Bringing Your Mother-In-Law To The Us: A Guide For Citizens

If you are a US citizen and want to bring your mother-in-law to the United States, she will need to apply for a B-2 nonimmigrant tourist visa. This visa requires her to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and prove that she can financially support herself during her stay. If your mother-in-law is already in the US and has applied for permanent resident status by filing Form I-485, she is eligible to apply for employment and travel authorization. As a US citizen, you can petition for your parents to live in the US as Green Card holders, but you must be 21 or older to do so.

The US citizen must be at least 21 years old to petition for their mother-in-law to live with them in the US

To petition for a mother-in-law to live with them in the US, a US citizen must be at least 21 years old. This is a requirement for bringing parents to live in the United States as permanent residents. The US citizen must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and provide all necessary documentation, including proof of their status as a US citizen and evidence of any legal name changes. If the mother-in-law is already in the US, she may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, at the same time as the US citizen files Form I-130.

It is important to note that only US citizens can petition for their parents to become permanent residents. Green Card holders (permanent residents) cannot petition to bring their parents to live permanently in the United States. If the US citizen has any siblings, they cannot be sponsored on the same petition as the mother-in-law.

The process for bringing a mother-in-law to the US can be complex, and it is always recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or specialist to ensure all requirements are met and the correct procedures are followed. In some cases, proof of the relationship between the US citizen and the mother-in-law may be required, and any discrepancies in names, such as due to marriage or divorce, must be addressed.

Additionally, there are specific requirements for US citizens who are members of the US armed forces or government employees stationed outside the United States. These individuals may have different procedures and requirements for bringing their mother-in-law to live with them in the US.

It is worth noting that if the US citizen has minor children, those children cannot be sponsored on the same petition as the mother-in-law. However, once the mother-in-law becomes a permanent resident, she may file a new petition for any qualifying relative, including minor children.

The mother-in-law must apply for a visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate in the country where she lives

To bring your mother-in-law to the United States as a US citizen, she will need to apply for a visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate in the country where she lives. This is the first step in the process.

The type of visa she will need to apply for is a B-2 nonimmigrant tourist visa. This will allow her to enter the US for a temporary stay. To obtain this visa, she must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent, which means she must prove that she intends to return to her home country after her temporary stay in the US. She must also demonstrate that she has the financial means to support herself during her stay or that someone else will be supporting her.

As the US citizen in the family, it is recommended that you write the letter of invitation for your mother-in-law. This letter will be a crucial part of her visa application, as it will demonstrate that she has an invitation from a US citizen and that she intends to return to her home country after her visit.

It is important to note that if your mother-in-law has minor children (your spouse and their siblings) living abroad, they cannot be sponsored on the same petition. If your spouse is not yet a US citizen, they can petition for their mother's residency once they obtain citizenship.

The US citizen must write a letter of invitation for their mother-in-law

A US citizen must be at least 21 years old to petition for their mother-in-law to live with them in the United States as a Green Card holder. The US citizen must write a letter of invitation for their mother-in-law, which does not need to be notarized. However, notarization makes it easier for officers to understand the visa application, leading to fewer interview questions for the applicant. The letter should be written in English and include the following information:

• The name of the person being invited
• The purpose of the visit (vacation, meeting family, etc.)
• The dates or approximate dates of the visit
• Financial support details, including who is funding the visit and evidence of funds
• Location of the visit, including accommodation details

The mother-in-law should also carry relevant identification documents and evidence of ties to her home country during the visa interview. Obtaining a support letter from the ISSS (to certify that the person inviting them is a student or scholar in the US) can also be beneficial.

The mother-in-law must demonstrate non-immigrant intent and the ability to financially support herself

To bring your mother-in-law to the United States, she will need to apply for a B-2 nonimmigrant tourist visa in the country where she lives. This visa requires her to demonstrate non-immigrant intent and proof of financial support during her stay in the US.

Non-immigrant intent means your mother-in-law must prove that she does not intend to stay in the US permanently. This can be challenging, especially if she has strong family ties in the US, such as a child or grandchild who is a US citizen. To demonstrate non-immigrant intent, she should provide evidence of significant family ties, property, or a spouse back in her home country. If she has a job to return to after her visit, a letter from her employer can also support her case.

To demonstrate the ability to financially support herself, your mother-in-law will need to show that she has sufficient funds or assets to cover her expenses during her stay. This can be done by providing bank statements or other documentation that proves she has the necessary financial resources.

It is important to note that tourist visas can be difficult to obtain in certain countries, such as Mexico. Given the strong family ties your mother-in-law has in the US, it may be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney to discuss the specific requirements and increase her chances of obtaining the visa.

If you are a US citizen, you can start the process by writing a letter of invitation to your mother-in-law. This letter can be included in her visa application as evidence of her non-immigrant intent and family ties in the US. Remember, while this is a crucial step, your mother-in-law must also satisfy other requirements to obtain the B-2 nonimmigrant tourist visa successfully.

The mother-in-law can apply for a B-2 non-immigrant tourist visa

The mother-in-law of a US citizen can apply for a B-2 non-immigrant tourist visa to enter the United States on a temporary basis. This visa is suitable for those seeking to enter the US for tourism, vacation, or to visit family. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the US, and the Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Protection officials have the authority to permit or deny admission.

To apply for a B-2 visa, the mother-in-law must complete the Online Non-Immigrant Application, Form DS-160, and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. During the interview, the consular officer will determine whether the applicant meets the requirements to receive a B-2 visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are typically taken as part of the application process, usually during the interview. After the interview, the consular officer may request additional documents or information to make a final decision.

Once the visa is approved, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality, and make arrangements to receive their passport and visa. The B-2 visa is typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travellers can stay in the US for up to 180 days with the option to return after that period. It is important to note that the B-2 visa does not grant permanent resident status, and holders of this visa are not permitted to accept employment or work in the US.

The wait time for a B-2 visa can vary depending on the applicant's location, ranging from 7 days to more than 2 years. Therefore, it is advisable to check the wait times for the specific embassy or consulate where the application will be submitted.

Frequently asked questions