Family/Permanent Residenc:
Children of U.S. Citizen

The Immigration Act allows United States citizens or permanent
residents to petition for permanent residence for certain qualifying
family members.

A parent petitioning for a child can only do so in this category if the child is under 21-years-old and unmarried.  (See order of preference for details regarding other categories).

CHILD

The definition of a child has undergone different interpretations, especially in the area of legitimate and illegitimate children. 

A step-child is eligible as long as the parent-child relationship was established when the child was under the age of 18 years.

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