Follow-to-join for children over 21

[thequestionsguy 0]

Hello,

A little information about my case:

I entered the U.S. from the Philippines in 2007, under the IV Category (F31). I could not bring my children - both under 21 at the time - with me immediately because of financial reasons; they would've been under the IV Category (F33). I've remained a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the U.S. ever since; the cost of naturalization is still a bit much for my budget.

Now for my questions (please bear with me):

1. Are my children (both of them over 21 now but still unmarried) still eligible for follow-to-join benefits?

a. if yes, should I file an I-824 or just inform the U.S. consulate? If I were to just inform the consulate, how?

b. if not, and I have to file forms I-130 for both my children; how long does this process usually take?

Thank you so much for helping a fellow traveler out!

[apple21 953]

Sorry they are no longer qualified for FTJ because they are no longer considered "children" by immigration definition.

That's how I interpret it.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/followingtojoin.html

However, you can file i130 for each of them. The entire process will take 10 years and they must remain single the entire time. They will be under the F2B category (unmarried sons/daughters 21yrs old and above of LPRs).

Edited June 26, 2015 by apple21

[apple21 953]

You can also send the required docs to the email add on the link to verify if they qualify for FTJ or not. No harm asking the embassy.

[belinda63 2,981]

It has been 8 years since you came to the US. FTJ is only good for one year I believe.

[apple21 953]

It has been 8 years since you came to the US. FTJ is only good for one year I believe.

I think the "within one year" applies to dependents of fiancee visa only (K2).

I have a cousin whose husband was approved of a working visa. He went to the US in 2012. My cousin (the wife) and their minor son followed as FTJ in 2014.

[Boiler 43,429]

No FTJ for work visas, most if not all have a dependent class and you just go and apply. Like a tourist visa.

[apple21 953]

No FTJ for work visas, most if not all have a dependent class and you just go and apply. Like a tourist visa.

Oh sorry. Yeah they were his dependents. Isn't it similar in a way? Coz they had an NVC case number and a priority date.

Anyway, back to OP's topic. ?

Edited June 27, 2015 by apple21

[Boiler 43,429]

No PD for work visa.

[apple21 953]

No PD for work visa.

They had one. It was year 2003.

[Boiler 43,429]

Only immigrant visa's can have PD's and not all of them. Presumably this was an immigrant visa based on a work rather than family classification?

[apple21 953]

Only immigrant visa's can have PD's and not all of them. Presumably this was an immigrant visa based on a work rather than family classification?

Yes based on work. An employer filed the petition. They got 10yr green cards after POE.