How to bring parents to the USA?
As an immigration lawyer, one of the most common questions I receive from clients is how to bring their parents to the USA. Living away from their parents can be daunting for many individuals, and the desire to have their loved ones close by is understandable. In this blog, I will outline the various options for bringing parents to the USA.
Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration is the most common way for parents to obtain permanent residence in the USA. US citizens can sponsor their parents for a Green Card, which involves filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Once the petition is approved, the parent must go through consular processing in their home country to obtain a Green Card. The processing times for family-based immigration can vary depending on the USCIS backlog, but it typically takes 12-24 months.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas, such as the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, are temporary visas that allow parents to visit the USA for up to six months. The parent must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to return home after their visit to the USA.
Humanitarian Programs
If the parents are experiencing a humanitarian crisis, some programs are available that they may be eligible for. For instance, if you are a refugee or an asylee, you could apply for the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition program, enabling you to petition your parents to come to the USA. Moreover, suppose the parent is facing persecution or any form of harm in their country of origin. In that case, they might be eligible for a U visa, which permits them to live and work in the USA for up to four years and presents a path to permanent residency.
Investment-Based Immigration
Suppose the petitioner is a US citizen or permanent resident who has invested in a US-based business. In that case, they may be eligible to sponsor their parents for a green card through the Immigrant Investor Program.
It is essential to note that the processing times and eligibility requirements for each option can vary, and working with a knowledgeable lawyer is crucial to ensure that the process goes smoothly. To learn more about how we can assist you, please call us at +1 (703) 527-1779, or email us at [email protected].
