<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="humanitarian-visas" data-vt-code="N-8 / N-9"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/humanitarian-visas">Humanitarian & other</a><span>›</span><span>N-8 / N-9</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>International organizations</span><span>Work authorized</span><span>Family-based</span></div> <h1><span>N-8 / N-9</span> Parent or Child of a G-4 or NATO Special Immigrant</h1> <p class="vt-lede">Lets the parent of a former G-4 or NATO-6 child who became a permanent resident, and certain children, stay in the United States while that child is still under 21.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: eCFR · GovInfo · USCIS</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/n">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>N-8</dt><dd>Parent of a child granted special immigrant status as the son or daughter of an international organization (SK-3) or NATO (SN-3) employee</dd></div><div><dt>N-9</dt><dd>Child of an N-8, or of a retired employee, retiree’s spouse or surviving spouse special immigrant (SK-1/2/4, SN-1/2/4)</dd></div><div><dt>Admission period</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 3 years</a>, extensions of up to 3 years at a time</dd></div><div><dt>Ends when</dt><dd>The qualifying child no longer meets the definition of a child (generally unmarried and under 21)</dd></div><div><dt>Work</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Employment authorized incident to N status</a>, with no limit on employer or type of work</dd></div><div><dt>Initial EAD fee</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$0</a> (category (a)(7))</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Entry restrictions apply to N visas.</strong> N-8 and N-9 are not among the visa classes excepted from Presidential Proclamation 10998: since Jan. 1, 2026, nationals of <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19 countries</a> face a full suspension of nonimmigrant visa issuance, with limited exceptions. N applicants abroad should also schedule the interview in their <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">country of nationality or residence</a> (State Department instructions of July 15, 2026).</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">N status, under <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapI-sec1101.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 101(a)(15)(N)</a>, follows the special immigrant green card for long-serving international organization (G-4) and NATO-6 families under INA 101(a)(27)(I) and (L). When the unmarried son or daughter of an international organization employee gets a green card as a special immigrant (SK-3, or SN-3 for NATO), the parent can hold N-8 status for as long as that child is still a “child” under INA 101(b)(1).</p> <p class="b">N-9 status is for the children of an N-8 parent, and for the children of a retired officer or employee, the spouse of a retiree, or a surviving spouse who received special immigrant status (SK-1, SK-2, SK-4 or the NATO equivalents). Each N-9 holds status only while still a child. The classes are listed in <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 41.12</a> and governed by <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(n)</a>.</p> <p class="b">N nonimmigrants are authorized to work incident to status. Time spent in N status counts toward the residence requirements for some special immigrant categories, as <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-f-chapter-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 7, Part F, Ch. 6</a> explains.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">N-8 (parent)</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Is the parent of someone granted special immigrant status under INA 101(a)(27)(I)(i), or the NATO equivalent under (27)(L), as the unmarried son or daughter of an international organization or NATO officer or employee.</li><li>That son or daughter is still a child as defined in INA 101(b)(1).</li></ul> <h3 class="s">N-9 (child)</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Is the child of an N-8, or of a person granted special immigrant status under INA 101(a)(27)(I)(ii), (iii) or (iv) (or the NATO equivalents): a surviving spouse, a retired officer or employee, or a retiree’s spouse.</li><li>Remains a child as defined in INA 101(b)(1).</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial admission</th><td>Up to 3 years (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(n)(3)</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>In increments of up to 3 years</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">End of status</th><td>On the date the qualifying child no longer meets the definition of a child</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Employment</th><td>Authorized incident to status, without restrictions on location or type of work</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Amounts from the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26)</a> and the State Department fee schedule (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 22.1</a>).</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$185</a></td><td>Applicant abroad</td><td>Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa tier (22 CFR 22.1, item 21(a))</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-539 change or extension</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$470 paper / $420 online</a></td><td>Applicant in the U.S.</td><td>$0 when changing out of A, G or NATO status (for example, from G-4)</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765, initial EAD (a)(7)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$0</a></td><td>N-8 / N-9</td><td>Fee exempt</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765, renewal EAD (a)(7)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$520 paper / $470 online</a></td><td>N-8 / N-9</td><td>The fee exemption covers only the initial (a)(7) EAD</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">The Visa Integrity Fee created by Pub. L. 119-21 (at least $250 at issuance of a nonimmigrant visa) is not listed on the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee page</a> as of Oct. 1, 2026.