Does immigrant child have to be accompanied by adult to enter US?

[nyus 0]

The immigrant finished consular processing and received an IR2 family based immigrant visa, as the child of a US citizen. The immigrant is a minor (16 years old). Can she enter the US by herself or does she have to be accompanied by an adult? Thank you!

[NickD 202]

Airline rules are as follows:

"Children under 12 years of age must travel with another passenger at least 16 years of age or they will be considered Unaccompanied Minors.

Passengers 12 through 17 years of age may travel independently. Unaccompanied Minor service can also be purchased as an option for passengers 12 through 17 (subject to the same charges and provisions)."

Immigration laws vary widely by country, most want your passport, visa, or green card, and certified authorization from a parent. But this may only be good for traveling to a given country. May require extra permission to even leave that country or you will stuck there until you reach the age of 18.

My own stepdaughter could not even return from her home country with her mother, even though her mom has full custody of her. Still need permission from her biological father or a death certificate before she could leave. Seems like the countries that are least capable of taking care of their own are the strictest on this subject.

You would have to contact your consulate to find out for sure, and get it in writing.