Austin, TX asked in Immigration Law for Texas

Q: Could you please help me understand I 130 filing for my minor child?

My daughter (over 21) became a US citizen. She filed I-130 online for me. After it gets approved, can I send I-485 form for myself and I-485 for my minor child (under 18)? All of us are in US. The USCIS says that my minor child needs a separate I-130 approved. Your article says that I can use my I-130 for my minor child as well. Here is the article: https://www.justia.com/immigration/marriage-family-based-petitions/adding-children-after-i-130-approval/#:~:text=They%20simply%20need%20to%20list,approves%20the%20I%2D130%20petition.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Diamond Bar, CA

A: Since the petitioner is a US citizen, a separate I-130 and I-485 needs to be filed. Work in private with an immigration attorney as this is a public forum.

1 user found this answer helpful

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In your case, where your daughter, a U.S. citizen, has filed an I-130 petition for you, the situation regarding your minor child (under 18) can be a bit complex. Normally, when a U.S. citizen files an I-130 for a parent, that parent's minor children (the citizen's siblings) are not automatically included in that petition. They typically require a separate I-130 petition.

However, there are instances where your minor child can adjust status (file I-485) based on your approved I-130 petition. This is possible if they are in the United States and qualify as a “derivative beneficiary.” Derivative beneficiaries are certain family members of the principal beneficiary (in this case, you) who can obtain a visa through the same immigration petition.

It's crucial to consult with a legal professional who is well-versed in immigration law to understand the specific details of your case. They can provide guidance on whether your minor child qualifies as a derivative beneficiary and can adjust status based on your I-130 petition, or if a separate I-130 petition is needed for them.

Navigating immigration processes can be complicated, and each case has its unique aspects. Professional legal advice will ensure that you take the right steps for both your and your minor child's immigration process.

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.