How to Get Parents Green Card: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the process of obtaining a green card for your parents can be a complex and challenging task. However, with the right information and guidance, it is possible to successfully secure a green card for your loved ones. In this article, we will explore the various methods available to help you get your parents a green card, including family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and other pathways.
Family-Based Immigration
One of the most common ways to get your parents a green card is through family-based immigration. This category allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their immediate relatives, which includes parents. The process typically involves the following steps:
1. Determine Eligibility: First, you need to determine if you are eligible to sponsor your parents. U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents, while lawful permanent residents can sponsor their parents if they have been in the U.S. for at least three years.
2. File Form I-130: Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be accompanied by proof of your relationship to your parents.
3. Wait for Priority Date: After filing Form I-130, you will need to wait for your priority date to become current. Priority dates are determined by the Department of State’s visa bulletin and can vary depending on the country of origin.
4. File Form I-485: Once your priority date is current, you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for your parents. This form must be accompanied by the necessary supporting documents and fees.
5. Attend an Interview: After submitting Form I-485, your parents will be scheduled for an interview at a USCIS office. During the interview, they will be asked questions about their background and the relationship with their sponsor.
6. Receive a Green Card: If the USCIS approves the application, your parents will receive a green card, allowing them to live and work permanently in the United States.
Employment-Based Immigration
Another way to get your parents a green card is through employment-based immigration. This category is less common for parents, but it may be an option if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer or if you can demonstrate extraordinary ability in your field.
1. Job Offer: If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, they may be willing to sponsor your parents for a green card through the employment-based immigration process.
2. Extraordinary Ability: If you can demonstrate extraordinary ability in your field, you may be eligible for an O-1 visa, which can eventually lead to a green card for your parents.
3. National Interest Waiver: In some cases, you may be eligible for a national interest waiver, which allows you to bypass the labor certification process and apply directly for a green card.
Other Pathways
In addition to family-based and employment-based immigration, there are other pathways that may be available to help you get your parents a green card. These include:
1. Refugee or Asylee: If your parents are refugees or asylees, they may be eligible for a green card through the U.S. government’s refugee or asylee program.
2. Divorce: If you are a U.S. citizen and your parents were married to a U.S. citizen at the time of their entry to the United States, they may be eligible for a green card through a divorce.
3. Humanitarian Parole: In some cases, USCIS may grant humanitarian parole to your parents, allowing them to enter the United States temporarily while they await a decision on their green card application.
Conclusion
Securing a green card for your parents can be a lengthy and intricate process, but it is possible with the right approach. By exploring family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and other pathways, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a green card for your loved ones. Remember to consult with an immigration attorney or a qualified expert to ensure that you are following the correct procedures and meeting all requirements.
