Are you a U.S. lawful permanent resident, also known as a Green Card holder? This is great news for you! You can now sponsor your parents to join you in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced a new policy that allows Green Card holders to petition for their parents to become lawful permanent residents, opening up a new pathway for family reunification.
Before this policy change, only U.S. citizens could sponsor their parents for a Green Card. This meant that Green Card holders who wanted their parents to join them in the United States had to wait years for their citizenship applications to be approved. The new policy eliminates this waiting period, allowing Green Card holders to apply for their parents' Green Cards immediately.
The process for sponsoring your parents for a Green Card involves several steps and requirements. In this article, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to apply and what to expect throughout the process.
Green Card Holder Can Sponsor Parents
Here are six important points about this new policy:
- Immediate family members: Green Card holders can now sponsor their parents, who are immediate family members.
- No citizenship requirement: Green Card holders do not need to become U.S. citizens before sponsoring their parents.
- I-130 petition: The process begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
- Priority dates: Parents will be assigned a priority date based on when the petition is filed.
- Visa availability: Parents can apply for a Green Card when a visa becomes available based on their priority date.
- Path to citizenship: After obtaining a Green Card, parents can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
This new policy is a significant step towards family reunification and provides a pathway for Green Card holders to bring their parents to the United States.
Immediate Family Members: Green Card Holders Can Now Sponsor Their Parents, Who Are Immediate Family Members.
The new policy announced by USCIS allows Green Card holders to sponsor their parents, who are considered immediate family members. This means that Green Card holders can now apply for their parents to become lawful permanent residents, granting them the right to live and work in the United States.
Previously, only U.S. citizens were eligible to sponsor their parents for a Green Card. This meant that Green Card holders who wanted their parents to join them in the United States had to wait years for their citizenship applications to be approved. The new policy eliminates this waiting period, allowing Green Card holders to immediately apply for their parents' Green Cards, thus expediting the family reunification process.
To be eligible as an immediate family member, your parents must meet certain criteria. They must be your biological parents or adoptive parents, and they must have a valid relationship with you. Additionally, your parents must not have any inadmissibility grounds that would prevent them from obtaining a Green Card.
To initiate the sponsorship process, Green Card holders must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This form requires detailed information about you, your parents, and your relationship. Once the petition is approved, your parents will be assigned a priority date, which determines their place in the line for a Green Card. When a visa becomes available based on their priority date, your parents can apply for a Green Card through consular processing or adjustment of status if they are already in the United States.
Overall, this new policy is a significant step towards family reunification and provides a clear pathway for Green Card holders to bring their parents to the United States.
No Citizenship Requirement: Green Card Holders Do Not Need to Become U.S. Citizens Before Sponsoring Their Parents.
One of the key aspects of the new policy is that Green Card holders do not need to become U.S. citizens before sponsoring their parents. This is a significant departure from the previous requirement, which mandated that only U.S. citizens could sponsor their parents for a Green Card.
This change is particularly beneficial for Green Card holders who are still in the process of obtaining their citizenship. Previously, these Green Card holders had to wait years for their citizenship applications to be approved before they could sponsor their parents. The new policy eliminates this waiting period, allowing Green Card holders to immediately apply for their parents' Green Cards, regardless of their citizenship status.
It is important to note that while Green Card holders do not need to be U.S. citizens to sponsor their parents, they must meet certain eligibility criteria. They must have maintained their Green Card status for at least five years and must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient income or assets to support their parents financially.
Overall, the removal of the citizenship requirement is a major step forward in promoting family reunification and provides a more accessible pathway for Green Card holders to bring their parents to the United States.
If you are a Green Card holder and you wish to sponsor your parents for a Green Card, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and to understand the process in detail.
I-130 Petition: The Process Begins with Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
The first step in sponsoring your parents for a Green Card is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This form is used to establish your relationship with your parents and to initiate the Green Card application process.
- What information is required on Form I-130?
