👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Green Card for Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens can petition for their stepchildren to obtain lawful permanent residency—if the marriage creating the step-relationship occurred before the child turned 18. This family-based immigration pathway is widely used and relatively straightforward compared to other family visas, but it still requires proper documentation and timing.
âś… Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as a stepchild under U.S. immigration law:
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The marriage between the biological parent and the U.S. citizen must have occurred before the child’s 18th birthday.
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There is no requirement that the U.S. citizen stepparent adopted the child.
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A continuing relationship is not required, but the marriage must still be legally valid.
đź“„ Required Documentation
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Marriage certificate of the U.S. citizen and the child’s biological parent.
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Proof of the child’s age (birth certificate).
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Proof of legal termination of previous marriages, if applicable.
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Proof of the U.S. citizen’s status (passport, naturalization certificate, etc.).
🛂 Application Process
If the Child Is Abroad:
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File Form I-130.
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Upon approval, proceed through consular processing (Form DS-260).
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Attend an interview at the U.S. embassy.
If the Child Is in the U.S.:
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File Form I-130 concurrently with Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
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Attend biometrics appointment and interview.
🧠Key Tips
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The stepchild can be any age at the time of application, as long as the step-relationship was created before age 18.
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If applying from within the U.S., the child must have entered legally to be eligible for adjustment of status.
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Stepchildren are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, so no visa number wait time is needed.
📞 Contact Borderless Lawyers to ensure your stepchild’s green card process is efficient, compliant, and stress-free.