How to Apply For Green Cards For Parents

Green cards for parents are a relatively easy way to bring your parents to the United States as permanent residents. However, there are many steps involved and they can take a long time to process.

To get started, you must fill out Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form and filing fee must be submitted to USCIS. It usually takes 3 months for USCIS to approve the form.

Process

When you apply for a green card for your parents, you will need to know the process and understand what to expect. There are several steps to follow, including filing a petition and meeting with immigration officers.

The first step of the application process is to file Form I-130 Assistance, Petition for Alien Relative. It is a relatively dense form that requires you to fill in biographical information about yourself and your parent.

You will also need to submit documents proving your relationship with your parents. These will vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

Once you have submitted all of the required forms and evidence, you will receive an I-797C notice from USCIS confirming that they have received your case. Then, you can proceed with the consular processing process.

Requirements

There are many benefits to being a green card holder, including permanent residency and citizenship in the United States. A green card holder has the right to work anywhere in the country, can get social security benefits when they retire, and can file income tax returns.

One way to obtain a green card is through your parent’s immigrant visa petition. However, before you can sponsor your parents for a Green Card, there are some requirements you must meet.

The most important requirement is that your parents are admissible to the United States. They must not have any past crimes or other negative factors that would disqualify them from immigrating to the U.S.

They also must have the financial ability to support themselves. You must provide evidence of your parent’s income and assets. They must also prove that they have adequate US immigrant health insurance coverage.

Fees

There are a variety of fees associated with Green cards for parents. Among the most significant are the filing fees for petitions and forms.

In addition, there are additional fees related to consular processing abroad. These include biometrics (fingerprinting) fees and medical exam fees.

These fees can vary by country and are often subject to change.

Moreover, if your application package includes documents that are not in English, you will need to pay for translation services. These fees can range from $20-$40.

These fees must be paid in separate payments. It’s also best to avoid combining them into one payment sum.

Timeline

The timeline for processing Green cards for parents depends on the type of relationship between the petitioner and the foreign national relative. Generally, family members with immediate relatives enjoy the fastest processing times.

Typically, the timeline for green card processing can take between one and two years. This includes the time needed for USCIS to review your parent’s petition, and for the NVC to process it.

After they file their I-130, USCIS will send your parent a notice to schedule a biometrics appointment. This appointment is where they will get their photo taken and fingerprints done.

Once they’ve completed these steps, they’ll receive a work permit (EAD) and travel permit (Advance Parole). These documents allow your parents to enter the United States for up to six months to wait for their green cards to be issued.

Getting a green card for your parents can be a long and frustrating process. It’s best to get professional assistance from an immigration attorney.