If you are the unmarried adult child (21 or older) of a U.S. permanent resident, there may be a pathway for you to reunite with your family and live in the United States. This visa category reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to family unity, offering an option for adult children to join their parents legally.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be 21 years or older
  
  
• Be the biological or legally adopted child of a U.S. green card holder
  
  
• Be unmarried at the time of application and throughout the process
  
  

This visa category does not apply to married sons or daughters of permanent residents. If you marry during the application process, your eligibility will change and the petition may be denied.

Why This Visa Matters

• Family Reunification: Allows permanent residents to be with their adult children and avoid long-term separation.
  
  
• Emotional & Practical Support: Reunited families provide strong support systems during the transition to a new country.
  
  
• Skilled Immigrants: Many adult children bring valuable education, work experience, and cultural contributions.
  
  

Application Process

• The green card-holding parent must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  
  
• Once the petition is approved, the applicant is placed in the F2B visa category (a family-based preference category).
  
  
• Processing times can vary significantly due to annual visa limits and country of origin, sometimes resulting in multi-year wait times.
  
  
• After a visa becomes available, the applicant will attend a consular interview to finalize the process.
  
  

Things to Consider

• Wait Times: This category is subject to visa backlogs; it’s important to plan ahead.
  
  
• Status Updates: Applicants must remain unmarried until they officially enter the U.S. or receive permanent residency.
  
  
• Cultural Contribution: Immigrants in this category help enrich U.S. society through cultural diversity and economic participation.
  
  

In Summary

The Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents Visa offers a meaningful route for family reunification. While the process can be lengthy, it ultimately allows adult children to reunite with loved ones and build a future in the United States. With the right guidance and preparation, applicants can navigate the process successfully and contribute to a diverse, united community.