Are you a Green Card holder who wants to bring your parents to the United States? If so, you may be wondering if you're eligible to apply for them. The good news is that, in most cases, you can. However, there are some specific requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for Green Cards for your parents. We'll cover the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the costs involved. So, whether you're just starting to think about applying or you're ready to get the process started, keep reading for all the information you need.
Now that you know a little bit about the eligibility requirements and the application process, let's take a closer look at each step in more detail.
Can Green Card Holder Apply for Parents
Yes, in most cases, Green Card holders can apply for their parents.
- Must be 21 or older
- Parents must be admissible
- Form I-130 required
- Supporting documents needed
- Processing time varies
- Costs and fees involved
- Legal help available
If you are a Green Card holder and want to apply for your parents, it's important to speak to an immigration attorney to discuss your eligibility and the application process in more detail.
Must be 21 or older
One of the eligibility requirements for sponsoring your parents for a Green Card is that you must be at least 21 years old. This is because, under U.S. law, you are not considered to be an adult until you reach the age of 21.
- Be the petitioner:
As the petitioner, you are the person who is filing the application on behalf of your parents. In order to do this, you must be at least 21 years old.
- Demonstrate financial support:
In order to sponsor your parents, you must also be able to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support them. This includes having a steady income and sufficient assets.
- Provide proof of relationship:
You will also need to provide proof of your relationship to your parents. This can be done through birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other official documents.
- Sign the affidavit of support:
Finally, you will need to sign an affidavit of support. This is a legal document in which you promise to financially support your parents if they are granted Green Cards.
If you are not yet 21 years old, you will need to wait until you reach the required age before you can apply for Green Cards for your parents.
Parents must be admissible
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements for the petitioner, your parents must also be admissible to the United States. This means that they must not have any criminal convictions or other factors that would make them ineligible for a Green Card.
- No criminal convictions:
Your parents cannot have any criminal convictions, including misdemeanors. This includes convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) and other minor offenses.
- No communicable diseases:
Your parents must not have any communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS. They will need to undergo a medical examination to prove that they are healthy.
- No security concerns:
Your parents cannot be a threat to national security. They will need to undergo a background check to ensure that they have no ties to terrorist organizations or other extremist groups.
- No public charge concerns:
Your parents cannot be likely to become a public charge. This means that they must be able to support themselves financially without relying on government assistance.
If your parents have any of these issues, they may still be eligible for a Green Card, but they will need to apply for a waiver. This is a complex process, so it's important to speak to an immigration attorney for help.
Form I-130 required
The first step in applying for Green Cards for your parents is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form is available online or at any USCIS office. You can also get help filling out the form from an immigration attorney.
On Form I-130, you will need to provide information about yourself, your parents, and your relationship to them. You will also need to submit supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of your income and assets.
Once you have completed Form I-130, you will need to file it with the USCIS. The filing fee is $535. You can pay the fee online, by mail, or in person at a USCIS office.
After you have filed Form I-130, the USCIS will review your petition. If your petition is approved, you will receive a notice in the mail. This notice will tell you where and when to go for your parents' Green Card interview.
At the interview, your parents will be asked questions about their identity, their relationship to you, and their eligibility for a Green Card. They will also need to submit their fingerprints and undergo a medical examination.
If your parents' interview is successful, they will be issued Green Cards. Green Cards allow your parents to live and work in the United States permanently.
Supporting documents needed
When you file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you will need to submit a number of supporting documents. These documents are used to prove your identity, your relationship to your parents, and your eligibility to sponsor them for Green Cards.
The following is a list of the most common supporting documents that you will need to submit:
- Birth certificates: You will need to submit birth certificates for yourself and your parents.
- Marriage certificates: If you are married, you will need to submit a copy of your marriage certificate.
- Proof of income and assets: You will need to submit proof that you have the financial means to support your parents. This can include pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns.
- Affidavit of support: You will need to sign an affidavit of support. This is a legal document in which you promise to financially support your parents if they are granted Green Cards.
- Passport-style photographs: You will need to submit passport-style photographs of yourself and your parents.
In addition to the above documents, you may also need to submit additional documents depending on your specific situation. For example, if your parents have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, you will need to submit copies of their criminal records.
It is important to make sure that all of the supporting documents that you submit are accurate and up-to-date. If you submit incorrect or incomplete documents, it could delay the processing of your parents' Green Card application.
Processing time varies
The processing time for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can vary depending on a number of factors, including the workload of the USCIS office where you file your petition and whether or not you file any additional forms or applications.
Generally speaking, the processing time for Form I-130 is around 10-13 months. However, it is important to note that this is just an average. Some petitions may be processed more quickly, while others may take longer.
There are a few things you can do to help speed up the processing time for your parents' Green Card application:
- File your petition early. The sooner you file your petition, the sooner the USCIS will begin processing it.
- File your petition online. Filing your petition online can help to speed up the processing time, as the USCIS can process electronic filings more quickly than paper filings.
- Submit all of the required supporting documents. Make sure that you submit all of the required supporting documents with your petition. If you do not submit all of the required documents, the USCIS may delay processing your petition.
- Respond to any requests for evidence quickly. If the USCIS requests additional evidence from you, respond to the request as quickly as possible. The sooner you respond, the sooner the USCIS can continue processing your petition.
Even if you do everything right, there is no guarantee that your parents' Green Card application will be processed quickly. However, by following the tips above, you can help to increase the chances that your petition will be processed as quickly as possible.
Costs and fees involved
There are a number of costs and fees involved in sponsoring your parents for Green Cards. These costs can add up, so it is important to be prepared before you begin the application process.
