Sponsoring Parents-In-Law: A Us Citizen's Guide

US citizens can sponsor their parents for a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card. To be eligible, the US citizen must be at least 21 years old and submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. If the citizen's parents are already in the US, they can file Form I-485 to adjust their status to permanent residents. The process can be complicated, so it is recommended to consult an immigration attorney or legal service provider.

Sponsoring parents-in-law for permanent residence

The first step, submitting the visa petition, is done through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The sponsor must complete and submit Form I-130, either online or by mail. If the parents-in-law are already in the US, they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, simultaneously with Form I-130. If the parents-in-law are outside the US, they will need to wait for their visa petition to be approved before proceeding to the second step.

Once the visa petition is approved, the second step is to apply for lawful permanent residence, or the Green Card. This step can be completed through consular processing outside the US or through adjustment of status inside the US. If the parents-in-law are outside the US, they will be notified when a visa becomes available and will be required to submit additional fees and documents, including the Application for Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260) and Form I-864. They will then be invited to attend a visa interview at a USCIS office or a US consular office.

It is important to note that the process of sponsoring parents-in-law for permanent residence can be complex, and it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or legal representative to ensure all requirements are met.

Sponsoring parents-in-law for a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

The first step is to have someone who can "petition" or file a visa petition on your behalf. If the person is eligible for the visa petition, immigration will approve it. Once the petition is approved, the person will need to wait for a visa to become available before moving on to step two. For parents, this step may take very little time as they are considered immediate relatives, and visas are always available for them.

The second step involves applying for lawful permanent residence, often referred to as attaining a green card. This can be done through consular processing outside the United States or through an adjustment of status inside the country. If your parents-in-law are already in the US, they can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, simultaneously with your Form I-130 petition.

To begin the process, you need to submit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130, which can be done online or by mail. If your parents-in-law are outside the US, once Form I-130 is approved, it will be sent to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC), where it will remain until a visa becomes available. The NVC will notify your parents-in-law when this happens and when they must submit additional fees and documents, such as the Application for Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260) and Form I-864.

It is important to note that the visa application process follows stringent guidelines, and while the processing time for immediate relatives is typically shorter, it can still take up to 16 months depending on the case. Additionally, if your parents-in-law have minor children abroad, those children cannot be sponsored on the same petition.

Sponsoring parents-in-law for an immigrant visa

If the parents-in-law are already in the US, they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, simultaneously with Form I-130. They can also apply for employment and travel authorization using Form I-765 and Form I-131, respectively. However, it is important to note that any minor children of the parents-in-law (siblings-in-law) cannot be included in the same petition.

Once Form I-130 is approved by USCIS, it is forwarded to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC), where it remains until an immigrant visa becomes available. The NVC will notify the applicants when a visa is available and request additional documents, such as the Application for Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260) and Form I-864. The applicants will then be invited for a visa interview at a USCIS office or a US consular office, depending on their location.

The visa application process typically takes up to 16 months, but as parents are considered immediate relatives, the processing time may be shorter. It is important to note that the cost of a green card for parents-in-law depends on their location, and any prior immigration history should be discussed with a legal representative to determine eligibility for status adjustment.

Sponsoring parents-in-law for employment and travel authorization

Sponsoring Parents-in-Law for Permanent Residence:

To initiate the process of sponsoring your parents-in-law for permanent residence in the United States, you must be a US citizen and at least 21 years of age. Green Card holders, or permanent residents, are not eligible to sponsor their parents for permanent residence.

To begin the sponsorship process, you need to submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. This form serves as a petition to bring your parents-in-law to live in the United States as Green Card holders. Each person you sponsor requires a separate Form I-130, and you can submit the form online or by mail.

If your parents-in-law are already in the United States, they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, concurrently with your Form I-130 submission. On the other hand, if your parents-in-law are outside the United States, they will be notified to go to their local US consulate to complete the visa processing once your Form I-130 petition is approved.

Employment and Travel Authorization:

Once your parents-in-law have applied for permanent resident status by filing Form I-485, they become eligible to apply for employment and travel authorization while their case is pending. To seek employment authorization, your parents-in-law should submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. This allows them to legally work in the United States while their permanent resident status is being processed.

Additionally, to obtain travel authorization, your parents-in-law should complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form enables them to travel outside the United States and re-enter while their adjustment of status is still in progress. It is important to note that if your parents-in-law have minor children abroad, those children cannot be sponsored on the same petition.

In conclusion, sponsoring your parents-in-law for employment and travel authorization involves a series of steps, including submitting Form I-130, Form I-485, Form I-765, and Form I-131. By following these procedures, your parents-in-law can pursue employment opportunities and travel with appropriate authorizations while their permanent resident status is being determined.

Sponsoring parents-in-law for US citizenship

To be eligible to sponsor your parents-in-law for US citizenship, you must be a US citizen and at least 21 years old. This is a crucial requirement, as it determines your ability to file a petition for your parents-in-law to obtain legal status in the country. The specific form you need to file is Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), which is the same form used for sponsoring parents. It's worth noting that if your name or your parents-in-law's names have changed, you will need to include proof of the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court judgment of name change.

The process of sponsoring your parents-in-law can be lengthy and complex, and it may take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, or even longer in some cases. To speed up the process, it is crucial to ensure that all required documents are accurately submitted to avoid delays. This is where hiring an immigration lawyer can be beneficial, as they can guide you through the process, ensuring that all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted.

Once your Form I-130 petition is approved, if your parents-in-law are outside the United States, they will be notified to go to their local US consulate to complete the visa processing. On the other hand, if your parents-in-law are already in the US, they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, simultaneously with your Form I-130 filing. This concurrent filing can streamline the process and help avoid potential delays.

It's important to remember that sponsoring relatives for US citizenship can be a detailed and intricate process, and each case may have unique considerations. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer who can provide personalized advice and ensure a smooth journey towards US citizenship for your parents-in-law.

Frequently asked questions