1. Determine if you are eligible to sponsor your child.
In order to be eligible to sponsor your child, you must meet certain requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and you must have the financial means to support your child. You can find more information on the USCIS website.
2. Collect all required documents.
In order to submit the I-130 petition, you will need to provide certain documents including your passport, birth certificate, and proof of your relationship with your child. You can find a full list of required documents on the USCIS website.
3. Complete and submit the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative.
The I-130 petition can be completed and submitted online or by mail. You can find more information on how to complete and submit the petition on the USCIS website.
4. Gather the required biometric information.
As part of the process, you will need to provide biometric information including fingerprints and photographs. This can be done at an application center or embassy/consulate. More information can be found on the USCIS website.
5. Send supporting documents to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Once your petition has been approved, the NVC will begin processing your case. They will need certain supporting documents including your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate (if applicable). More information can be found on the NVC website.
6. Pay fees and track your case.
You will need to pay various fees associated with the petition and visa process. These fees can be paid online or by check/money order payable to “Department of State”. You can track the status of your case on the USCIS website.
7. Receive notification of visa availability.
When a visa becomes available for your child, you will receive a notification from the National Visa Center (NVC). At this point, you will need to apply for your child’s visa and attend an interview at an embassy or consulate abroad. More information can be found on the NVC website.
8. Apply for your child’s visa and attend their interview.
After receiving notification that a visa is available, you will need to apply for your child’s visa and attend an interview at an embassy or consulate abroad as scheduled by the NVC. Be sure to bring all required documentation with you to the interview including your passport, birth certificate, and proof of your relationship with your child. More information can be found on the USCIS website.
9. Bring your child to the United States.
After your child’s visa is approved, they will be able to travel to the United States. Make sure you have all required documents with you when you travel including your passport, birth certificate, and visa. Once you arrive in the United States, your child will need to go through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection. More information can be found on the CBP website.