Applying for a green card for your parents can be a confusing and time-consuming process, but it's important to start the process as early as possible. The sooner you start, the sooner your parents can become lawful permanent residents of the United States.
In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a green card for your parents. We'll cover everything you need to know, from the initial paperwork to the final interview.
Before you begin the application process, you'll need to make sure that your parents meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a green card, your parents must be:
How to Apply Green Card for Parents
Applying for a green card for your parents can be a complex process, but it's important to start the process as early as possible. Here are six important points to keep in mind:
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure your parents meet the eligibility criteria.
- Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents, including birth certificates, passports, and financial records.
- File Petition: Submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS.
- Pay Fees: Pay the required filing fees associated with the petition.
- Attend Interview: Prepare for and attend an interview with USCIS.
- Receive Green Card: Upon approval, your parents will receive their green cards.
Applying for a green card for your parents can take several months or even years, so it's important to be patient and persistent throughout the process. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance.
Determine Eligibility: Ensure your parents meet the eligibility criteria.
Before you start the application process, it's important to make sure that your parents meet the eligibility requirements for a green card. To be eligible, your parents must:
- Be your biological parents or adoptive parents.
- Be unmarried. If your parents are married to each other, they must both apply for green cards separately.
- Not have any criminal convictions or serious health problems.
- Be able to demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves in the United States.
In addition, your parents must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident child. You, as the sponsoring child, must be at least 21 years old and able to prove that you can financially support your parents.
If your parents are applying for a green card based on their status as the parents of a U.S. citizen, they must also meet the following requirements:
- Your parents must have been physically present in the United States for at least five years.
- Your parents must have filed their taxes and paid all required taxes.
- Your parents must have a good moral character.
If your parents meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can proceed with the application process.
It's important to note that the eligibility requirements for a green card can change, so it's always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney to make sure that your parents meet the current requirements.
Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents, including birth certificates, passports, and financial records.
Once you've determined that your parents are eligible for a green card, you can start gathering the necessary documents. The following is a list of documents that you will need to submit with your petition:
- Birth certificates for your parents.
These must be original or certified copies.
- Passports for your parents.
These must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of their intended entry into the United States.
- Two passport-sized photos of each parent.
The photos must be in color and taken within the past six months.
- Financial documents that demonstrate your ability to support your parents.
This can include pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns.
- Evidence of your relationship to your parents.
This can include birth certificates, adoption records, or marriage certificates.
- Completed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
This is the main application form that you will need to submit to USCIS.
- Filing fees.
The current filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
It's important to make sure that all of the documents that you submit are accurate and complete. If you have any questions about which documents you need to submit, you can consult with an immigration attorney.
File Petition: Submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary documents, you can file your petition with USCIS. The petition is Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. You can file this form online or by mail.
- If you are filing online, you will need to create a USCIS online account.
Once you have created an account, you can follow the instructions on the USCIS website to file your petition.
- If you are filing by mail, you can download Form I-130 from the USCIS website.
You can also obtain a copy of the form from a USCIS office.
- Once you have completed the form, you will need to mail it to the USCIS address указанный on the form.
You must also include the required filing fee.
- USCIS will review your petition and send you a receipt notice.
The receipt notice will include a case number that you can use to track the status of your petition.
It is important to file your petition accurately and completely. If USCIS finds any errors in your petition, they may deny your petition or request additional evidence. If you have any questions about how to file your petition, you can consult with an immigration attorney.
Pay Fees: Pay the required filing fees associated with the petition.
When you file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you will need to pay the required filing fee. The current filing fee is $535. You can pay the fee online or by mail.
If you are filing online, you can pay the fee using a credit card or debit card. You can also pay the fee by mailing a check or money order to the USCIS address указанный on the form. The check or money order must be made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." For additional payment options, refer to the USCIS website.
If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may be able to request a fee waiver. To request a fee waiver, you will need to submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, with your petition. You can obtain Form I-912 from the USCIS website or from a USCIS office.
USCIS will review your request for a fee waiver and will notify you of their decision. If your request is approved, you will not need to pay the filing fee.
It is important to pay the filing fee in full and on time. If you do not pay the filing fee, USCIS may deny your petition.
In addition to the filing fee, you may also need to pay other fees associated with the green card application process. For example, you may need to pay a biometric services fee or an interview fee. The cost of these fees can vary, so it's important to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
Attend Interview: Prepare for and attend an interview with USCIS.
Once your petition has been approved, you and your parents will be scheduled for an interview with USCIS. The interview will be conducted at a local USCIS office. The purpose of the interview is for USCIS to verify the information that you provided in your petition and to determine whether your parents are eligible for a green card.
