👶 Green Card for Adopted Children of U.S. Citizens
U.S. immigration law allows U.S. citizens to sponsor adopted children for lawful permanent residency, but the requirements are stricter than for biological or stepchildren. The adoption must meet specific age, custody, and residency conditions, and fall under the Hague or non-Hague adoption process depending on the child’s country of origin.
âś… Who Qualifies as an Adopted Child?
There are three primary pathways based on the circumstances:
1. Orphan Process (Form I-600/I-600A)
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Child from a non-Hague country.
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The child must be under 16 at the time of adoption (or under 18 if a sibling of another adopted child).
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Must be legally adopted by the U.S. citizen or intended for adoption.
2. Hague Process (Form I-800/I-800A)
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Child from a Hague Convention country.
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Adoption process must follow Hague procedures from the start.
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Child must be under 16 (or 18 if a sibling of another adopted child).
3. Family-Based Petition (Form I-130)
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The child has been:
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Legally adopted before turning 16, and
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Living with the adoptive parent(s) for at least 2 years, and
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In the legal custody of the adoptive parent(s) for at least 2 years.
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đź“„ Required Documents
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Final adoption decree.
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Proof of legal custody and joint residence (2-year rule if using Form I-130).
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Birth certificate (original and translated if needed).
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Proof of U.S. citizenship of adoptive parent(s).
🛂 Application Steps
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Determine the correct path (Hague, orphan, or family-based).
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File either:
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Form I-600/I-600A
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Form I-800/I-800A
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Form I-130 (if already adopted and meets 2-year rule)
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Complete visa processing (DS-260) or adjustment of status (I-485).
⚠️ Key Issues to Watch For
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Adoption must be legal and final before immigration benefits apply.
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Custody and residence requirements must be met and documented.
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Adoptions solely for immigration benefit will be denied.
📞 Contact Borderless Lawyers to ensure your adopted child’s green card application is valid, timely, and secure.