Inviting Your Parents to Join You in the U.S.- The Path to Green Card Accommodation

Can you bring your parents to us with a green card? This question is often asked by individuals who have successfully immigrated to the United States and are eager to reunite with their family members. Obtaining a green card for parents can be a complex and lengthy process, but it is certainly possible with the right guidance and determination. In this article, we will explore the requirements, steps, and challenges involved in bringing parents to the United States through a green card.

The first step in bringing your parents to the United States is to determine their eligibility for a green card. There are two primary categories under which parents can be sponsored: immediate relatives and family preference categories. Immediate relatives, which include parents, are exempt from the annual numerical limitations and can be sponsored immediately. However, the number of immediate relative visas available is limited, and the waiting period can be lengthy.

If your parents do not fall under the immediate relative category, they may be eligible for a green card under the family preference categories. These categories are further divided into preference levels, with the first preference (F1) reserved for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, followed by married sons and daughters (F2A), and then parents (F2B). The waiting period for family preference categories can vary significantly, depending on the country of origin and the demand for visas.

Once you have determined that your parents are eligible for a green card, the next step is to file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be accompanied by proof of your relationship to your parents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers. It is crucial to ensure that all the required documentation is complete and accurate, as any errors or omissions can lead to delays or denials.

After USCIS receives the Form I-130, it will be processed, and your parents will receive a notice of action (Form I-797). If the petition is approved, your parents will be placed in the appropriate preference category and will need to wait for their turn to be issued a green card. The waiting period can range from a few years to over a decade, depending on the category and the demand for visas.

Once your parents’ priority date becomes current, they will need to apply for an immigrant visa through the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will send your parents a packet of forms and instructions, which must be completed and returned. After reviewing the application, the NVC will schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your parents’ country of origin.

The final step in bringing your parents to the United States is the consular interview. During the interview, a consular officer will determine whether your parents are eligible for a green card based on their admissibility. If they are approved, they will receive an immigrant visa, which will allow them to travel to the United States and adjust their status to permanent resident.

Bringing your parents to the United States with a green card is a significant milestone for many families. While the process can be challenging and time-consuming, it is worth the effort to reunite with loved ones. By understanding the requirements, following the proper procedures, and seeking assistance when needed, you can help your parents achieve the American dream of living with their family in the United States.