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Annual cap</dt><dd>None</dd><dd class="n">N status is not numerically limited</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">No fixed processing time. For Form I-539 inside the United States, check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>. For visas abroad, wait times vary by consulate.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Confirm the qualifying special immigrant</div><div class="tx">Document the family member’s special immigrant classification (an approved Form I-360 and green card as SK-3/SN-3, or SK-1/2/4, SN-1/2/4).</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Choose the route</div><div class="tx">In the United States (for example, in G-4 status), request a change to N status on Form I-539. Abroad, apply for an N visa at a U.S. consulate.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Submit evidence of the relationship</div><div class="tx">Provide birth or adoption records showing the parent or child relationship, and proof that the qualifying person is still a child.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Work</div><div class="tx">N status allows work incident to status. An EAD can be requested on Form I-765 under (a)(7) at no fee.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Extend before expiry</div><div class="tx">File extensions (up to 3 years each) while the qualifying child remains under the definition of a child.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>Typical evidence</h3><ul><li><span>Proof of the special immigrant’s status (Form I-360 approval or green card showing the SK/SN class)</span></li><li><span>Birth certificate or adoption records establishing the relationship</span></li><li><span>Passport and current immigration status documents (for example, G-4 I-94)</span></li><li><span>Form I-539 (in the U.S.) or Form DS-160 (abroad)</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">N-9 is itself the classification for children — see the overview. There is no separate derivative class for a spouse of an N-8.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">N status is not a green card category. Time in N status can count toward some INA 101(a)(27)(I) special immigrant categories, for example for an unmarried son or daughter, or for a surviving spouse, who later files Form I-360.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Unmarried son or daughter</div><div class="tx">Half of the 7 years before applying, and 7 years in total between ages 5 and 21, in G-4 or N status. Must apply by the 25th birthday.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Surviving spouse</div><div class="tx">Half of the 7 years before applying, and 15 years before the employee’s death, in G-4 or N status. Must file within 6 months of the death.</div></div></div> <p class="b">See <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-f-chapter-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 7, Part F, Ch. 6</a>. Form I-360 is $515 and Form I-485 is $1,440 paper or $1,390 online under the current fee schedule.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/g"><div class="c">G-1 – G-5</div><div class="n">International organization</div><div class="tx">Status of the international organization employee family.</div></a><a href="/visa/nato"><div class="c">NATO-1 – NATO-7</div><div class="n">NATO personnel</div><div class="tx">NATO equivalent of G status.</div></a><a href="/visa/eb-4"><div class="c">EB-4</div><div class="n">Special immigrants</div><div class="tx">Includes the SK and SN international-organization categories.</div></a><a href="/visa/a"><div class="c">A-1 – A-3</div><div class="n">Diplomats</div><div class="tx">Foreign government officials and their staff.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Who gets N-8 status?</summary><p>A parent of a child who received a green card as the unmarried son or daughter of an international organization or NATO employee (SK-3 or SN-3). The parent keeps N-8 status only while that child is still under the INA definition of a child.</p></details><details><summary>Can N-8 or N-9 holders work?</summary><p>Yes. Under 8 CFR 214.2(n)(4), N nonimmigrants are authorized to work incident to status, with no restriction on location or type of employment. An initial EAD under category (a)(7) has no USCIS fee.</p></details><details><summary>How long does N status last?</summary><p>Admission is for up to 3 years, with extensions of up to 3 years at a time. Status ends when the qualifying child no longer meets the definition of a child.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(n) – Parents and children of 101(a)(27)(I) special immigrants</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 41.12 – Classification symbols (N8, N9)</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapI-sec1101.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>GovInfo</strong> · 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(N) and (a)(27)(I)</span><span>govinfo.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-f-chapter-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Policy Manual Vol. 7, Part F, Ch. 6 – Certain G-4 or NATO-6 Employees and Family Members</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 22.1 – Schedule of fees (State Department)</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Suspension of Visa Issuance (Proclamation 10998)</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Dec 16, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry suspensions.</strong> Effective Jan. 1, 2026, full or partial suspensions for nationals of 39 countries; the full suspension covers N visas, which are not among the excepted A, C-2, C-3, G and NATO classes. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/n">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Humanitarian & other", "item": "https://visatypes.com/humanitarian-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "N-8 / N-9", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/n"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Who gets N-8 status?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "A parent of a child who received a green card as the unmarried son or daughter of an international organization or NATO employee (SK-3 or SN-3). 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