Can I bring my parents to USA with green card? This is a question that many green card holders and their families often ask. Bringing parents to the United States can be a significant step, offering them the opportunity to live, work, and enjoy the many benefits of life in America. In this article, we will explore the process of bringing parents to the USA with a green card, the requirements, and the steps involved.
The first thing to understand is that a green card, or permanent resident card, does not automatically allow a person to bring their parents to the United States. Instead, there is a specific process for family-based immigration that allows green card holders to petition for their parents to be sponsored for a visa and eventually obtain a green card themselves.
Understanding Family-Based Immigration Categories
Family-based immigration falls into several categories, each with its own set of rules and requirements. For parents of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the category is known as Immediate Relative (IR) category. This category has no waiting period and is processed relatively quickly compared to other family-based categories.
Requirements for Petitioning for Parents
To bring your parents to the USA with a green card, you must meet certain requirements:
1. You must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.
2. You must be able to prove that you are the parent of the U.S. citizen or green card holder.
3. You must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The Application Process
The process of bringing your parents to the USA with a green card involves several steps:
1. Filing Form I-130: You will need to complete and submit Form I-130, along with any required supporting documents, to USCIS.
2. Approval of the Petition: Once USCIS receives and processes your petition, it will be approved if all requirements are met.
3. Visa Availability: After the petition is approved, you must wait for a visa to become available, as there is a limit to the number of visas issued each year.
4. Applying for the Visa: Once a visa is available, your parents can apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
5. Medical Examination and Interview: Your parents will need to undergo a medical examination and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
6. Entry to the United States: If the visa is approved and the interview goes well, your parents can travel to the United States and apply for adjustment of status to a green card.
Conclusion
Bringing your parents to the USA with a green card is a complex process that requires patience and attention to detail. By understanding the family-based immigration categories, meeting the requirements, and following the proper steps, you can help your parents achieve the dream of living in the United States. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or a qualified expert in the field.
