Student Guide – Part 4 – Students Under 18

Ensure Your Child’s U.S. Future with Education and Visas

Plan for Teens Under 18

Welcome to Part 4 of the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram’s Student Visa Guide! We’re excited to help parents of children under 18 navigate U.S. education and visa options, securing your family’s path to a permanent home in the U.S.

Family Visa Solutions

Visas like the E-2 Investor or L-1 Intra-Company Transferee offer spousal work rights, but children, even of working age, receive no work authorization. At 21, children must secure their own U.S. status. A Green Card is the key: when one parent obtains a Green Card, children under 21 typically qualify too, unlocking work and residency benefits.

Prioritize Green Cards for Teens

For children over 13, Green Card planning is urgent, as qualifications and processing can take years. We strategize to secure Green Cards before your children turn 21, ensuring teens 16+ can work and thrive in the U.S. Our experts align your family’s visa needs with critical age milestones.

Master U.S. High School

U.S. students graduate at 18, with Grades 11–12 (ages 16–18) vital for college readiness. Students maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA, 2.0–4.0, 3.5+ for Honor Roll) across six+ subjects and take SATs (up to 1600 points). Strong GPA and SAT scores drive college admissions and scholarships. Unlike UK A-Levels (2–3 subjects post-16), U.S. students study broader curricula, so early integration into U.S. schools is essential for success.

Tackle U.S. College Costs

A four-year U.S. BA degree costs ~$30,000/year, unlike the UK’s three-year programs. Specialized fields (e.g., law) require a BA plus additional years. Cost-saving options:

• In-State Public Universities: ~$10,000/year for Green Card holders or citizens, unavailable to international students.

• Community Colleges: $6,000–$9,000/year for two years, transferable to a university as a third-year student.

Only Green Card holders or citizens access student loans, making Green Cards vital for affordability.

Act Fast for Your Family

Integrate your children into the U.S. education system early and secure Green Cards before age 21 to unlock work, study, and financial opportunities. Our team crafts tailored visa plans to ensure your family’s long-term U.S. success.

Take the First Step Now

Ready to build your children’s U.S. future? Contact us for a free consultation to explore student visas and Green Card options. Let’s secure your family’s American Dream today!