Introduction
As a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may want to bring your parents to live with you in the United States. One of the ways to achieve this is to apply for a green card for your parents. This article will guide you through the process of applying for a green card for your parents.
Step-by-Step Guide on Applying for a Green Card for Your Parents
1. Determine your eligibility: To apply for a green card for your parents, you must be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident. If you are a US citizen, your parents are considered immediate relatives, and there is no limit to the number of green cards that can be issued. If you are a lawful permanent resident, your parents are considered family preference immigrants, and there is a limit to the number of green cards that can be issued each year.
2. File Form I-130: This is the first step in the process of applying for a green card for your parents. You will need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to provide proof of your relationship with your parents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents.
3. Wait for Approval: After filing Form I-130, you will need to wait for approval from USCIS. Once your petition is approved, USCIS will send the approved Form I-130 to the National Visa Center (NVC).
4. Complete Form DS-260: You will need to complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, and submit it to the NVC. You will also need to pay the required fees at this stage.
5. Attend Interview: After submitting Form DS-260, you will need to attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your parents’ home country. During the interview, your parents will be asked questions about their background and their reasons for wanting to immigrate to the United States.
6. Receive Green Card: If your parents’ application is approved, they will receive their green card and can enter the United States as lawful permanent residents.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Can I apply for a green card for my parents if I am not a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident? | No, you cannot apply for a green card for your parents if you are not a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident. |
| 2. How long does it take to get a green card for my parents? | It can take several months to several years to get a green card for your parents, depending on the backlog of applications and the processing times of USCIS and the NVC. |
| 3. Can I apply for a green card for my step-parents? | Yes, you can apply for a green card for your step-parents if you can prove that your relationship with them is genuine and that your marriage to their biological parent is genuine. |
| 4. Can my parents work in the United States with a green card? | Yes, your parents can work in the United States with a green card. |
| 5. Can my parents travel outside the United States with a green card? | Yes, your parents can travel outside the United States with a green card, but they must not stay outside the United States for more than six months at a time. |
| 6. Do my parents need to take a medical exam before applying for a green card? | Yes, your parents will need to take a medical exam as part of the green card application process. |
| 7. Can I apply for a green card for my grandparents? | No, you cannot apply for a green card for your grandparents unless you adopt them or they adopt you. |
| 8. Do my parents need to have a sponsor in the United States? | No, your parents do not need to have a sponsor in the United States, but you will need to provide evidence that you can financially support them. |
| 9. What happens if my parents’ green card application is denied? | If your parents’ green card application is denied, you can appeal the decision or reapply for a green card if you can address the reasons for the denial. |
| 10. Can I apply for a green card for my parents if they are already in the United States? | Yes, you can apply for a green card for your parents if they are already in the United States, but they must have entered the United States legally. |
Tips
1. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before you start the green card application process.
2. Be prepared to wait for several months or even years for your parents’ green card application to be approved.
3. Keep track of the progress of your parents’ green card application by checking the USCIS and NVC websites.
4. Attend the interview with your parents to provide support and answer any questions that may arise.
Conclusion
Applying for a green card for your parents can be a lengthy and complex process, but it is worth it to have your parents with you in the United States. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success in obtaining a green card for your parents.
