Visa Options for Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

1. What visa options are available for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens?


Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens can apply for an immigrant visa through the family-sponsored immigrant visa program. This includes F1 visas for unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years of age, and F2 visas for unmarried sons and daughters under 21 years of age. There is also the potential for D1 and D2 visas for unmarried sons and daughters who meet certain requirements. Additionally, unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens may be eligible for a K-3 or K-4 visa, which allows them to enter the U.S. and become permanent residents while waiting for a decision on their F1 or F2 visa application.

2. Are there any age restrictions when applying for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa?


Yes, the applicant must be under the age of 21.

3. Is a sponsor necessary to apply for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa?


Yes, a sponsor is necessary to apply for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa. The sponsor must submit an affidavit of support, which is a legally binding document in which they promise to financially support the applicant while they are in the U.S.

4. What papers/documentation should I submit for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa application?


You will need to submit a U.S. citizen’s birth certificate and a valid passport. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of financial support for the child, such as bank statements, pay stubs, or an affidavit of support. You will also need to complete Form DS-11 and Form I-130, submit photographs of the child, and provide any additional documents requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate.

5. How long does it take to process an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa application?


The processing time for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa application can vary depending on the individual case. Generally, the processing time takes about 6-9 months from the date the application is filed until a visa is issued.

6. Is there a fee associated with an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa application?


Yes, there is a fee associated with an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa application. The fee is currently $535. This fee does not include any additional fees that may be charged by the government or the USCIS for processing applications and issuing visas.

7. Does an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen have to be present for the visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy?


Yes, an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen must be present for the visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy.

8. Do I need to go through the interview process when applying for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa?


Yes, all applicants for a U.S. visa must undergo an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The purpose of the interview is to verify the information included in the visa application and to determine the eligibility of the applicant for a visa.

9. Does an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen need to provide proof of financial support when applying for a visa?


Yes, an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen must provide proof of financial support when applying for a visa. This proof is in the form of an Affidavit of Support, which must be signed by the sponsor (the U.S. citizen) and submitted to the U.S. embassy or consulate with the visa application.

10. Can I extend my unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa if it expires?


Yes, you can apply to extend an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen’s visa if it expires. The process involves filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may also need to file additional documents depending on the individual’s circumstances.

11. What type of residence can an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen obtain upon entry into the United States?


The unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen is eligible to obtain a green card (permanent resident status) upon entry into the United States.

12. Are there any restrictions on travel within the United States for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa holder?


No, there are no restrictions on travel within the United States for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen visa holder. However, the son or daughter may need to provide proof of relationship with the visa holder to authorities if asked.

13. How long may an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen remain in the United States on their visa?


An unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen may remain in the United States for an indefinite period of time on their visa, as long as the visa is valid.

14. Are there any restrictions on working in the United States for an unmarried son or daughter of a US citizen visa holder?


Yes, there are restrictions on working in the United States for an unmarried son or daughter of a US citizen visa holder. Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens are eligible for visas under the F1 visa category, which allows them to study in the United States but not work. They may be eligible for other work visas, such as the H-1B visa for specialty occupations or the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability. However, their eligibility is dependent upon meeting certain requirements and even then, it is subject to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval.

15 What is the process for obtaining permanent residency as the unmarried son or daughter of a US citizen?


The process for obtaining permanent residency as the unmarried son or daughter of a US citizen is as follows:

1. File a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Once the petition is approved, the individual must apply to adjust their immigration status by filling out Form I-485.

3. The individual must submit a set of fingerprints to USCIS.

4. Once USCIS has reviewed the applicant’s fingerprints and background check, the individual must attend an interview with USICS.

5. After the interview, USCIS will either approve or deny the applicant’s request for permanent residency. If approved, the applicant will receive a green card.

6. The individual must then apply to become a naturalized citizen if they wish to become one.

16 What are the requirements to become a naturalized US citizen as the unmarried child of a US citizen?


To be eligible for naturalization as the unmarried child of a U.S. citizen, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be under 18 years old;
2. You must have a lawful permanent resident (LPR) parent;
3. Your parent must be a U.S. citizen;
4. Your parent must have been physically present in the U.S. for a certain amount of time;
5. You must be residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of your parent;
6. You must be in good moral character and have no disqualifying criminal offenses; and
7. You must meet all other requirements for naturalization, including knowledge of the English language and U.S. government and history (civics).

17 What rights and privileges do unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens have in the United States?


Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens have several rights and privileges in the United States, including the right to apply for and obtain a green card, to live and work in the United States permanently, to attend public schools, to receive government benefits, to access certain health care programs, to vote in some local elections, and to obtain a US passport.

18 Can I petition for my siblings if I am an unmarried son or daughter of a US citizen?


Yes, you can petition for your siblings if you are an unmarried son or daughter of a US citizen. The process is called “family-based immigration” and requires you to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. You will need to provide proof that you are a US citizen and provide evidence of your relationship to your siblings. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support your siblings if they come to the United States.

19 Is there any special consideration given to children born outside the United States to US citizens?


Yes, under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, children born outside the United States to US citizens may automatically gain US citizenship upon meeting certain requirements. These requirements include that at least one parent must be a US citizen either at birth or through naturalization and that the child must be under 18 years old. Additionally, if the parent is living outside of the US, the child must be legally admitted to the US as a permanent resident before they can obtain citizenship.

20 Are there any special provisions for those seeking asylum as the unmarried child of a US Citizen?


Yes, there are special provisions for those seeking asylum as the unmarried child of a U.S. citizen. These provisions are laid out in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 101(a)(27)(J). The INA states that a child of a U.S. citizen, who is unmarried and under 21 years old, can be granted asylum, regardless of their nationality or residence status. The child must demonstrate that they have been persecuted or fear persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Additionally, the child must have resided in the U.S. for at least one year prior to filing for asylum and must meet all other eligibility requirements for asylum.