Individuals living in the US, whether for work, marriage, or any other reason, always dream of reuniting with their families. Similarly, legal permanent residents also wish to reunite with their parents and live their lives together. However, green card holders cannot sponsor their parents for a green card. As per the guidelines and regulations set by the USCIS, only US citizens above the age of 21 can sponsor their parents for green cards.
Find out in the comprehensive guide the options you have to sponsor your parents and what you can do in this specific situation.
Who Can You Sponsor as a Green Card Holder
Green card holders are not allowed to sponsor close relative members. But they can sponsor members of a specific family preference category.
- Spouse
- Unmarried children
What Can You Do
Since, as a green card holder, you cannot sponsor your parents, you can explore the other alternative.
Naturalization
The main alternative route to sponsor your parents is to first acquire US Citizenship. For that, there are some eligibility requirements that must be met. These include:
- Holding a Green Card for five years (or three years if you are married to a US citizen).
- Residing physically in the US for half of that waiting period i.e., thirty months out of the five years.
- Maintaining a good conduct throughout the permanent residency period. Not engaging in any fraudulent or illegal activities.
- Once all the requirements have been met, you can apply for the Application of Naturalization through the Form N-400.
- After you take the Oath of Allegiance, you will be granted US Citizenship.
Sponsoring Your Parents
As a US citizen, you can sponsor your parents for green cards. Parents fall into the category of Immediate Relatives, and thus the process is simplified comparatively.
- First of all, you are required to file the Form I-130.
- Along with the form, you must submit supporting documents, including your proof of citizenship i.e., Naturalization certificate and proof of relationship.
- If your parents live outside the US, then the case for Green Card will be transferred to the National Visa Center. The interview will be conducted at a US embassy or a consulate.
- If your parents are in the US, then they are required to file the Form I-485, for Adjustment of Status.
- Once approved, your parents will receive their green cards.
Visitor Visa
While you wait to complete the necessary holding phase to apply for citizenship, your parents can come visit you through a visitor visa. It is relatively easy to obtain and allows your parents to be in the country for as long as six months.
Adjustment of Status (If Parents are already in the US)
If your parents are already in the US, then they can apply for Adjustment of Status from their visa status. This is filed through the Form I-485 to the USCIS. However, the petition can be refused if you fail to demonstrate that the parents visiting the country in the first place had nothing to do with seeking permanent residency status.
Final Thoughts
As you have learned, you cannot sponsor your parents as a Green Card holder but there are some other legal routes you can take to meet your family. The first one and more permanent route is obtaining US citizenship through Naturalization. A US citizen is permitted to sponsor their parents for green cards. The other route is reuniting with your family through visitor visas.
Whether you seek US citizenship or visitor visa, Documitra is your one stop solution. We have helped thousands of applicants around the world with different documents and applications. So, why wait any longer? Apply for Naturalization or a visitor visa with Documitra now.
FAQs
Q. Can I sponsor my parents as a Green Card holder?
No, you cannot sponsor your parents as a green card holder. Only a legal US citizen can sponsor their parents for green cards.
Q. What can I do to reunite with my parents as a Green Card holder?
There are several legal routes that you can take as a green card holder to reunite with your family. The most permanent route is to become a US citizen through Naturalization. As a US citizen, you can sponsor your parents. However, as it is permanent, it is also the hardest and longest route. The other options are visitor visa or adjustment of status. If your parents are already in the US on a visa, then they can apply for Adjustment of Status.
Q. Who can you sponsor as a Green Card holder?
As a green card holder, you can sponsor your spouse or unmarried children of any age.
