If you are a U.S. citizen and your parents live in another country, you might be thinking about bringing them to the United States to live with you. The good news is that U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents for a Green Card, allowing them to live, work, and stay in the U.S. permanently. If you are a U.S. citizen and over 21 years old, you have the right to sponsor your parents for a Green Card.
In this blog, we will learn how you can help your parents get a Green Card so they can live with you in the United States permanently.
Table of Contents:
- What is a Green Card for Parents?
- Requirements to Sponsor Parents’ Green Card
- How to Apply to Sponsor Parents for A Green Card?
- Green Card Processing Times for Parents
- Benefits of Green Card
- Final Thoughts
What is a Green Card for Parents?
A Green Card is a card that lets a person live and work in the United States permanently.
So, when we say Green Card for parents, it means a U.S. citizen is helping their mother or father come to the U.S. to live with them for a long time, not just for a short visit.
With a Green Card, your parents can:
- Stay in the U.S. as long as they want
- Work, if they want to
- Travel in and out of the U.S.
- Later, apply to become U.S. citizens (if they choose)
This is a special type of Green Card for parents, and the good news is that there’s no long waiting list for this. That means the process is faster than for many other relatives.
Requirements to Sponsor Parents’ Green Card
There are certain requirements for sponsoring a Green Card for your parents. Let’s explore them in more detail:
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for a Green Card for your mother or father.
- You must be at least 21 years old to file a Green Card petition for your parents.
- You’ll need to fill out a form called Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to show that you can take care of them.
- You must show that the person you’re sponsoring is really your parent.
- For example:
- Your birth certificate with your parents’ names on it
- Marriage certificate of your parents (if needed)
- Any other document that proves your relationship
- For example:
How to Apply to Sponsor Parents for A Green Card?
If you’re a U.S. citizen and want to bring your parents to live with you in the U.S., here’s how you can apply step by step:
Step 1: Fill Out Form I-130
This is called the “Petition for Alien Relative.”
- You need to fill one form for each parent.
- It proves that you are really their child.
- You’ll also need to send documents like your birth certificate, passport, and your parents’ ID.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents
Along with the I-130 form, you have to send:
- Your U.S. citizenship proof (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate)
- Proof of relationship (like your birth certificate)
- Your parents’ documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
Step 3: Wait for USCIS Approval
- After you send the form, USCIS will review everything.
- If they approve, the case moves to the next step.
Step 4: Apply for the Green Card
This step depends on where your parents are:
If your parents are outside the U.S.:
- The case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Your parents will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country.
If your parents are already in the U.S.:
- You can file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) after or with Form I-130.
- This lets them apply for the Green Card without leaving the U.S.
Green Card Processing Times for Parents
Getting a Green Card for your parents takes some time. How long it takes depends on where your parents are, in the U.S. or in another country.
If Your Parents Are Living Outside the U.S.:
- First, you send Form I-130 to the U.S. government.
- It may take about 10 to 18 months to get approved.
- Then your parents will go to the U.S. embassy in their country for an interview.
- After that, they can get their visa and move to the U.S.
- Total time: Around 1 to 2 years.
If Your Parents Are Already in the U.S.:
- You can send both Form I-130 and Form I-485 together.
- This lets your parents apply for a Green Card without leaving the U.S.
- It usually takes about 12 to 20 months.
Benefits of Green Card
Getting a Green Card for your parents comes with many amazing benefits. Here’s how a Green Card can help your parents live a better life in the United States:
- Live Permanently in the U.S.: A Green Card lets your parents stay in the United States forever. They don’t have to worry about visas or leaving the country.
- Work Legally in the U.S.: With a Green Card, your parents can work legally anywhere in the U.S. They can apply for jobs, earn a living, and support themselves.
- Travel In and Out of the U.S.: Your parents can travel freely between the U.S. and their home country. A Green Card makes traveling much easier because they won’t need to apply for a visa every time.
- Access to U.S. Benefits: Green Card holders can enjoy certain government benefits, like healthcare, social security, and other support programs (based on eligibility).
- Path to U.S. Citizenship: After a few years of holding a Green Card, your parents can even apply for U.S. citizenship if they want to. Becoming a U.S. citizen gives them more rights, like voting.
- Protection Under U.S. Law: As Green Card holders, your parents are protected by U.S. laws and can enjoy rights like any other permanent resident.
- Sponsor Other Family Members: Once your parents have a Green Card, they can also sponsor other family members (like siblings) to come to the U.S.
Final Thoughts
Helping your parents get a Green Card is a wonderful way to keep your family close. Although the process involves forms and waiting, many families go through it every year with success. Just stay organized, follow the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
FAQs on Green Cards for Parents
Q1. Can I sponsor my parents for a US green card?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old, you can sponsor your parents for a Green Card. This allows them to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Q2. Can Indian parents get a green card?
Yes, Indian parents can get a Green Card if their child is a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. The process is the same for parents from any country, including India.
Q3. How long does it take to sponsor a parent for a green card?
It typically takes 12 to 24 months to get a Green Card for your parents, depending on whether they are inside or outside the U.S.
Q4. Can I bring my sister to the USA permanently?
Yes, as a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your sister for a Green Card, but the process may take several years because siblings are in a family preference category with a waiting list.
Q5. What is the fastest way to get a green card?
The fastest way is by being an immediate relative (spouse, parent, or child under 21) of a U.S. citizen, as there is no waiting list for these Green Cards.
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