Form I-130 requires detailed information about you, your parents, and your relationship. This includes your names, addresses, dates of birth, and places of birth. You will also need to provide evidence of your relationship with your parents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption decrees.
- Where can I file Form I-130?
Form I-130 can be filed online or by mail. If you are filing online, you will need to create a USCIS online account. If you are filing by mail, you can download the form from the USCIS website or obtain it from a USCIS office.
- What are the fees associated with Form I-130?
There is a filing fee associated with Form I-130. The current fee is $535. You can pay the fee online or by check or money order.
- What happens after I file Form I-130?
Once you have filed Form I-130, USCIS will review your petition. If your petition is approved, USCIS will send you a Notice of Action. This notice will include a priority date for your parents. The priority date is used to determine when your parents will be eligible for a Green Card.
Filing Form I-130 is the first step in the process of sponsoring your parents for a Green Card. It is important to ensure that you fill out the form accurately and completely and that you include all the required supporting documents.
Priority Dates: Parents Will Be Assigned a Priority Date Based on When the Petition Is Filed.
Once USCIS approves your Form I-130 petition, your parents will be assigned a priority date. The priority date is the date when your petition was filed. It is important to note that the priority date is not the same as the date when your parents will receive their Green Cards.
The priority date is used to determine when your parents will be eligible to apply for a Green Card. There is a visa quota for each country, and visas are issued to applicants in the order of their priority dates. This means that your parents may have to wait several years before they can apply for a Green Card, depending on the demand from other applicants from the same country.
You can check the current visa bulletin to see the priority dates for different countries. The visa bulletin is updated monthly and shows the cutoff dates for each category of visa. If your parents' priority date is earlier than the cutoff date for their country, they may be eligible to apply for a Green Card.
It is important to keep in mind that the priority date system can be complex and subject to change. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the priority date process and to determine when your parents may be eligible to apply for a Green Card.
Despite the potential wait time, the assignment of a priority date is a significant step in the Green Card application process. It provides a clear timeline and allows you and your parents to plan for the future.
Visa Availability: Parents Can Apply for a Green Card When a Visa Becomes Available Based on Their Priority Date.
Once your parents' priority date becomes current, they can apply for a Green Card. Visa availability is determined by the visa quota for each country and the number of applicants with earlier priority dates. If there is a visa available for your parents, they will be able to proceed with the Green Card application process.
There are two main ways for your parents to apply for a Green Card:
- Consular processing: If your parents are outside the United States, they will need to apply for a Green Card through consular processing. This involves submitting an application to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Once the application is approved, your parents will be scheduled for an interview. If they are successful in the interview, they will be issued a Green Card, which they can use to enter the United States.
- Adjustment of status: If your parents are already in the United States, they may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status. This process allows them to change their immigration status from a nonimmigrant visa to a Green Card without having to leave the United States. To be eligible for adjustment of status, your parents must have entered the United States legally and must have maintained their legal status throughout their stay.
The process for applying for a Green Card can be complex and time-consuming. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to determine the best course of action for your parents and to assist them with the application process.
Once your parents receive their Green Cards, they will be able to live and work permanently in the United States. They will also be eligible for many of the same benefits as U.S. citizens, such as Social Security and Medicare.
Path to Citizenship: After Obtaining a Green Card, Parents Can Eventually Apply for U.S. Citizenship.
After your parents have lived in the United States as Green Card holders for five years, they may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. This process is known as naturalization.
To be eligible for naturalization, your parents must meet certain requirements, including:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having resided in the United States for at least five years, with no extended absences
- Being able to read, write, and speak basic English
- Having a basic understanding of U.S. history and government
- Passing a civics test
- Being of good moral character
If your parents meet these requirements, they can apply for naturalization by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney for assistance.
If your parents' naturalization application is approved, they will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony. At this ceremony, they will take an oath of allegiance to the United States and receive their certificates of naturalization. Once they have become U.S. citizens, they will have all the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, including the right to vote and to hold public office.
