarea fácil, sobre todo cuando se trata del patrocinio conyugal....
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