I-824 Follow-to-Join in Paramount: Reuniting with Family Members Left Behind
How refugees, asylees, and other immigrants can bring derivative family members to the United States
Quick Answer
Form I-824 allows immigrants in certain categories to request that USCIS send notification to a consulate for family members who weren't able to travel with them initially. This 'follow-to-join' process helps reunite families separated during immigration processes.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Paramount and Southeast Los Angeles families include many refugees and asylees who arrived without their complete families. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab families file I-824 applications to bring spouses and children still waiting abroad to join them in America.
Understanding Follow-to-Join Benefits
Who Uses Follow-to-Join:
Refugees and asylees most commonly use follow-to-join to bring spouses and unmarried children under 21 who remained in their home country or a third country. Employment-based immigrants and diversity visa winners may also have follow-to-join options for derivatives.
The Core Concept:
When a principal receives immigration benefits (refugee admission, asylum grant, etc.), their derivative family members (spouse and children) are entitled to the same benefits. Follow-to-join ensures derivatives can claim those benefits even when separated.
Eligibility for Refugee/Asylee Follow-to-Join
- •Principal Status: You must have been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum
- •Qualifying Relationship: Derivatives must be your spouse or unmarried child under 21
- •Relationship Timing: The relationship must have existed at the time you became a refugee/asylee
- •Children Born After: Children born after your status grant may qualify under different provisions
- •Two-Year Deadline: For asylees, the petition must be filed within two years of asylum grant (with exceptions)
- •Derivatives' Location: Family members can be abroad in the home country, third country, or even in the U.S. (different processes apply)
Form I-730 vs. Form I-824
Form I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition:
Form I-730 is the primary petition for refugee/asylee family reunification. It's filed directly with USCIS to request derivative benefits for qualifying family members. This is typically the first step in the process.
Form I-824 Application for Action on Approved Petition:
Form I-824 is used after an I-730 is approved, when derivative family members need consular processing abroad. It requests USCIS to notify the appropriate consulate to process the derivative's visa.
Typical Process Flow:
File I-730 petition → I-730 approved → File I-824 → USCIS notifies consulate → Consulate schedules derivative's interview → Derivative receives visa and travels to U.S.
The I-824 Application Process
- 1Confirm I-730 Approval
Before filing I-824, ensure your I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition has been approved. You cannot file I-824 until the underlying petition is approved.
- 2Identify Consulate
Determine which U.S. consulate will process your family member's visa. This is typically in the country where they currently reside.
- 3Complete Form I-824
Fill out Form I-824 completely. Specify that you're requesting consular notification for follow-to-join processing. Include your approved petition details.
- 4Gather Supporting Documents
Include copies of your I-730 approval, your refugee/asylee status documentation, passport copies for all parties, and evidence of qualifying relationship.
- 5Submit with Fee
Mail the completed I-824 with required filing fee to the appropriate USCIS lockbox. Check current fee schedules for accurate amounts.
- 6Track Processing
Monitor your case status online. Processing can take several months. USCIS will notify the designated consulate upon approval.
Consular Processing for Derivatives
V92 and V93 Visas:
Spouses and children of refugees receive V92 status. Spouses and children of asylees receive V93 status. These special immigrant visas allow them to enter the U.S. as derivatives of your status.
Consular Interview:
Family members will be scheduled for interviews at the designated consulate. They must bring proof of relationship, passport, photos, and medical exam results. The interview verifies identity and relationship.
Security Clearances:
Derivatives undergo security screening similar to the principal. Processing times vary based on country and individual circumstances. Families from certain countries may face extended security reviews.
Relationship Documentation
- •Marriage Certificates: For spouse derivatives, original marriage certificate with certified translation
- •Birth Certificates: For child derivatives, original birth certificates showing parent-child relationship
- •Adoption Documents: For adopted children, final adoption decrees and evidence adoption was completed properly
- •Step-child Documentation: For step-children, marriage certificate to child's parent and child's birth certificate
- •Photos: Family photographs showing relationship over time
- •Communication Records: Evidence of ongoing relationship if separated for extended periods
Special Circumstances
- •Relationship After Status: Children born after your refugee/asylee status grant may need different petitions
- •Marriage After Status: Spouses married after your status grant don't qualify for derivative benefits under follow-to-join
- •Aging Out: Children who turn 21 during processing may lose derivative eligibility; age-out protection rules may apply
- •Prior Persecution: Derivatives may need to demonstrate they also face persecution; this is sometimes assumed based on family relationship
- •Family in U.S.: If derivatives are already in the U.S., different procedures apply (adjustment vs. consular processing)
- •Two-Year Deadline Issues: Asylees who missed the two-year deadline may request exceptions for humanitarian reasons
Processing Timeline Expectations
I-730 Processing:
I-730 petitions currently take several months to years depending on USCIS workload. Check current processing times for the service center handling your petition.
I-824 Processing:
I-824 applications take additional months after I-730 approval. This step transfers the case to consular processing.
Consular Processing:
After consular notification, interview scheduling depends on consulate workload and security clearance processing. Some consulates have months-long backlogs.
Total Timeline:
From initial I-730 filing to family arrival often takes 1-3+ years depending on all factors. Plan for an extended separation period.
Why Paramount Families Choose SoCal Immigration Services
- •Arabic-Speaking Staff: Discuss sensitive family separation issues in your language
- •I-730 Preparation: We prepare thorough relative petitions with proper documentation
- •I-824 Filing: We handle the consular notification request process
- •Document Assistance: We help obtain and authenticate foreign documents
- •Timeline Tracking: We monitor processing and keep you informed of progress
- •Problem Resolution: When issues arise, we work to resolve them quickly
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the difference between I-730 and I-824?
A: Form I-730 is the petition to establish derivative benefits for refugee/asylee family members. Form I-824 is filed after I-730 approval to request consular notification so derivatives abroad can process their visas.
Q:How long does follow-to-join processing take?
A: The complete process typically takes 1-3+ years depending on USCIS processing times, consular workload, and security clearances. I-730 alone can take months to years.
Q:Can I bring my spouse if we married after I received asylum?
A: No. Spouses married after your asylum grant don't qualify for derivative benefits through follow-to-join. You would need to file a separate family petition (I-130) instead.
Q:What is the two-year deadline for asylees?
A: Asylees must generally file the I-730 petition within two years of their asylum grant. Exceptions may be available for humanitarian reasons if the deadline is missed.
Q:My child is about to turn 21. Will they age out?
A: Children who turn 21 may lose derivative eligibility. Age-out protection rules (CSPA) may help preserve eligibility in some circumstances. Consult immediately if aging out is a concern.
Q:Can derivatives already in the U.S. use follow-to-join?
A: Derivatives physically present in the U.S. may be able to adjust status rather than going through consular processing. The specific process depends on their current immigration status.
Q:Do you help with I-824 follow-to-join in Paramount?
A: Yes! Our Arabic-speaking team helps Paramount refugees and asylees file I-730 petitions and I-824 applications to reunite with family members abroad.
Bring Your Family to America
You've found safety in America—now help your family join you. Our team helps Paramount families navigate the follow-to-join process.
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