When you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, it can be incredibly exciting, as you are now permitted to live and work freely in the country. As such, you may wonder if you can offer your parents the same opportunities. The following blog explores what you should know about sponsoring parents as a green card holder, including whether this is possible and the importance of working with a permanent residence for family members attorney to help you explore your legal options during these difficult times.
Is It Possible to Sponsor My Parents as a Green Card Holder?
As a green card holder in the United States, you are eligible to sponsor certain family members to immigrate to the country. Unfortunately, this does not include parents.
Generally, lawful permanent residents are only able to sponsor immigration on behalf of their spouses or unmarried children. Only citizens are eligible to seek entry for parents.
What Can I Do Instead?
If you are interested in sponsoring your parents to immigrate to the United States, generally, the only option is to begin the naturalization process. Unfortunately, it’s imperative to understand that the process of becoming a naturalized citizen can take around seven months according to USCIS, though certain circumstances can extend this process. Additionally, you will only be eligible to apply after you’ve held a green card for five years, or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen. However, bringing your parents to the country after you are naturalized can take an additional 12 to 18 months.
In the event this is the route you decide to take, it’s important to understand the naturalization process. Generally, you’ll need to file Form N-400, which is the application for naturalization. In addition, you’ll need to pass both an English and civics test in order to receive naturalized citizen status.
Once you pass and become a citizen, you’ll be eligible to immediately file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for each parent. There are no annual visa caps for immediate relatives, and you’ll find that this process is typically faster than other forms of family-based immigration.
What If My Parents Are Already in the Country?
If your parents are already in the country, it’s important to understand that they’ll need to file Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status. This will allow them to switch their status from the visa they are currently holding that allows them in the country to that of a lawful permanent resident.
However, if your parents are unlawfully in the country, meaning they entered without proper authorization or overstayed their visas, you should refrain from applying, as this can trigger immediate and serious consequences. If this is the case, you should immediately consult an experienced immigration attorney to help you determine the best course of action in these circumstances.
As you can see, bringing your parents to the United States as a green card holder can be a difficult process, as it requires you to obtain naturalized citizenship first. That is why it is critical to connect with an experienced attorney at Goel & Anderson to discuss your circumstances. Our team can help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation to help you fight for the best outcome for you and your family. When you need help, contact us today to learn more.
