If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to apply for a green card for your parents. This guide will walk you through the process, from gathering the necessary documents to submitting the application.
The process of applying for a green card for your parents can be complex and time-consuming, especially if they are not already in the United States. However, it is definitely possible, and it can be a life-changing opportunity for your family.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the process, let's take a closer look at each step in detail.
Apply for Green Card for Parents
Important points to remember:
- Eligibility criteria: Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
- Supporting documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
- Affidavit of support: Form I-864.
- Processing time: Several months to years.
- Medical exam: Required for all applicants.
- Interview: May be required for some applicants.
Applying for a green card for your parents can be a complex process, but it is definitely possible. By following the steps outlined above, you can increase your chances of success.
Eligibility criteria: Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
In order to apply for a green card for your parents, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This is because only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are allowed to sponsor family members for immigration to the United States.
- U.S. citizen: If you are a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your parents for a green card regardless of their current immigration status. This means that they can be living in the United States or abroad.
- Permanent resident: If you are a permanent resident, you can only sponsor your parents for a green card if they are already living in the United States. This means that they must have a valid green card or other lawful immigration status.
- Residency requirement: If you are a permanent resident, you must have lived in the United States for at least five years before you can sponsor your parents for a green card. This is known as the "five-year residency requirement."
- Income requirement: If you are sponsoring your parents for a green card, you must meet certain income requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure that you have the financial means to support your parents once they come to the United States.
If you are not sure whether you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor your parents for a green card, you should consult with an immigration attorney.
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in the process of applying for a green card for your parents. This form is used to establish your relationship with your parents and to demonstrate that you are eligible to sponsor them for a green card.
To complete Form I-130, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, and date of birth.
- Your parents' names, dates of birth, and places of birth.
- Your parents' current immigration status.
- Evidence of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
- Evidence of your relationship to your parents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
You can find Form I-130 and the instructions for completing the form on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The form is relatively straightforward, but it is important to make sure that you answer all of the questions correctly and that you provide all of the required documentation.
Once you have completed Form I-130, you will need to file it with the USCIS. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. You can file Form I-130 online or by mail.
After you have filed Form I-130, the USCIS will process your petition. The processing time for Form I-130 can vary, but it typically takes several months. Once the USCIS has approved your petition, you will be notified and you will be able to move on to the next step in the process of applying for a green card for your parents.
Supporting documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
In addition to Form I-130, you will also need to submit supporting documents to prove your relationship to your parents and their eligibility for a green card.
The following is a list of common supporting documents that you may need to submit:
- Birth certificate: This document is used to prove your relationship to your parents. Your birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy.
- Marriage certificate: If you are sponsoring your spouse's parents, you will need to submit your marriage certificate. Your marriage certificate must be an original or a certified copy.
- Adoption decree: If you are sponsoring your adopted parents, you will need to submit your adoption decree. Your adoption decree must be an original or a certified copy.
- Passport: You will need to submit a copy of your parents' passports. Their passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of their intended entry into the United States.
- Police clearance certificate: Your parents may need to submit a police clearance certificate from their home country. This document is used to prove that they have no criminal record.
- Medical examination: Your parents will need to undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor. The medical examination is used to ensure that your parents are in good health and that they do not have any medical conditions that would make them ineligible for a green card.
The specific supporting documents that you will need to submit will depend on your individual circumstances. Please consult with an immigration attorney if you are unsure about which documents you need to submit.
All supporting documents must be submitted in English or be accompanied by a certified translation.
Affidavit of support: Form I-864.
As part of the green card application process for your parents, you will need to submit an affidavit of support. This document is used to prove that you have the financial means to support your parents once they come to the United States.
- What is an affidavit of support? An affidavit of support is a legal document in which you promise to provide financial support to your parents for as long as they are lawful permanent residents.
- Who can file an affidavit of support? Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can file an affidavit of support.
- What information is included in an affidavit of support? The affidavit of support includes information about your income, assets, and debts. You will also need to provide a copy of your tax returns for the past three years.
- How do I file an affidavit of support? You can file an affidavit of support online or by mail. The filing fee for Form I-864 is $120.
The affidavit of support is an important part of the green card application process. It is important to make sure that you complete the form correctly and that you provide all of the required documentation.
Processing time: Several months to years.
The processing time for a green card application for parents can vary significantly. In general, it takes several months to years for the entire process to be completed.
The following is a breakdown of the typical processing times for each step in the process:
- Form I-130: The processing time for Form I-130 can vary depending on the workload of the USCIS. However, it typically takes several months for the USCIS to approve a petition.
- National Visa Center: Once the USCIS has approved your petition, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then send you a packet of information that includes instructions on how to proceed with the application process.
- Medical examination: Your parents will need to undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor. The medical examination can be completed in a few weeks.
- Interview: Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The interview is used to verify the information in the application and to determine whether the applicant is eligible for a green card.
- Green card approval: Once the USCIS has approved your parents' green card applications, they will be issued green cards. The green cards will be mailed to your parents' address in the United States.
It is important to note that the processing times for a green card application for parents can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the country of origin of your parents, the workload of the USCIS, and whether or not your parents are already in the United States.