The path to citizenship for Green Card holders is a significant milestone in the immigration journey. It is an opportunity for your parents to become full members of American society and to enjoy all the benefits that come with U.S. citizenship.
FAQ for Parents
If you are a parent who is interested in immigrating to the United States through your Green Card holder child, you may have some questions about the process. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand the steps involved:
Question 1: Am I eligible to be sponsored by my Green Card holder child?
Answer: Yes, you may be eligible to be sponsored by your Green Card holder child if you are their biological parent, adoptive parent, or stepparent, and if you have a valid relationship with them.
Question 2: What is the process for my child to sponsor me for a Green Card?
Answer: The process begins with your child filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. Once the petition is approved, you will be assigned a priority date. When a visa becomes available based on your priority date, you can apply for a Green Card.
Question 3: How long will it take for me to get a Green Card?
Answer: The processing time for Green Card applications can vary depending on the visa category and the country of origin. However, you can check the current visa bulletin to get an estimate of the wait time.
Question 4: What are the requirements for me to obtain a Green Card?
Answer: To obtain a Green Card, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a valid relationship with your sponsoring child, passing a medical examination, and demonstrating that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself.
Question 5: Can I apply for a Green Card while I am still in my home country?
Answer: Yes, you can apply for a Green Card through consular processing while you are still in your home country. However, you may also be eligible to apply for adjustment of status if you are already in the United States.
Question 6: What are the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?
Answer: U.S. citizenship offers many benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to hold public office, and access to certain government benefits and programs.
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These are just some of the frequently asked questions about the process of sponsoring parents for a Green Card. If you have additional questions or need assistance with the application process, it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some tips for parents who are interested in immigrating to the United States through their Green Card holder child:
Tips for Parents
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some practical tips for parents who are interested in immigrating to the United States through their Green Card holder child:
Tip 1: Gather the necessary documents early.
The Green Card application process requires a significant amount of documentation. It is important to start gathering the necessary documents as early as possible to avoid any delays in processing. This includes documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and financial statements.
Tip 2: Be prepared for the interview.
If you are applying for a Green Card through consular processing, you will be required to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Be prepared to answer questions about your relationship with your child, your immigration history, and your reasons for wanting to immigrate to the United States.
Tip 3: Consider hiring an immigration attorney.
The Green Card application process can be complex and time-consuming. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure about any aspect of the process, consider hiring an immigration attorney to assist you. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documents, prepare your application, and represent you at your interview.
Tip 4: Be patient.
The Green Card application process can take several months or even years to complete. It is important to be patient and persistent throughout the process. Keep in mind that the end goal is to be reunited with your child in the United States.
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Following these tips can help you increase your chances of success in the Green Card application process. Remember to stay organized, be prepared, and be patient. With perseverance, you can achieve your goal of immigrating to the United States and reuniting with your family.
The new policy that allows Green Card holders to sponsor their parents for a Green Card is a significant step forward in promoting family reunification. With careful planning and preparation, parents can navigate the application process and eventually join their children in the United States.
Conclusion
The new policy that allows Green Card holders to sponsor their parents for a Green Card is a significant step forward in promoting family reunification. This policy change opens up a new pathway for Green Card holders to bring their parents to the United States and provides a more streamlined process for family-sponsored immigration.
To be eligible for sponsorship, parents must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid relationship with the Green Card holder and meeting certain financial requirements. The process involves filing a petition with USCIS, undergoing background checks, and attending an interview. While the processing time can vary, parents can eventually apply for a Green Card and ultimately U.S. citizenship.
For parents who dream of joining their children in the United States, the new sponsorship policy offers hope and opportunity. With careful planning and preparation, parents can navigate the application process and eventually be reunited with their loved ones in America.
Closing Message
Family reunification is a cornerstone of American values. The ability for Green Card holders to sponsor their parents for a Green Card is a testament to the commitment of the United States to keeping families together. If you are a Green Card holder and you wish to sponsor your parents, I encourage you to learn more about the process and take the necessary steps to bring your family to the United States.