Full Guide For US Citizen Applying For Parents Green Card

Green cards for parents can be sponsored by adult sons and daughters who are officially US citizens. Parents of 21-year-old or older US citizens are considered into “immediate relationship.” It may be a time-consuming matter however, there are immigration attorneys who can simplify and speed up the legal process for you. Your parents may alter their status to permanent residents without having to leave the United States if they entered the country legally or overstayed.

Are You An US Citizen Applying For Parents’ Green Card?

If you are a US citizen applying for parents green card then you would be delighted with the latest news. Family reunification is now being prioritized in US immigration legislation. This means that U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (green card holders) can file petitions on behalf of close relatives in order to permit them to immigrate to the United States and reunite with their families in the country.

If you are a US citizen by birth or became one through naturalization while your parents are still citizens of another country then they are free to travel to the US and live permanently with you. Immediate relative applications, such as green-card petitions for parents, are not subject to quotas and take almost 12 months to process.

The USCIS will analyze your petitions for a few months prior to forwarding them to the National Visa Center (NVC) only if they are granted. The NVC will then contact your parents directly to determine what else they will be requiring for their visa interviews. These interviews generally take place in their native or original country through a US Embassy or Consulate.

What Is the Application Process For US Citizens Applying For Parents Green Card?

A green card can be applied for by the parents of a US citizen from either inside or outside the country while it is important to note that for each parent, a separate petition must be filed.

In many cases, the process may be complex and confusing hence, you can always move to an immigration specialist or lawyer who will ascertain your case with a nominal fee. They are fast, effective, and help simplify the case. If you are looking to obtain a green card through a citizen spouse, they may help you the best.

In case, the parent of the US citizen is already living in the country legally, the petitioner must be careful about the timing of the filing.

  • A parent fills out Form I-485 (application to become Permanent Residence (green card) or for Adjustment Status)
  • The US citizen Son/Daughter fills out Form I-130 (Petition for Foreigner’s Relative)
  • The financial sponsor fills out Form I-864
  • Then all forms along with all supporting evidence need to be submitted to the USCIS

In case, the parent of the US citizen is currently residing outside the US, the parent may apply to become a permanent resident at the nearest US embassy or consulate. 

  • The US –living Son or Daughter should fill out and submit Form I-130 and supporting documentation to the USCIS
  • If the petition is approved, the US Department of State shall invite the parent to apply for an immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate situated overseas
  • The parent should pay the USCIS immigration fee after receiving an immigrant visa packet from the US embassy or consulate where the parent applied and before coming to the US.

 

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