If you are planning to apply for a green card for your parents, it is important to be patient and to allow plenty of time for the process to be completed.
Medical exam: Required for all applicants.
All applicants for a green card, including parents, are required to undergo a medical examination. The medical exam is used to ensure that the applicant is in good health and that they do not have any medical conditions that would make them ineligible for a green card.
The medical exam is conducted by a USCIS-approved doctor. The doctor will perform a physical examination and review the applicant's medical history. The doctor will also order any necessary blood tests or other tests.
The following is a list of some of the medical conditions that can make an applicant ineligible for a green card:
- Communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and syphilis
- Mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
- Physical disorders, such as heart disease and cancer
- Drug addiction or alcohol abuse
If the applicant has a medical condition that makes them ineligible for a green card, they may be able to obtain a waiver of inadmissibility. A waiver of inadmissibility is a special permission from the USCIS that allows an applicant to enter the United States despite their medical condition.
To obtain a waiver of inadmissibility, the applicant must file a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. The applicant must also submit evidence to show that they have a valid reason for seeking a waiver and that they are not a threat to public health or safety.
The process of obtaining a waiver of inadmissibility can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney if you are considering applying for a waiver of inadmissibility.
Interview: May be required for some applicants.
Some applicants for a green card may be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The interview is used to verify the information in the application and to determine whether the applicant is eligible for a green card.
- Who is required to attend an interview? The USCIS will typically require an interview for applicants who are applying for a green card based on marriage or family ties. Applicants who are applying for a green card based on employment or investment may also be required to attend an interview.
- What happens at the interview? At the interview, the consular officer will ask the applicant questions about their application and their background. The consular officer will also review the applicant's supporting documents.
- What should I bring to the interview? Applicants should bring their passport, their green card application, and any supporting documents that they have been asked to bring. Applicants should also be prepared to answer questions about their application and their background.
- What happens after the interview? After the interview, the consular officer will make a decision on the applicant's green card application. The consular officer may approve the application, deny the application, or request additional information.
If you are required to attend an interview for your green card application, it is important to be prepared. You should review your application carefully and make sure that you have all of the required documents. You should also be prepared to answer questions about your application and your background.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about applying for a green card for parents:
Question 1: I am a U.S. citizen. Can I sponsor my parents for a green card?
Answer: Yes, U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents for a green card. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met, such as the petitioner being at least 21 years old and having sufficient income to support their parents.
Question 2: I am a permanent resident. Can I sponsor my parents for a green card?
Answer: Permanent residents can also sponsor their parents for a green card, but they must have lived in the United States for at least five years before they can do so. They must also meet the same income requirements as U.S. citizens.
Question 3: What documents do I need to submit to sponsor my parents for a green card?
Answer: You will need to submit a petition for alien relative (Form I-130), as well as supporting documents such as your birth certificate, your parents' birth certificates, and proof of your income.
Question 4: How long does it take to process a green card application for parents?
Answer: The processing time for a green card application for parents can vary depending on the workload of the USCIS and other factors. However, it typically takes several months to years for the entire process to be completed.
Question 5: Will my parents need to attend an interview?
Answer: Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The interview is used to verify the information in the application and to determine whether the applicant is eligible for a green card.
Question 6: What happens after my parents' green card application is approved?
Answer: Once your parents' green card application is approved, they will be issued green cards. The green cards will allow them to live and work permanently in the United States.
Closing Paragraph: Applying for a green card for your parents can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is definitely possible. By following the steps outlined above, you can increase your chances of success.
Now that you know more about the process of applying for a green card for your parents, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you get started with the process of applying for a green card for your parents:
Tip 1: Gather your documents early. The sooner you start gathering the necessary documents, the sooner you can file your petition. Make sure you have all of the required documents, including your birth certificate, your parents' birth certificates, and proof of your income.
Tip 2: File your petition online. The USCIS offers an online filing option for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Filing online can save you time and money. You can find instructions on how to file Form I-130 online on the USCIS website.
Tip 3: Be prepared for the processing time. The processing time for a green card application for parents can vary depending on the workload of the USCIS and other factors. However, it typically takes several months to years for the entire process to be completed. Be patient and allow plenty of time for the process to be completed.
Tip 4: Get help from an immigration attorney. If you are unsure about any part of the green card application process, you can get help from an immigration attorney. An immigration attorney can help you gather the necessary documents, file your petition, and represent you in any interviews or hearings.
Closing Paragraph: Applying for a green card for your parents can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is definitely possible. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.
Now that you have a better understanding of the process and have some practical tips to help you get started, you can begin the journey of applying for a green card for your parents.
Conclusion
Applying for a green card for your parents can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is definitely possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success.
Here are some key things to remember:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to sponsor your parents for a green card.
- You will need to file a petition for alien relative (Form I-130) and submit supporting documents, such as your birth certificate, your parents' birth certificates, and proof of your income.
- The processing time for a green card application for parents can vary, but it typically takes several months to years for the entire process to be completed.
- Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
If you are considering applying for a green card for your parents, it is important to start the process early and to be prepared for the long haul. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Closing Message: Applying for a green card for your parents is a great way to reunite your family and give them the opportunity to live and work in the United States. If you have the means to do so, I encourage you to start the process today.