Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, especially when it comes to family-based immigration. If you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) looking to sponsor your parents for a green card, it's essential to understand the process and your options. This article provides a comprehensive guide to applying for your parents' green card while they are on a tourist visa.
First and foremost, it's crucial to ensure that your parents meet the eligibility criteria for a green card. They must be your biological or adoptive parents, and you must be at least 21 years old. Additionally, you must prove that you are financially capable of supporting your parents once they become lawful permanent residents. This involves submitting evidence of your income, assets, and employment history.
With the eligibility requirements met, you can proceed with the application process. This typically involves filing a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the necessary supporting documentation. Once the petition is approved, your parents will need to undergo a medical examination and provide additional biometric information.
applying for parents green card while on tourist visa
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, especially when it comes to family-based immigration. Here are 6 important points to keep in mind when applying for your parents' green card while they are on a tourist visa:
- Eligibility requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen or LPR, at least 21 years old, and able to financially support your parents.
- Form I-130 petition: File a petition with USCIS, including supporting documents like birth certificates and evidence of your financial means.
- Medical examination: Your parents will need to undergo a medical exam and provide vaccination records.
- Biometric information: Your parents will need to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature.
- Interview: Your parents may be called for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Green card approval: If the application is successful, your parents will receive their green cards, granting them permanent residency in the United States.
Remember, the process can be lengthy and requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Consulting with an immigration attorney can be beneficial to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Eligibility requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen or LPR, at least 21 years old, and able to financially support your parents.
To sponsor your parents for a green card while they are on a tourist visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These requirements ensure that you have the means and ability to support your parents financially once they become lawful permanent residents.
- U.S. citizenship or LPR status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR) to sponsor your parents for a green card. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your parents, regardless of their country of origin. If you are an LPR, you can only sponsor your parents if they are from a country that is not subject to a numerical limitation on green cards.
- Age requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to sponsor your parents for a green card. This age requirement ensures that you are financially stable and have the means to support your parents.
- Financial support: You must be able to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support your parents once they become lawful permanent residents. This includes providing evidence of your income, assets, and employment history. The USCIS will assess your financial situation to determine if you can provide for your parents' basic needs, such as housing, food, and healthcare.
- Form I-864 Affidavit of Support: As part of the application process, you will need to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form is a legally binding contract in which you agree to provide financial support for your parents for at least 10 years after they become lawful permanent residents.
Meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial for the success of your parents' green card application. If you fail to meet any of the requirements, the USCIS may deny your petition.
Form I-130 petition: File a petition with USCIS, including supporting documents like birth certificates and evidence of your financial means.
Once you have established that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can proceed with filing the petition for your parents' green card. The first step is to submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is available online or at any USCIS office.
In addition to the Form I-130, you will need to gather and submit supporting documents that prove your relationship with your parents, their eligibility for a green card, and your ability to financially support them. Here is a list of common supporting documents required for a Form I-130 petition:
- Birth certificates: Submit birth certificates for yourself and your parents to prove your relationship.
- Marriage certificates: If your parents are married, you will need to submit their marriage certificate.
- Adoption records: If you were adopted, you will need to submit your adoption records.
- Evidence of financial support: You will need to submit evidence that you have the financial means to support your parents. This can include pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and employment contracts.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: You will need to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, in which you legally agree to provide financial support for your parents for at least 10 years after they become lawful permanent residents.
Once you have gathered all the necessary supporting documents, you can file your Form I-130 petition with the USCIS. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. You can file the petition online or by mail. After you have filed the petition, the USCIS will review it and send you a receipt notice.
The processing time for Form I-130 petitions can vary depending on the USCIS workload and your parents' country of origin. Once the petition is approved, the USCIS will send you an approval notice. You will then need to follow the instructions in the approval notice to complete the green card application process for your parents.
Filing the Form I-130 petition is a crucial step in the process of applying for your parents' green card while they are on a tourist visa. Make sure you gather all the required supporting documents and file the petition correctly to avoid any delays or denials.
Medical examination: Your parents will need to undergo a medical exam and provide vaccination records.
As part of the green card application process, your parents will be required to undergo a medical examination and provide proof of vaccinations. This is to ensure that they are in good health and do not have any medical conditions that could pose a threat to public health or safety in the United States.
- Purpose of the medical examination: The medical examination is conducted by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon. The surgeon will perform a physical examination and review your parents' medical history. The examination will cover a range of health aspects, including infectious diseases, mental health, and physical disabilities.
- Vaccination requirements: Your parents will also need to provide proof that they have received certain vaccinations. The required vaccinations may vary depending on their age and country of origin. Common vaccinations that are required include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox).
- Timing of the medical examination: The medical examination should be completed within 60 days of your parents' interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. If the medical examination is not completed within this timeframe, your parents may need to undergo another examination.
- Cost of the medical examination: The cost of the medical examination will vary depending on the location and the doctor's fees. You should expect to pay around $200 to $300 for the examination.
The medical examination and vaccination requirements are in place to protect the health of the U.S. population. By ensuring that your parents are in good health and have the necessary vaccinations, you can help to ensure a smooth and successful green card application process.
Biometric information: Your parents will need to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature.
During the green card application process, your parents will be required to provide biometric information, which includes fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature. This information is used to conduct background checks and verify their identity.
- Purpose of biometric information: Biometric information is used to prevent identity fraud and ensure the integrity of the immigration process. It also helps to streamline the application process and reduce the need for in-person interviews.
- When and where to provide biometric information: Your parents will typically be required to provide their biometric information at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). They will receive a biometrics appointment notice in the mail, which will include the date, time, and location of their appointment.
- What to expect at the biometrics appointment: At the biometrics appointment, your parents will be asked to provide their fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature. The process is quick and painless, and it usually takes less than 30 minutes.
- Cost of biometric services: There is a fee for biometric services, which is typically around $85. You can pay the fee online or at the ASC.
Providing biometric information is a mandatory part of the green card application process. Make sure your parents attend their biometrics appointment on time and bring the required documents, including their appointment notice, passport, and any other supporting documents.