Unlock the Doors to Family Unity: Guide on How to Apply for a Green Card for Your Parents
Are you one of the countless immigrants who yearn to reunite with their parents abroad? Do you believe that sharing a life together on American soil will bring a renewed sense of family unity? If so, then you might be interested in obtaining a Green Card for your parents. This guide aims to provide the information you need to unlock the doors to family unity and bring your loved ones closer to you in the United States.
One of the most common ways to apply for a Green Card for your parents is by sponsoring them. This process involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, filing the necessary paperwork and attending an interview. It may seem daunting at first, but with proper guidance and preparation, the daunting task becomes an achievable dream.
By helping your parents obtain a Green Card, you not only increase the chances of living with them again, but you also provide them with a path towards better health care, education, employment and overall lifestyle. So, if you're ready to learn more about how to bring your family together and make your parents' dreams a reality, continue reading this comprehensive guide on how to apply for a Green Card for your parents.
Unlock the Doors to Family Unity: A Comparison Guide on How to Apply for a Green Card for Your Parents
As the saying goes, Home is where the heart is. For many families, their hearts are divided, with some members living overseas while others are in the United States. With the help of a green card, family members can reunite and live together under one roof. This article serves as a guide for individuals who wish to apply for a green card for their parents.
The Basics of Green Card Application
Before we delve into the specifics of applying for a green card for your parents, it's essential to understand what it is and how it works. A green card or permanent resident card permits a foreign national to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Having a green card gives an immigrant the right to study, travel and take part in other activities that citizens of the US do.
Two Ways to Apply for a Green Card for Your Parents
There are two primary ways through which you can apply for a green card for your parents; through consular processing or adjustment of status. Consular processing refers to the procedure of obtaining a visa abroad through the US embassy in your parent's home country. Adjustment of status, on the other hand, involves filing a petition for permanent residence while already in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria for Green Card Application
Not everyone is eligible to apply for a green card for their parents. For starters, the applicant must be a US citizen and aged over 21. They must also provide evidence of a financial ability to support their parents. Other eligibility requirements include a clean criminal record and meeting the required health and medical requirements.
Green Card Application Process
The green card application process is different depending on the route you take. The consular processing option involves filing an immigrant visa petition, waiting for approval and scheduling a visa interview with the US embassy. After obtaining the visa, the parent can travel to the United States and become a lawful permanent resident. Adjustment of status, on the other hand, involves filing an I-130 petition, waiting for approval and then submitting Form I-485 to adjust your parent's status to permanent residence.
Processing Time and Costs
The entire green card application process (excluding the application fee) costs between $1500 and $3000. Consular processing typically takes six to twelve months, while adjustment of status takes 10 – 13 months on average. However, these times may vary depending on factors such as demand, processing facilities' capacity and application complexity.
Pros and Cons of Consular Processing vs Adjustment of Status
| Consular Processing | Adjustment of Status |
|---|---|
| Typically faster than Adjustment of Status | The parent remains in the US during the processing period. |
| Much easier to process compared to Adjustment of Status | Avoids the need for consular processing abroad. |
| Normally does not require an immigration attorney. | The applicant must be in the US at the time of the application. |
| The foreign national enters the US as a lawful permanent resident. | High cost of various applications and fees. |
| The applicant can avoid the lengthy Adjustment of Status wait times. | Once the petition is approved, you're subject to travel restrictions until a visa is available. |
Conclusion
The decision to apply for your parent's green card requires careful consideration, following up the application process with an immigration lawyer, and understanding the eligibility requirements for both options. It will take time and financial resources but keep in mind; you're reuniting your family under one roof. Best of luck!
Thank you for taking your time to read our guide on how to apply for a Green Card for your parents. We hope that the information we provided has been helpful in unlocking the doors to family unity for you and your loved ones.
When it comes to navigating the complex process of Green Card application, it is important to be equipped with the right tools and knowledge. From understanding the eligibility criteria to filling out the forms correctly, every step of the way can be tricky if you are not prepared.
However, with our guide in hand, we believe that you can confidently navigate the process of applying for a Green Card for your parents. By doing so, you will not only open up opportunities for your loved ones but also strengthen family ties across borders.
Once again, thank you for visiting our blog and we hope that you will continue to find informative content that meets your needs. If you have any questions or doubts about the Green Card application process, do not hesitate to reach out to an immigration attorney who can provide you with personalized guidance.
Unlock the Doors to Family Unity: Guide on How to Apply for a Green Card for Your Parents is a helpful resource for those who want to bring their parents to live permanently in the United States. Here are some common questions that people also ask about the process:
Who can apply for a green card for their parents?
Any U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can apply for a green card for their parents.
What documents are needed to apply?
You will need to provide proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. You will also need to prove your relationship to your parents with their birth certificates and your own. Additionally, you will need to fill out Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and pay the filing fee.
How long does it take to get a green card for parents?
The processing time varies depending on the USCIS workload and other factors, but it can take anywhere from several months to a year or more. It's important to be patient and keep track of your application's status.
Can my parents work in the U.S. with a green card?
Yes, your parents will have the right to work in the U.S. once they receive their green card.
Can my parents travel outside the U.S. with a green card?
Yes, your parents can travel outside the U.S. with a green card, but they should be aware of certain requirements and restrictions. They will need to have a valid passport from their home country, and they may need to apply for a re-entry permit if they plan to be outside the U.S. for more than one year.