Can children who are 20 years old take a long time to have the Green Card issued?

The EB-3 program is one of the immigration pathways to the United States that allows the entry of skilled professionals, unskilled workers, and some other workers. Often, dependents – spouses and children – accompany the petition holder, but it is important to understand how age requirements can affect the process. In the context of EB-3, children considered dependents must meet the legal definition of “child” for immigration purposes, that is, be unmarried and under 21 years old.

When a child is close to that age limit, there is a risk that they may “age out” during the lengthy Green Card approval process. In other words, if the application takes too long, a child who is 20 years old at the start of the process may surpass the age limit before the Green Card is issued.

To alleviate this situation, there is the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), legislation that can preserve the dependent status even if the child turns 21 during the process. However, the correct calculation and application of the CSPA depend on specific details of each case, such as the petition filing date and waiting times. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor these deadlines and the requirements established by United States immigration law.

It is always important to emphasize the importance of strictly following immigration laws and consulting reliable and specialized sources to avoid unnecessary risks. The immigration environment can be full of complex information, and there are many companies and marketing campaigns promising easy solutions. The best practice is to seek guidance from specialists who value legal compliance, thus avoiding pitfalls that could jeopardize the process.

In summary, yes, children in their 20s may face delays or complications if the Green Card issuance process extends for a long time due to the age limit. Staying well informed and consulting specialized professionals, always based on current legislation, is essential to conduct the process safely and efficiently.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.