How to Sponsor Green Card for Parents? The dream of most US citizens is to obtain a green card (Permanent resident) for their parents. If you are one of the people out there looking forward to sponsoring your parents’ green card, this write-up will be helpful to you. Find out step by step guide on how to successfully sponsor your parents’ green card in the US, here.
How to Sponsor Green Card for Parents – Green Card for Parents
The Green card for parents is under the family-based green card category. However, US citizens can petition for a green card for parents to live in the United States. Although, for you to be eligible to petition for a green card for your parents as a US citizen, you must be at least 21 years old. However, your parents are not required to wait for a visa number to become available for them to immigrate.
Step by Step Guide on How to Sponsor Green Card for Parents
If you are a US citizen who wants to petition for a green card for your parents, do the following;
Step 1: File an Immigration Petition for your Parents
Proceed to file a Form I-130 for each parent. A separate application is required for each parent you are sponsoring. Then submit a green card immigration petition filing fee of $420 USD. Depending on the applicable USCIS service centre workload, it may take about3 months or more to process.
If parents are outside the USA, and the I-130 is approved, your parents will be informed and required to attend the green card interview at the applicable nearest US consulate in their home country. But, if parents are already present in the USA, you can file immigration petition I-130 and Adjustment of Status (AOS), I-485, together.
Required Documentation
You may be required to submit some information or documents as part of your green card application for your parents,
For Mother
- Form I-130
- Your birth certificate with your name and your mother’s name
- Your Certificate of Naturalization or US passport if you were not born in the US
Father
- Form I-130
- Birth certificate with your name and the names of both parents
- Your Certificate of Naturalization or US passport if you were not born in the US
- A copy of your parents’ civil marriage certificate
Father (if you were born out of wedlock and were not legitimated by your father before your 18th birthday)
- A Form I-130
- Copy of your birth certificate with your name and your father’s name
- A copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or US passport if you were not born in the US
- Evidence that an emotional or financial bond existed between you and your father before you were married or reached the age of 21, whichever came first
Father (if you were born out of wedlock and were legitimated by your father before your 18th birthday)
- A Form I-130
- Birth certificate with your name and your father’s name
- Your Certificate of Naturalization or US passport if you were not born in the US
- Proof that you were legitimated before your 18th birthday through the marriage of your natural parents, the laws of your state or country (of birth or residence), or the laws of your father’s state or country (of birth or residence)
Stepparent
- A Form I-130
- Copy of your birth certificate with the names of your birth parents
- Certificate of Naturalization or US passport if you were not born in the US
- Provide a copy of the civil marriage certificate of your birth parent to your stepparent showing that the marriage occurred before your 18th birthday
- A copy of any divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees to show that any previous marriage entered into by your natural or step-parent ended legally
For Adoptive parent
- Form I-130
- Your birth certificate and certificate of Naturalization or US passport if you were not born in the US
- A certified copy of the adoption certificate showing that the adoption took place before your 16th birthday
- A statement showing the dates and places you have lived with your parent
Take note of this: If your parent’s name has changed, you should mandatorily include proof of legal name change such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, court judgement of name change, etc.
Step 2: Complete Form G-325A, Biographical Information.
Form G-325A needs to be filled by the applicant declaring all the biographical information. Which will be used by USCIS to determine the eligibility for the immigration benefit for which the applicant is filing.
Step 3: Complete Form I-864 Affidavit of support by sponsor for your parents.
An affidavit of support (I-864) is required by the sponsor. This is to affirm that the sponsor will support the beneficiary immigrant fully and that the sponsor has adequate means to financially support the new immigrant.
However, Form I-864 does not have a filing fee when filed with USCIS or abroad with the Department of State (DOS).
Step 4: Medical exam and Form I-693.
Form I-693 is requested for all the applicants filing for Adjustment of Status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This I-693 form is used to report the results of a medical examination to USCIS. Moreover, there is no USCIS fee for this form, so, the doctor can charge up to approximately $300+ for this service.
After completing the medical examination, the civil surgeon is required to give the applicant Form I-693 in a sealed envelope.
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
The main purpose of this form is for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole travel document, to include parole into the US on a humanitarian basis. However, the filing fee details depending upon the type can be obtained at http://www.uscis.gov/i-131.
FAQS
How long does it take to get a green card for parents 2020?
It takes between 6 months and 15 months to get a Green Card for Parents after form I-130 is approved. Form I-130 can take between 5-26.5 months to be approved, depending on the service centre.
Can parents stay permanently in the USA?
Yes, once you help them obtain a green card. To petition for your parents to live in the United States as Green Card holders, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.
