In our office, we often receive questions like: “I’m a U.S. citizen and I want to sponsor my adult child” so we can reunite in the United States. Can a US citizen sponsor a child over 21? Yes, here’s how it works.
This is a common situation for families seeking reunification through family-based immigration. In general, to sponsor your adult child you should:
- File Form I-130 with USCIS.
- Wait for approval and visa availability based on the category: F1 if unmarried, F3 if married.
- Complete adjustment of status or consular processing, depending on where the beneficiary lives.
If you want to know how to get a Green Card for your adult child or how long a petition for an over-21 child takes, you’ll find attorney-verified information here, updated to reflect 2026 criteria.
In this article we explain today’s process, which forms to file, real timelines by category, and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
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What can I do if I’m a U.S. citizen and want to sponsor my child over 21 in 2026?
If you are a U.S. citizen, start by filing Form I-130 with USCIS.
This is the first step for your child to obtain lawful permanent residence (a Green Card).
- Unmarried child over 21: category F1.
- Married child (any age): category F3.
These petitions are not considered “immediate relatives.” They are subject to annual caps and to the timelines in the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.
The priority date is set when USCIS receives the form. That date determines your place in line.
If your child lives in the United States, they may adjust status when the date is current. If they live abroad, they must go through consular processing.
Who can qualify as a beneficiary under this family petition?
Not all adult sons and daughters automatically qualify when a U.S. citizen parent petitions an adult child.
Immigration law distinguishes two main family-preference categories. These determine both timing and procedure.
| Category | Beneficiaries | Estimated wait | Key notes |
| F1 | Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens | 9–14 years (longer for Mexico, the Philippines, India) | May include their own minor children as derivatives. |
| F3 | Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens | 13–20 years | Includes spouse and minor children as derivatives. |
Estimates based on the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.
Also, if the child turns 21 during the process, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may keep them in the “minor” classification in some cases.
Practical example: María, a U.S. citizen, filed Form I-130 for her 25-year-old unmarried son in Mexico. The case is F1. Under the current bulletin, the wait is about 13 years. Keeping documents updated and responding quickly to any RFE can prevent additional delays.
To see what happens after approval, visit Form I-130 Approved: What’s Next?.
Step-by-step process to sponsor an adult child
The process for a U.S. citizen parent sponsoring an adult child has several stages that vary depending on whether the child is inside or outside the U.S.:
- File Form I-130. This establishes the family relationship with USCIS. Include proof of citizenship and relationship. More details in “How to fill out Form I-130.”
- Wait for approval and visa availability. After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), which handles the consular phase.
- Adjustment of status (if the child is in the U.S.). When the priority date is current, file Form I-485. Make sure medical and background requirements are ready first.
- Evidence and interview. Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE) and prepare for the interview with legal support to improve approval chances.
- Special cases and alternative paths. For some families, such as Cuban nationals, the Cuban Adjustment Act may allow residence after one year and a day of continuous physical presence.
Quick example: Luis, a U.S. citizen, petitioned his married 32-year-old daughter (F3). The NVC requested certified translations and fee payments. With an attorney’s review, he avoided an RFE and the case moved to the consulate without delays.
How long does a U.S. citizen’s petition for an adult child take in 2026?
The wait time for a U.S. citizen parent petitioning an adult child depends on the category (F1/F3), the country of chargeability, and visa availability in the Visa Bulletin.
| Country | F1 (unmarried > 21) | F3 (married) |
| Mexico | 13–15 years | 18–22 years |
| Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras) | 10–13 years | 15–20 years |
| Philippines | 12–14 years | 17–21 years |
| Rest of world | 9–11 years | 13–17 years |
To track progress, review your priority date. When the published date reaches yours, the case can move forward.
Legal tips to reduce delays:
- Submit complete, signed forms with sufficient evidence.
- Keep your address and contact information current with USCIS.
- Check timelines at USCIS Processing Times.
- Avoid duplicate filings or untranslated documents.
- Consult with our immigration attorneys to plan strategy and minimize delays.
If you want to explore related family categories that affect F3 quotas, read “Bringing siblings to live in the United States as permanent residents”.
Brief example: José, a U.S. citizen, filed a petition for an adult child over 21 living in Honduras. Based on the bulletin, his attorney estimated a ~12-year F1 wait. Keeping evidence current and avoiding translation errors helps prevent RFEs and shortens processing time.
Costs, requirements, and required documents
The total cost of a Green Card for sons and daughters over 21 depends on the required forms and whether the case is processed abroad or inside the U.S.
| Form | Purpose | USCIS fee (2026) |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | $625 online / $675 paper |
| I-485 | Adjustment of status to permanent resident | $1,440 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photo | $85 |
| Medical exam (I-693) | Health requirement | ~$200–$400 |
Fees may change; verify the current amount before filing.
Petitioner (parent) requirements:
- Be at least 21 and reside in the U.S.
- Prove U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization).
- Provide clear evidence of the parent-child relationship.
Beneficiary (son/daughter) requirements:
- No grounds of inadmissibility.
- Comply with medical and vaccination rules.
- Submit certified English translations where required.
Practical example: Ana, a U.S. citizen, petitioned her married 33-year-old son in F3. With complete preparation and professional review, USCIS approved the I-130 without an RFE in 8 months, significantly reducing time at the NVC.
For similar costs and processes, see “How long does it take to bring spouse to USA”.
To understand the reverse path (children petitioning parents), see “Can I bring my parents to USA permanently”.
FAQs about petitions for adult sons and daughters
Below are answers to common questions about how a US citizen can sponsor a child over 21, including requirements, wait times, and special situations that often raise doubts.
How long does it take to petition an adult child?
Timelines depend on country of chargeability and category (F1 or F3). Currently, average waits range from 9 to 20 years.
Check the Visa Bulletin and review your priority date regularly to avoid timing issues.
How long does a U.S. citizen’s petition for a child take?
The full process can take more than a decade depending on the country. It’s essential to keep documents updated and respond to USCIS on time.
Can a US citizen sponsor a child over 21?
Yes. A U.S. citizen can petition for adult sons and daughters, whether unmarried (F1) or married (F3).
Both groups must wait until a visa is available before adjusting status or starting consular processing.
What if I’m already over 21 and my parent is a U.S. citizen?
Your parent can file Form I-130 for you. If you live in the U.S., you may apply for adjustment of status once your priority date is current. If you live abroad, you will proceed through consular processing.
If there are inadmissibility issues, review options in “Waiver of inadmissibility.”
Do the rules change if the petitioner is the mother or the father?
The rules are the same. What matters is proving the legal relationship with certificates, certified translations, and consistent documentation.
An attorney can help you avoid inconsistencies.
What happens if my child marries during the process?
The petition automatically moves from F1 to F3. The wait is longer, but the petition remains valid as long as the family relationship continues. Report the change in marital status to the NVC or USCIS.
Can I appeal if USCIS denies my petition for my child?
Yes. You can file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within the deadline indicated by USCIS. Learn more in “Immigration appeal process”.
How our immigration lawyers can help
In short, if I’m a U.S. citizen and want to sponsor my adult child, the process is possible. It requires patience, planning, and precision.
Categories F1 and F3 involve long waits, but with the right strategy, complete documentation, and constant tracking of the Visa Bulletin, you can achieve family reunification without costly errors.
At Lluis Law our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles have helped families obtain Green Cards through family petitions for over 60 years.
We’ll advise you on form preparation, document review, RFE responses, and interviews before USCIS or the consulate.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll guide you step by step to reunite your family legally in the United States.
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