Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor certain children for a U.S. Green Card. However, the rules, eligibility categories, process, and waiting times are different from those that apply to U.S. citizens. Even so, this remains a reliable way for families to reunite in the United States. Understanding these differences can help families plan better and avoid unnecessary delays.
This guide explains who Green Card holders can sponsor, which visa categories apply, how long the process takes, and what happens if your situation changes—such as becoming a U.S. citizen. Are you a U.S. citizen and planning to sponsor your children? Learn more in our guide on U.S. citizens sponsoring children, sons, and daughters.
Who Can Sponsor a Child as a Green Card Holder?
Only Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)—commonly called Green Card holders—can sponsor eligible children for permanent residence. The sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid Green Card
- Maintain permanent resident status in the U.S.
- Be able to show a qualifying parent-child relationship
Green Card holders cannot sponsor married children under U.S. immigration law.
Which Children Are Eligible for Sponsorship?
A Green Card holder may sponsor only unmarried children.
Eligible:
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried sons or daughters age 21 or older
Not Eligible:
- Married sons or daughters (any age)
- Stepchildren if the marriage occurred after the child turned 18
- Children without a legally recognized relationship
Green Card Holder Sponsorship Categories
Children sponsored by Green Card holders fall under family-based preference categories, which are subject to annual visa limits.
Visa Categories for Green Card Holders
| Category | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| F2A | Unmarried child under 21 of a Green Card holder |
| F2B | Unmarried son or daughter (21 or older) of a Green Card holder |
Because these are preference categories, waiting periods apply, and visa availability depends on the Visa Bulletin.
For a broader overview of family-based immigration, see our detailed guide on getting a Green Card through family sponsorship.
Important Warning: If your child gets married at any time before they receive their Green Card, the petition is automatically cancelled. Green Card holders cannot sponsor married children.
Green Card Holder Sponsorship Process (Step-by-Step)
The process of bringing your child to the U.S. follows these major steps:
- Step 1: The Petition (Form I-130): You file Form I-130 with USCIS to prove your legal relationship. You must include a copy of your Green Card and the child’s birth certificate.
- Step 2: Getting a Priority Date: Once your petition is received, you get a “Priority Date.” This is your child’s official place in the waiting line.
- Step 3: Wait for Visa Availability: You must check the monthly Visa Bulletin for the F2A or F2B categories. You are waiting for your Priority Date to become “current.”
- Step 4: Final Processing:
- If your child is abroad: They go through “Consular Processing” at a U.S. Embassy.
- If your child is in the U.S.: They file for “Adjustment of Status” (Form I-485).
Processing Times and Waiting Periods
Because the U.S. government limits how many people in these categories get Green Cards each year, there is always a wait.
- F2A (Under 21): Usually takes 2 to 4 years. This is the highest priority for residents.
- F2B (Adult 21+): Usually takes 7 to 10+ years.
Note: Wait times can be much longer if your child is from a country with high demand, such as Mexico or the Philippines.
Can a Green Card Holder Sponsor a Child Inside the U.S.?
Yes, but there is a very strict rule: Your child must maintain a legal status in the U.S. the entire time they are waiting.
Unlike the children of U.S. citizens, the children of Green Card holders cannot “forgive” an overstay or unauthorized work. If your child’s tourist or student visa expires before their Priority Date becomes current, they will likely have to leave the U.S. and finish the process through a U.S. Embassy in their home country.
What Happens If the Child Turns 21? (CSPA Protection)
Children sponsored under the F2A category may “age out” when they turn 21. However, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may help protect eligibility by:
- Freezing the child’s age for immigration purposes
- Accounting for USCIS processing delays
To benefit from CSPA, the child must:
- Remain unmarried
- Seek permanent residence within required time limits
What Happens If the Green Card Holder Becomes a U.S. Citizen?
This can significantly improve the child’s immigration options.
Benefits of Naturalization
| Before (Green Card Holder) | After (U.S. Citizen) |
|---|---|
| F2A / F2B categories | Immediate Relative or F1 |
| Visa limits apply | No visa cap for minor children |
| Long wait times | Faster processing |
If the sponsor becomes a U.S. citizen, they should notify USCIS or the National Visa Center to request an upgrade of the petition.
For a complete overview of bringing children, sons, and daughters to live in the United States as permanent residents, see our comprehensive guide.
Required Documents (Overview)
Typical documents include:
- Form I-130
- Proof of parent-child relationship (birth certificate, adoption decree, etc.)
- Copy of sponsor’s Green Card
- Child’s passport and civil documents
- Proof of legal entry (if applying inside the U.S.)
Additional documents may be requested by USCIS or the consulate.
Key Differences: Green Card Holders vs U.S. Citizens
Comparison Table
| Topic | Green Card Holder | U.S. Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Can sponsor minor child | Yes | Yes |
| Can sponsor adult child | Yes (unmarried only) | Yes (married & unmarried) |
| Visa caps apply | Yes | No (for minor children) |
| Waiting time | Longer | Faster |
| Married children allowed | No | Yes |
Check the Status of Your Petition
After filing Form I-130, you can track your case using the USCIS Case Status tool with your receipt number. Regularly checking your status helps you respond quickly to any requests from USCIS.
Conclusion
Family reunification is important, but even small mistakes can cause long delays. Understanding your options early—especially if your child is close to turning 21 or you plan to become a U.S. citizen—can make a big difference. Start your application with confidence by reviewing your eligibility and next steps today.
