Derivative Refugee/Asylum Status for Your Children

Your child must meet the requirements for derivative refugee or asylee status. They are not required to have a persecution claim that would qualify them independently as an asylee or refugee; rather, they derive that status through their relationship to you. Your child does not have to be the same nationality as you. They may reside in their country of nationality or another country and will not be subject to the firm resettlement bar.

Your child must:

• Meet the legal definition of “child,” including being under age 21, unmarried, and meeting any other requirements under the definition of “child” when you filed your asylum application or when you were interviewed for refugee status. (See INA section 101(b)(1).) There are specific requirements that apply to adopted children, stepchildren, and legitimated children;
• Have been born or conceived before you were admitted to the United States as a refugee or received a grant of asylum;
• Have a relationship to you when you filed Form I-730 and when they are admitted to the United States (if applicable);
• Not be inadmissible under any of the grounds that apply to refugees and must not be barred as a persecutor, if they are seeking derivative refugee status; and
• Not be subject to one of the mandatory asylum bars, including the persecutor bar, if they are seeking derivative asylum status.

Your child can get derivative refugee or asylee status by:

• Accompanying you, meaning you include them in your original application for refugee or asylee status filed. We will approve your child for derivative status as part of your case. If your child is living outside of the United States, they will be admitted to the United States at the same time you are, or within four months of your admission; or
• Joining you later (called “following to join”), meaning you petition for your child within two years of you being admitted to the United States as a refugee or receiving your grant of asylum status.

For more information, see the following pages on our website:

• Family of Refugees and Asylees; 
• How Do I Help My Relative Get Refugee or Asylee Status in the United States? (PDF, 530.92 KB): and 
• How Do I Get a Refugee Travel Document? (PDF, 622.89 KB)

To petition for your child, you must:

• Read the instructions for Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition;
• Complete and sign your Form I-730; and
• Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.

Your child cannot file Form I-730 petition on behalf of any other relatives.

Want status updates about your case? Learn how to create a USCIS online account to stay informed.

Once we receive your Form I-730, you will receive a:  

• Receipt notice confirming we received your petition; and
• Notice of our decision. 

If required, you and your child will receive a notice from USCIS or the Department of State to attend an interview and submit biometrics.   

• Form I-730
• No filing fee for refugee/asylee petitioners