Can Green Card Holder Apply For Parents?

June 6, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

Yes, green card holders can apply for their parents to become permanent residents of the united states. A green card holder can sponsor their parents for permanent residency.

This process requires the green card holder to file a petition and complete the necessary forms to start the application process. While the process can be lengthy and complex, it is possible for green card holders to help their parents join them in the united states.

The eligibility and requirements for this process may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the green card holder and their parents. However, overall, applying for the parents can be a viable option for green card holders who want their parents to become legal permanent residents of the united states.

Credit: www.uscis.gov

Eligibility Requirements For Sponsoring Parents As A Green Card Holder

Can Green Card Holder Apply For Parents?

If you’re a green card holder looking to bring your parents to the united states, you may be wondering if you’re eligible. The process of sponsoring parents as a green card holder can be complex, so it’s essential to know the eligibility requirements.

This post will discuss the key information you need to know, including who qualifies as a parent, minimum age requirements for sponsors, financial requirements, and other eligibility requirements.

The Definition Of A Green Card Holder

A green card holder is someone who has been granted lawful permanent resident status in the united states. As a green card holder, you have the ability to live and work in the country permanently. You also have the right to petition for certain family members to come to the united states.

Who Qualifies As A Parent?

To sponsor a parent as a green card holder, the parent must meet the definition of a “parent” under u. s. immigration law. This definition includes biological parents, adoptive parents, and stepparents if the relationship was established before the child turned 18.

It’s important to note that the sponsor must be a u. s. citizen or green card holder.

The Minimum Age Requirement For The Sponsor

The sponsor must be at least 18 years of age to petition for a parent to come to the united states. However, if the sponsor is under 21, they cannot sponsor a stepparent.

Financial Requirements For The Sponsor

Sponsors must be able to show that they have the financial means to support their parents while they’re in the united states. Specifically, sponsors must demonstrate that their income is at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. If the sponsor cannot meet this requirement, they can use assets to supplement their income.

Other Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, there are other eligibility requirements to keep in mind when sponsoring a parent as a green card holder. These include:

• The sponsor must provide an affidavit of support to demonstrate they will support their parent financially.
• The parent being sponsored must not have any criminal convictions that make them ineligible for admission to the united states.
• The parent being sponsored must not have any health conditions that make them inadmissible to the country.

There are several eligibility requirements for sponsoring parents as a green card holder in the united states. It’s important to understand each of these requirements to ensure that you qualify to bring your parent to the country. Remember, the process can be complex, so it’s always advisable to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on the process.

The Sponsorship Process For Green Card Holders

Green card holders living in the united states might wonder if they can apply for their parents to come and live with them. Sponsoring a parent can be challenging, but it is not an impossible process. This article will discuss the sponsorship process for green card holders, the required documents, the application fees, processing times, and additional steps that they need to follow.

Filing A Form I-130, Petition For Alien Relative

Green card holders can sponsor their parents by filing a form i-130, petition for alien relative. When they file this form, they must prove that they have a qualifying relationship with their parent as a legal citizen. After receiving the form i-130, the immigration and nationality act asses whether the parent(s) is eligible for green card status.

Approved petitions are then sent to the national visa center for processing.

Required Documents

The required documentation for the green card holders to sponsor their parents includes the following:

• A copy of the petitioner’s green card (front and back)
• A copy of the petitioner’s birth certificate
• A copy of the parent’s birth certificate
• A copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable)
• A copy of any legal name change certificates (if applicable)

Application Fees

Green card holders sponsoring their parents need to pay application fees, which include a filing fee, a biometric services fee, and an affidavit of support fee. The filing fee is $535 for form i-130, and the biometric services fee is $85.

The sponsorship petitioner will also need to submit an affidavit of support, which requires a fee of $120.

Processing Time

The processing time for the form i-130 can be lengthy, depending on the number of applications being processed at the same time. It can take between 7 and 17 months for the petition to be approved, but the time can be much shorter or longer.

Additional Steps

Green card holders must follow additional steps to ensure that the petition is successful. They must provide all necessary documents, attend any requested interviews, and answer any questions that may arise during the process. Skilled immigration attorneys can help navigate this process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Green card holders can apply to sponsor their parents to come to the united states, although the process is not straightforward. They must file a form i-130, provide all of the required documents, pay the application fees, and follow additional steps to ensure a successful outcome.

The process can be confusing and time-consuming, but skilled immigration attorneys can help you through the process.

Benefits And Limitations Of Sponsoring Parents As A Green Card Holder

Can Green Card Holder Apply For Parents?

As a green card holder, you may wonder if you can sponsor your parents to live permanently in the us. The answer is yes. However, there are benefits and limitations to consider. Let’s explore them further.

The Benefits Of Sponsoring Parents

Sponsoring your parents to live in the us offers several benefits, such as:

• Emotional support: Having your parents in the same country can provide emotional support and stability.
• Reduced expenses: Your parents’ medical expenses may reduce if they receive medical benefits from the us government.
• Stronger family ties: Sponsoring your parents allows you to strengthen family ties and spend more quality time together.

The Limitations Of Sponsoring Parents

While there are benefits of sponsoring parents as a green card holder, there are also a few limitations, such as:

• Financial responsibility: As a sponsor, you’re financially responsible for your parents’ needs, including food, shelter, and medical expenses.
• Waiting time: The application process for sponsoring parents can take a few years, depending on the priority level of the application.
• Age limit: If your parents are over 21 and unmarried, they fit into the same immigration category as your siblings, and the waiting time may increase.

Situations When It May Be Difficult To Sponsor Parents

Certain situations may make it difficult to sponsor your parents. Some of these situations include:

• Financial constraints: The minimum income requirements for sponsors can be relatively high, which may limit your ability to sponsor your parents.
• Legal issues: If your parents have a criminal record, this can delay or even negate the possibility of sponsoring them.
• Immigration restrictions: Restrictions based on the country of origin of your parents can also make it difficult to sponsor them.

While there are benefits to sponsoring parents as a green card holder, there are also limitations to consider. It’s essential to think through all the implications before deciding to start the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions Of Can Green Card Holder Apply For Parents?

Can A Green Card Holder Sponsor A Parent For A Green Card?

Yes, a green card holder can sponsor their parent for a green card through family sponsorship.

What Is The Process For Sponsoring A Parent For A Green Card?

The process involves filing a petition, waiting for a visa availability, and completing the consular processing.

Is There A Waiting Period To Sponsor A Parent For A Green Card?

Yes, there is typically a wait time for visa availability, which varies depending on the country of origin.

What Is The Difference Between Sponsoring A Parent As A Green Card Holder And A Us Citizen?

Green card holders have a longer waiting period for visa availability, while a us citizen can sponsor their parents immediately.

Are There Any Financial Requirements To Sponsor A Parent For A Green Card?

Yes, the sponsor must also meet financial requirements to ensure their parent will not become a public charge in the us.

Conclusion

As a green card holder, you can apply for your parents to become permanent residents of the united states. The process involves filing the appropriate forms and proving financial responsibility to support your parents once they are in the us.

It is important to note that the wait time for approval can be long, so patience is key. Additionally, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met, including age restrictions and proof of relationship. Seeking the guidance of an immigration lawyer can help ensure that the process is done correctly and efficiently.

Bringing parents to the us can be a complex and emotional journey, but the reward of being reunited with loved ones in a new country is immeasurable.