Handling visa requirements for minors involves distinct procedures that vary by visa type, destination country, and the child's age. Minors (typically under 18 or 21, depending on the context) must meet specific documentation, application, and interview requirements that differ from adults. For U.S. visas, children under 14 often qualify for interview waivers if their parents hold valid visas, while older minors (14–17) must attend interviews with a guardian. All minors require individual passports—even infants—and may need additional documents like birth certificates, parental consent forms, or proof of relationship. Visa categories such as dependent (F-2/M-2 for students), tourist (B-2), or immigrant visas (for family reunification) each have unique rules, with some allowing concurrent filing for children under 21. Proper preparation, including gathering certified translations and notarized permissions, is critical to avoid delays or rejections.

Key findings from the sources:

• Passport requirements: Every minor needs an individual passport for international travel; children listed on a parent’s passport are ineligible for programs like ESTA ^[8].
• Interview exemptions: Children under 14 typically do not need in-person interviews for U.S. visas if both parents have valid visas, while teens (14–17) must attend with a guardian ^[5][9][10].
• Documentation: Required papers include birth certificates, DS-160 confirmations, parental consent letters (for single guardians), and proof of the parent-child relationship ^[4][5][6].
• Visa types: Minors may qualify as dependents (e.g., F-2 for student family members) or through family-based petitions (e.g., I-130 for permanent residency), with age cutoffs at 21 for "child" status ^[1][3][6].

Visa Processes and Requirements for Minors

Passport and Basic Travel Documentation

All minors traveling internationally must have their own passports, regardless of age. This rule applies even to newborns, and exceptions are rare. For U.S. travel specifically, children cannot be included on a parent’s passport for programs like the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) explicitly states that children’s passports (e.g., Germany’s Kinderreisepass) are only valid for ESTA if issued before October 26, 2006; otherwise, a full passport is required ^[8]. Similarly, children’s ID cards (Kinderausweis) do not qualify for VWP and require a separate visa ^[8].

The passport application process for minors involves several strict steps:

• In-person application: Both parents (or legal guardians) must appear with the child to apply, providing proof of identity and relationship (e.g., birth certificates or adoption decrees) ^[4].
• Parental consent: If only one parent is present, a notarized consent form from the absent parent or sole custody documentation is mandatory ^[4].
• Photo requirements: Passport photos must meet specific criteria, such as a white background and neutral expression, even for infants ^[4].
• Validity period: Minors’ passports are typically valid for 5 years (vs. 10 years for adults) and must remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended travel date ^[4].

For land or sea travel to adjacent countries like Canada or Mexico, some exceptions may apply. For example, U.S. citizen children under 16 can enter Canada by land or sea with a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, but air travel still requires a passport ^[2]. However, non-U.S. citizen minors must always carry a passport and, in many cases, a visa ^[2].

U.S. Visa Applications for Minors by Category

The U.S. visa process for minors varies significantly based on the visa type—tourist, student, dependent, or immigrant. Each category has age-specific rules and documentation requirements.

Tourist (B-2) and Visitor Visas

Minors applying for a B-2 tourist visa must follow a process similar to adults but with key differences:

• Individual applications: Each child requires a separate DS-160 form; there is no "dependent" tourist visa ^[9].
• Interview waivers: Children under 14 may skip the interview if both parents hold valid U.S. visas. Teens aged 14–17 must attend an interview accompanied by a parent or guardian ^[5][9][10].
• Documentation: Required papers include the child’s birth certificate, a copy of the parents’ visas, proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements), and a letter from the child’s school (if applicable) ^[9].
• Single-parent scenarios: If only one parent has a visa, the child may still qualify for an interview waiver, but the non-visa-holding parent must provide a notarized consent letter ^[7].

For example, a Reddit user confirmed that their child was eligible for an interview waiver despite only one parent having a B1/B2 visa, provided the other parent submitted a consent form ^[7]. However, policies can vary by embassy, so verifying with the specific consulate is advised.

Student (F-1/M-1) and Dependent Visas

Minors seeking to study in the U.S. must obtain an F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visa. Key requirements include:

• SEVP-approved school: The child must first be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution, which issues a Form I-20 ^[3].
• Dependent visas: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for F-2 or M-2 visas to accompany the student. These dependents cannot work but may study part-time in elementary or secondary schools ^[3].
• Financial proof: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, often through parents’ bank statements or sponsorship letters ^[3].
• Interview requirement: All student visa applicants, regardless of age, must attend an interview, though children under 14 may have simplified procedures ^[3].

For immigrant visas (e.g., family-based green cards), the process involves filing a Form I-130 petition. Children under 21 are classified as "immediate relatives" if the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, allowing for faster processing. Stepchildren may receive conditional residency if the marriage to their biological parent is less than two years old ^[6]. Required documents include:

• The child’s birth certificate (with translation if not in English).
• Proof of the parent’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (e.g., naturalization certificate or green card).
• Marriage certificate (for stepchildren) and evidence of a bona fide relationship ^[6].

Special Cases: V Visas and ESTA

The V visa, created by the LIFE Act, was designed to reunite families of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) during long processing waits. However, no V visas have been issued in recent years, as applicants with older priority dates can now apply for immigrant visas directly ^[1]. For visa-free travel under ESTA, children must:

• Hold their own e-passport (machine-readable and biometric).
• Have an approved ESTA authorization before travel, which costs $21 and is valid for two years ^[8].
• Travel with a parent or guardian who also has ESTA approval (if applicable).