The following is a list of the most common costs and fees that you will need to pay:
- Form I-130 filing fee: $535
- Biometrics fee: $85 per person
- Affidavit of support fee: $125
- Green Card fee: $1,225 per person
- Medical examination fee: Varies depending on the doctor
- Translation fees: If any of your documents are not in English, you will need to pay to have them translated.
- Legal fees: If you hire an immigration attorney to help you with your parents' Green Card application, you will need to pay legal fees.
The total cost of sponsoring your parents for Green Cards can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the number of people you are sponsoring and whether or not you hire an immigration attorney. However, you should expect to pay at least a few thousand dollars in costs and fees.
If you cannot afford to pay the costs and fees involved in sponsoring your parents for Green Cards, there are a few organizations that can help. These organizations provide financial assistance to low-income families who are trying to bring their loved ones to the United States.
Legal help available
The process of sponsoring your parents for Green Cards can be complex and time-consuming. If you are not sure how to proceed, it is a good idea to seek legal help from an immigration attorney.
An immigration attorney can help you with all aspects of the Green Card application process, including:
- Determining your eligibility: An immigration attorney can help you determine if you are eligible to sponsor your parents for Green Cards. They can also help you determine if your parents are eligible for Green Cards.
- Completing the application forms: The Green Card application forms are complex and can be difficult to complete. An immigration attorney can help you complete the forms correctly and ensure that all of the required information is included.
- Gathering the required supporting documents: An immigration attorney can help you gather all of the required supporting documents for your parents' Green Card application. They can also help you translate any documents that are not in English.
- Representing you at the interview: If your parents are required to attend an interview, an immigration attorney can represent them and help them to answer any questions that the USCIS officer may have.
Hiring an immigration attorney can be expensive, but it is often worth the cost. An immigration attorney can help you to avoid costly mistakes and increase the chances that your parents' Green Card application will be approved.
If you are considering hiring an immigration attorney, it is important to do your research and choose an attorney who is experienced in family-based immigration law. You should also make sure that you feel comfortable with the attorney and that you can communicate effectively with them.
FAQ
If you are a parent who is interested in applying for a Green Card, you may have some questions about the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about sponsoring parents for Green Cards:
Question 1: Am I eligible to sponsor my parents for Green Cards?
Answer 1: To be eligible to sponsor your parents for Green Cards, you must be a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder who is at least 21 years old. You must also be able to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support your parents.
Question 2: What is the process for sponsoring my parents for Green Cards?
Answer 2: The process for sponsoring your parents for Green Cards involves several steps. First, you will need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Once your petition is approved, your parents will need to apply for Green Cards. This process can take several months or even years.
Question 3: How much does it cost to sponsor my parents for Green Cards?
Answer 3: The total cost of sponsoring your parents for Green Cards can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the number of people you are sponsoring and whether or not you hire an immigration attorney. However, you should expect to pay at least a few thousand dollars in costs and fees.
Question 4: Can I sponsor my parents if they are living in another country?
Answer 4: Yes, you can sponsor your parents for Green Cards even if they are living in another country. However, they will need to come to the United States to attend their Green Card interview.
Question 5: What happens if my parents are denied Green Cards?
Answer 5: If your parents are denied Green Cards, you may be able to appeal the decision. You should speak to an immigration attorney to discuss your options.
Question 6: What are my parents' rights and responsibilities as Green Card holders?
Answer 6: As Green Card holders, your parents will have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. They will also be eligible for many of the same benefits as U.S. citizens, such as Social Security and Medicare.
If you have any other questions about sponsoring your parents for Green Cards, you should speak to an immigration attorney.
Now that you know more about the process of sponsoring your parents for Green Cards, you can start preparing your application. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you prepare your application to sponsor your parents for Green Cards:
Tip 1: Start early. The process of sponsoring your parents for Green Cards can take several months or even years. It is important to start the process early so that you have enough time to complete all of the necessary steps.
Tip 2: Gather all of the required documents. You will need to submit a number of documents with your parents' Green Card application. Make sure that you gather all of the required documents well in advance so that you have time to translate any documents that are not in English.
Tip 3: File your petition online. Filing your petition online can help to speed up the processing time. The USCIS can process electronic filings more quickly than paper filings.
Tip 4: Respond to any requests for evidence quickly. If the USCIS requests additional evidence from you, respond to the request as quickly as possible. The sooner you respond, the sooner the USCIS can continue processing your petition.
Tip 5: Consider hiring an immigration attorney. The process of sponsoring your parents for Green Cards can be complex. If you are not sure how to proceed, it is a good idea to hire an immigration attorney to help you.
By following these tips, you can increase the chances that your parents' Green Card application will be approved.
Applying for Green Cards for your parents can be a long and complex process, but it is definitely possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your parents achieve their dream of living in the United States.
Conclusion
Applying for Green Cards for your parents can be a long and complex process, but it is definitely possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your parents achieve their dream of living in the United States.
Here are a few key points to remember:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder who is at least 21 years old to sponsor your parents for Green Cards.
- You will need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and submit a number of supporting documents.
- The processing time for Form I-130 can vary, but it is typically around 10-13 months.
- There are a number of costs and fees involved in sponsoring your parents for Green Cards.
- You may want to consider hiring an immigration attorney to help you with the application process.
If you have any questions about sponsoring your parents for Green Cards, you should speak to an immigration attorney. They can help you determine if you are eligible to sponsor your parents and guide you through the application process.
Applying for Green Cards for your parents can be a challenging process, but it is definitely worth it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your parents achieve their dream of living in the United States.