- Receive Interview Notice.
USCIS will send you and your parents a notice of the interview date, time, and location.
- Prepare for the Interview.
Review the information that you submitted in your petition and gather any additional documents that you may need to bring to the interview.
- Attend the Interview.
Arrive at the USCIS office on time for your interview. Bring all of the required documents with you.
- Be Prepared to Answer Questions.
The USCIS officer will ask you and your parents questions about your relationship, your financial situation, and your parents' eligibility for a green card.
It is important to be prepared for your interview and to answer the USCIS officer's questions honestly and completely. If you have any questions about the interview process, you can consult with an immigration attorney.
Receive Green Card: Upon approval, your parents will receive their green cards.
After your parents' interview, USCIS will make a decision on their green card application. If your parents' application is approved, they will be issued green cards. Green cards are valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Green cards allow your parents to live and work permanently in the United States. They will also be eligible for many of the same benefits as U.S. citizens, including Social Security and Medicare.
Once your parents receive their green cards, they will need to keep them safe and carry them with them at all times. Green cards can be replaced if they are lost or stolen, but it is important to report the loss or theft to USCIS as soon as possible.
Your parents can apply for U.S. citizenship after they have held their green cards for five years. To apply for citizenship, they will need to pass a citizenship test and an English language test. They will also need to demonstrate that they have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the last five years.
Obtaining a green card is a significant milestone for your parents. It is important to help them understand their rights and responsibilities as green card holders. You can also help them prepare for the citizenship process if they choose to pursue it.
FAQ
Introduction:
Applying for a green card for your parents can be a complex and time-consuming process. To help you better understand the process, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers.
Question 1: What are the eligibility requirements for my parents to apply for a green card?
Answer: To be eligible, your parents must be your biological or adoptive parents, unmarried, without any serious criminal convictions or health problems, and able to demonstrate financial support.
Question 2: How do I start the application process?
Answer: The first step is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. You can file online or by mail.
Question 3: What documents do I need to submit with the petition?
Answer: You will need to submit documents such as birth certificates, passports, financial records, and evidence of your relationship with your parents.
Question 4: How much does it cost to apply for a green card?
Answer: The current filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. You may also need to pay additional fees for biometric services or an interview.
Question 5: What happens after I submit the petition?
Answer: USCIS will review your petition and send you a receipt notice. Once your petition is approved, you and your parents will be scheduled for an interview.
Question 6: What should I expect at the interview?
Answer: The USCIS officer will ask you and your parents questions about your relationship, your financial situation, and your parents' eligibility for a green card.
Closing Paragraph:
We hope this FAQ has helped you understand the process of applying for a green card for your parents. If you have any further questions, you can consult with an immigration attorney.
Transition:
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few additional tips to help you with the application process:
Tips
Introduction:
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few practical tips to help you with the application process for your parents' green card:
Tip 1: Start the process early.
The green card application process can take several months or even years, so it's important to start the process as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the interview.
Tip 2: Be organized and keep track of all documents.
You will need to submit a lot of documents with your petition, so it's important to be organized and keep track of everything. Make copies of all documents and keep them in a safe place.
Tip 3: Get help from an immigration attorney.
If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, it's a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney. An attorney can help you review your petition, gather the necessary documents, and prepare for the interview.
Tip 4: Be patient and persistent.
The green card application process can be long and challenging, but it's important to be patient and persistent. Don't give up if you encounter delays or setbacks. Keep in mind that the end goal is to help your parents obtain their green cards so that they can live and work permanently in the United States.
Closing Paragraph:
We hope these tips have been helpful. Remember, the most important thing is to start the process early and be prepared. With careful planning and preparation, you can help your parents achieve their dream of obtaining a green card.
Transition:
Applying for a green card for your parents can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips and working closely with your parents, you can help them navigate the application process successfully.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
Applying for a green card for your parents can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your parents achieve their dream of living and working permanently in the United States.
Remember, the most important thing is to start the process early and be prepared. Make sure that your parents meet the eligibility requirements, gather all of the necessary documents, and be prepared for the interview.
Closing Message:
We hope that this article has been helpful in providing you with a better understanding of the green card application process for your parents. If you have any further questions, you can consult with an immigration attorney. With careful planning and preparation, you can help your parents obtain their green cards and build a better future for themselves in the United States.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There are many resources available to help you, including immigration attorneys, non-profit organizations, and online resources. With determination and perseverance, you can help your parents achieve their dream of a green card.