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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.

Time Matters in Immigration Cases. Every Day Counts

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.

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!

Source: Get information directly from USCIS – Chapter 7 – Children, Sons, and Daughters

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   Chisholm Law Firm 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We highly recommend the Coleman Law Group for immigration and personal injury cases and refer our clients to them whenever they're in need of these services. Constance is knowledgeable, reliable and an expert in her field. 5-stars!
  
 
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   Charis Campbell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Attorney Coleman and her team on several cases involving personal injury and immigration. Her expertise in these complex areas is truly impressive.  She stays updated on the latest legal developments and applies this knowledge effectively in her cases. Working alongside her, I've seen firsthand her commitment to her clients. She always willing to share insights and is leading attorney in our local community. I highly recommend her law firm!
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Constance Coleman is the best Attorney I have ever met. She is beautiful kind smart and aggressive when she needs to be to fight for your rights or injuries I was a client and if could give her stars it would a million stars and her staff are always respectful and they always answer when you need help or have any questions on your case I almost lost my baby while I was pregnant and constance told me to take a break from are case and get some rest she is very genuine and caring and Marlies was wonderful to the Coleman law group is very professional kind and smart thank you guys for all the hard work ❤️ Words cannot express how much I truly appreciate the hard genuine work you did for my case thank you so much and be blessed.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great people!
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Constance is a helpful and caring attorney.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My case was solved quickly and communication was very deliberate and frequent throughout my experience.
  
 
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   Kevin Bushnell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent and over and above service. Checked on me throughout the process and even months after, got the maximum possible. Personally Constance cares about her clients and I will definitely recommend or if needed again this law group would be the first I call probably before my insurance. Very, very, very much so second to none.
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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.

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.

Who qualifies as a child for immigration purposes?

A “child” is an unmarried individual below the age of 21 who can be a biological, adopted, or qualifying stepchild as per USCIS regulation.

Can a U.S. citizen petition for both a biological child and a stepchild?

Certainly, U.S. citizens can file petitions for both if the respective relationships satisfy the USCIS eligibility criteria.

Can I apply for a stepchild if I married their parent when the child was already 18?

No, the marriage must take place while the child is still a minor for the relationship to be classified as a stepchild.

What documents are required to validate parent-child relationships?

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.

Are DNA tests necessary for child petitions?

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.

Can I petition for an adopted child instead of a stepchild?

Yes, but only if adoption was done legally and was completed before the child turned 16 (or 18 in specific sibling cases).

Do minors have to participate in the immigration interview?

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.

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Child & Stepchild Immigration

Time Matters in Immigration Cases. Every Day Counts

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

Required Evidence for Child & Stepchild Petitions

What Happens After I-130 Approval

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How is the Coleman Law Group helping you

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Military Divorce in Florida: Key Rules & Benefits

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Flexible Payment Plans

Child & Stepchild Immigration

Time Matters in Immigration Cases. Every Day Counts

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

Required Evidence for Child & Stepchild Petitions

What Happens After I-130 Approval

Why Choose Coleman Law Group?

How is the Coleman Law Group helping you

Listen Carefully

Use Legal Approaches

Ensuring Complete Transparency

Payment Plans

Our Practice Areas

What Our Clients Are Saying

Navigate Complex U.S. State Immigration Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Blogs

FREE GUIDE:

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Navigate
Complex U.S. State Immigration Laws