When you hold a Green Card, you enjoy significant rights within the United States, not least of which is the ability to live and work across the states. A common question among Green Card holders is whether they can extend these opportunities to their family, specifically their parents. The process, while feasible, involves understanding the rules and steps necessary to facilitate this significant life change for their loved ones.
Can a Green Card Holder Sponsor Parents?
Yes, a Green Card holder can sponsor parents, allowing them to come and live in the United States. However, the process mirrors the complexity and thoroughness of other immigration procedures, requiring careful planning and adherence to specific legal requirements.
Basic Requirements for Sponsoring Parents
Before considering sponsorship, several baseline criteria must be met. Firstly, the sponsor must either be a US citizen or a holder of a Green Card. The age requirement is straightforward; the sponsor must be over 18 years of age and have a principal residence in the United States, indicating their intent to remain in the country.
It’s essential to establish the familial relationship clearly and incontrovertibly. For instance, a birth certificate showing both your names will typically suffice when sponsoring your mother. Sponsoring a father may require additional documents, such as a marriage certificate between your parents or proof of financial or emotional support before you turn 21.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring Your Parents
Submit Your Petition
The initial phase of the sponsorship process involves filing Form I-130 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form affirms your status as a Green Card holder and formally requests the initiation of your parent’s immigration process. Alongside this form, you will need to provide documentation proving your relationship. This stage concludes with a $535 processing fee, and following submission, it typically takes up to three months to receive approval.
Apply for a Visa and Attend Appointments
Once your petition is approved, the next step is waiting for a visa number to become available. This is critical as it determines when your parents can apply for their Green Card. Your parents will attend a consular interview in their home country upon receiving a visa number. This interview is crucial as it involves a thorough check of the application by consular officers to ensure all information is accurate and meets the immigration requirements.
During this interview, your parent should arrive early, dress appropriately, and revise all their application details. Since the interview is conducted in English and no interpreters are provided, non-English-speaking applicants might consider hiring a professional interpreter to assist during this process.
Medical Examination
Another essential component of the process is the medical examination. This examination ensures that your parent is in good health and meets the health standards required for entering the United States. The results of this examination are critical to the final decision regarding their Green Card application.
Green Card holders can effectively sponsor their parents by carefully following these steps and promptly submitting all documentation accurately. This process reunites families and allows parents to experience life in the United States and access opportunities.