Is there anyone out there who is now a permanent resident that has petitioned to bring their under the age of 21 and unmarried child to the U.S. that can shed some light of a couple things? I read somewhere on here it is a called a "Following-to-Join" benefit. It says that "if you had children before you became a lawful permanent resident, and your children did not physically acompany you to the United States, and you would now like your children to join you in the United States, you children may be eligible for following-to-join benefits. This means you do not have to submit a separate Form 1-130, and your chldren will not have to wait any extra time for a visa number to become available".

Has anyone done this? One place says "simply notify a U.S. consulate that you are a lawful permanent resident so that your children can apply for immigration visas". Another place says "submit the following to the U.S. Citizienship and Immigration Service": Form I-724, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition" etc.

I need to know what the fees are involved in this (per each form required) and how long the wait is. Anybody have any helpful information for us. Thanks!

my youngest son followed to join, but he did all the paperwork with me at the same time as I did, we just knew he woudlnt be crossing iwth me, I also listed the elder one, but he is still in Canada.
The fees incurred for my son that is here now were the $100 for the visa, he had to go to the consulate for an intervew (he came with me), he had to hav ethe medical, and he had to activate the visa at the border just like I did, $6, and apply for AOS once he got here, pay that fee, and have his interview.
I dont know about filing an initial petition because as I mentioned I had listed him initially on mine.
The elder one, is also listed and if he decided to move here before he turns 21, he would have to do the same things, medical, consulate interview, aos, etc.
Hope this helps somewhat