Inviting Your Foreign Mother-In-Law To The Us

A US citizen can invite their mother-in-law to the US, but they cannot sponsor them. The spouse of a US citizen can petition for their parents to become permanent residents. If the spouse is not yet a citizen, they can still assist their parents in seeking a nonimmigrant visitor's visa or advise on other options for applying for an immigrant visa. If a US citizen wants to invite their mother-in-law for a visit, they may need to submit a Form I-134 Affidavit of Support, unless their visitor will pay for their own expenses.

Characteristics and Values table for inviting mother-in-law to the US:

A US citizen cannot sponsor their mother-in-law for a visa

To petition for a parent to live in the United States as a Green Card holder, one must be a US citizen and at least 21 years old. Green Card holders themselves may not petition to bring parents to live permanently in the United States.

If a US citizen's spouse is not a citizen, it may still be possible to assist one's mother-in-law in seeking a nonimmigrant visitor's visa. To do so, the mother-in-law must apply for a visitor's visa if she is from a non-visa waiver country. She can improve her chances of getting the visa by showing significant ties to her home country, which will ensure her return after her visit to the US.

There are two categories of family-based immigrant visas: one for close relatives of US citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents; and one for other relatives of a US citizen, such as eligible children or siblings.

A spouse of a US citizen can petition for their mother

It is worth mentioning that if the spouse's name or their mother's name has changed, they must provide proof of the legal name change. This can include documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or a court judgment of name change. Additionally, if the mother has minor children abroad, those children cannot be sponsored on the same petition as their grandmother. They would need to refer to the relevant guidelines for bringing siblings to live in the United States as permanent residents.

The process of petitioning for a relative to come to the United States can be complex and time-consuming. It is always recommended to carefully review the requirements and guidelines provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and seek additional information or clarification if needed. The USCIS provides resources and instructions on their website, including information on the required forms, documentation, and eligibility criteria.

Furthermore, it is important to be aware of the potential for immigration fraud, including marriage fraud. The USCIS encourages individuals to report any suspected fraud or abuse related to immigration benefits. The website provides information on how to recognize and report such fraudulent activities. Overall, by carefully following the guidelines and seeking official sources of information, a spouse of a US citizen can effectively petition for their mother to join them in the United States.

A mother-in-law can apply for a visitor visa

It is critical to show strong ties to her home country that would compel her to return, such as family, property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and other binding commitments. Additionally, she will need to provide financial documentation, such as bank statements, to demonstrate her financial means. Having a sponsor in the US can be beneficial, as they can provide supporting documents and an invitation letter.

It is important to note that the approval of a visitor visa is not guaranteed, and previous rejections can reduce the likelihood of future approvals. The mother-in-law should be prepared to answer questions about her ties to her home country and her intentions to return. Additionally, if she has previously been denied a visa, she may need to address the reasons for the previous rejections and explain any changes in her circumstances.

To increase the chances of approval, it is recommended to have a strong reason for the visit, such as attending a ceremony or family event. This can be supported by an invitation letter from the sponsor. The sponsor can be the son-in-law or daughter, but it is generally advised that the daughter sponsors her parents, especially if she is a student. The mother-in-law can also carry property or financial documents in her husband's name if she does not have strong financial statements herself.

A US citizen can file a Form I-130 for their mother

A US citizen who is at least 21 years old can file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for their mother to live in the United States as a Green Card holder. This form is used to establish a qualifying relationship between the US citizen (the petitioner) and their mother (the beneficiary or relative) to allow her to live permanently in the US.

The first step in petitioning for a parent is to file Form I-130, which is available for free download from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition is necessary to prove to USCIS that the petitioner is a US citizen and that they are the son or daughter of their parent, and therefore, their parent is potentially eligible for a Green Card. A foreign-born parent living abroad will have to wait until the I-130 is approved before starting the Green Card application process through a US consulate.

To complete the form, you will need to provide proof of your US citizenship, such as a copy of your birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, Form FS-20 (Report of Birth Abroad of a United States Citizen), or certificate of citizenship. You will also need to provide proof that you are the son or daughter of your mother, which can be done by submitting a copy of your birth certificate listing your mother as your parent. If your name or your mother's name has changed, you must include proof of the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court judgment of name change. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a full English translation.

The fee for an I-130 petition is $625 for online filings and $675 for paper filings. If the Form I-130 is still pending, and you want to change your selection to consular processing outside the United States or adjustment of status in the United States, you may contact the USCIS Contact Center and request a change.

A US citizen can sponsor a family member for a Green Card

A US citizen who is at least 21 years old can sponsor a family member for a Green Card, which would allow them to become a permanent resident of the United States. This process can also be facilitated by a permanent resident of the US, or Green Card holder, but they can only sponsor their spouse or unmarried children. For US citizens, there are four types of relatives that can be sponsored: parents, unmarried children under 21, spouses, and siblings. The first step in the process is to apply for a family-based immigrant visa, which has two categories. The first category is for close relatives, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, and has an unlimited number of visas available. The second category is for other relatives, such as eligible children or siblings, and includes the F1 visa for unmarried children over 21.

If a US citizen wishes to sponsor their mother-in-law for a Green Card, they would need to follow the process outlined above. First, they would need to apply for a family-based immigrant visa for their mother-in-law, which would fall under the first category of visas for close relatives. If the visa is approved, the mother-in-law would then be able to apply for a Green Card, which would allow her to become a permanent resident of the United States. It is important to note that the process of obtaining a Green Card can be complex and may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer.

Frequently asked questions