Maryland Child Visa Lawyer — How Can You Bring Your Child to the U.S.?
A Maryland child visa lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents petition for their children to immigrate. The process involves filing Form I-130 and handling consular processing or adjustment of status. Our firm provides dedicated immigration help for families across Maryland. Contact us for an immigration consultation to discuss your case.
Understanding Child Visas Under U.S. Immigration Law
U.S. immigration law provides specific pathways for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to petition for their children to join them. The child’s age, marital status, and the petitioner’s immigration status determine eligibility and visa category. A child visa lawyer in Maryland can clarify which category applies to your situation and guide you through the complex procedural requirements.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | U.S. Department of State
Official Government Resources
For the official forms and instructions, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. To understand visa processing at U.S. embassies, refer to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.
The Petition Process for a Child Visa
The process begins with the U.S. citizen or LPR petitioner filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This establishes the qualifying relationship. Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for document collection and fee payment, then to a U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview if the child is abroad.
- File Form I-130: Submit the petition with USCIS with proof of your status and the child’s birth certificate.
- Wait for Approval: USCIS will adjudicate the petition. Processing times vary.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: After approval, pay fees and submit civil documents to the NVC.
- Consular Interview: Schedule and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country.
- Visa Issuance and Entry: Upon visa approval, the child can travel to the U.S. to become a permanent resident.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Child Visa Case
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings extensive experience in family-based immigration. We understand the urgency and emotional weight of uniting families. Our approach focuses on meticulous document preparation and clear communication to handle the USCIS and Department of State systems effectively.
Contact a Maryland Child Visa Attorney
If you need to petition for your child, securing experienced legal guidance is crucial. A dedicated child visa lawyer in Maryland from our team can manage the paperwork, deadlines, and legal requirements. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Child Visas
What is the difference between a CRBA and a child visa?
It depends on where the child is born. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is for a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, establishing citizenship at birth. A child visa is for a foreign-born child of a U.S. citizen or LPR who does not acquire citizenship automatically and must immigrate.
Can a green card holder petition for a married child?
No. Lawful Permanent Residents can only petition for unmarried children under age 21. Once a child marries, they are no longer eligible under the LPR parent’s petition. A U.S. citizen parent, however, can petition for a married child under the F3 family preference category, which has a much longer wait time.
How long does the child visa process take?
Processing times vary widely. Immediate Relative visas for unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens have no annual limit but still face USCIS and consular processing delays, often taking 12-24 months. Visas for children of LPRs or married children of U.S. citizens are subject to annual quotas and visa bulletin wait times, which can extend for many years.
What happens if my child turns 21 while the petition is pending?
This triggers the “aging out” problem under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). The child’s age is “frozen” on the date the I-130 is filed, but specific calculations apply. An immigration attorney can perform a CSPA age calculation to determine if the child remains eligible for a child visa or must convert to a different, slower category.
Do I need a lawyer to file a child visa petition?
While not legally required, an immigration consultation with a visa lawyer is highly advisable. The forms are detailed, and mistakes can cause lengthy delays or denials. An attorney ensures all evidence of the relationship is properly submitted and can advise on complex issues like adoption, prior immigration violations, or medical inadmissibility.
Last verified: April 2026. Immigration laws and procedures change frequently. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance specific to your child’s visa case.
Under Md. Code, Corps. & Assns. § 1-101, state law governs this practice area.