Wednesday 21 February 2024

How to Start Applying for Green Cards for Your Parents

 

When you plan to sponsor your parents to come and live in the U.S. permanently? Obtaining green cards, otherwise called permanent residence, for your parents may be complicated; however the payoff is rewarding. In this guide, we will take you through the whole procedure, give you some hints and also answer the frequently asked questions so that you will find it easier to go through the process.

Understanding the Basics

First, it is important to acquaint ourselves with the green card and who qualifies for it before we start the application process. A green card gives permanent legal residence in the United States, which enables individuals to stay and work in this country. The requirement of green card is having a qualifying relationship with you , your parents, the petitioner. This would imply biological or legal parents of American citizens, 21 years old and above.

Step 1: Decide Eligibility

The initial stage of obtaining green cards for your parent would be to check whether they are eligible. Ensure they have met all the requirements, such as the relationship bases and any other conditions that USCIS specifies.

Step 2: File Form I-130

Then the eligibility has to be verified and you will need to submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS. This way of building up your relationship with your parents lets you start the 'green card' application process. In addition to the application form, you should also submit the supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and the evidence of your being American citizen or permanent resident.

Step 3: Get the Approval

After providing Form I-130, you will need to wait until USCIS settles the petition. Processing times may differ and you should thus check on your application. Once your petition is approved, you will be notified, and the case will go to NVC for further processing.

Step 4: Full VISA processing

NVC will take care of visa processing and will inform you of the required docs and fee. You must also submit further documents, for instance the DS-260 immigrant visa application, and pass the medical screening. The NVC will provide an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate of your parents' nation of citizenship.


Step 5: Prepare for the Interview

The last point in the procedure is the visa interview. You will be interviewed by a consular officer who will decide whether it is your parents that are eligible for a green card. Make sure to be ready to respond to inquiries about your contacts/relationships with your parents and submit any other required documents as well.


Step 6: Obtain Green Cards

If the visa interview is okay, your parents will get their immigrant visas which will allow them to travel to the United States. When they arrive at the country, they are going to be granted lawful permanent resident status, and their green cards will be mailed to them in several weeks.

Conclusion

Obtaining a green card for your parents is a long and complex process, but as long as you are meticulous and plan your application correctly, it is definitely doable. Through awareness of the requirements, completing the relevant forms and staying informed all through the process, you can consequently be able to bring your parents to the United States to live permanently with you.





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