There are various ways you can go about living and working in the United States. The most ideal method is receiving a green card, which grants permanent residency in the US. If you are a U.S. citizen living in Utah, you may be wondering how you can help your parents who are not yet citizens to receive a green card. The process may seem simple on papers, but in matters as important as this, it’s always a good idea to stay informed.
If you’re the child of a hopeful immigrant, here are some things you can do from your end to sponsor your parents and help them get their green cards.
Determine if You Are Eligible to Sponsor Your Parents
Sponsorship is the official process of a U.S. citizen vouching for a hopeful immigrant. Having a sponsor greatly increases one’s chances of immigrating successfully. To sponsor your parents for green cards, you must be at least 21 years of age and be a U.S. citizen. You will also need to gather evidence of your U.S. citizenship, as well as proof of your relationship to your parents (e.g., birth certificate, SS Card).
File an Immigration Petition
If your parents already live in the United States (specifically in Utah), you can file for something called “adjustment of status”. They will eventually have their case processed in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Salt Lake City field office. A green card attorney can assist you with this process. If your parent lives outside the United States, then you will file an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. Once USCIS has received and approved your petition, they will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) with instructions on how to proceed with the next steps in the process.
Pay the Necessary Fees and Submit the Required Documentation
Once you pay the necessary fees and submit the required documentation, the NVC will then forward your case to the U.S. embassy or consulate. There, your parents will have an interview with a consular officer who will determine whether they are eligible for a green card.
Attend the Interview with Your Parent
You must provide evidence of your ability to support your parents so that they do not become a public charge. After the consular officer has interviewed your parents and reviewed all required documentation, they will decide on whether to approve their green card application. If all goes well, they will then be issued green cards and will be able to live and work in the United States permanently.
Summary of the Process
Here’s a quick overview of the steps to take when helping your parents apply for citizenship:
- You must be a U.S. citizen and over the age of 21 to sponsor them.
- If they are in the United States, you would file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative along with an I-485 Application to Adjust Status to Permanent Resident. Your parents’ case will be processed in the United States.
- If your parents are outside the United States, you would file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative first and wait for its approval. Once approved, your parents’ documentation will be sent to the NVC.
With your help, your parents’ dream of living and working in the U.S. can be one step closer to coming true.
For help with this important process, or to find out if your parents qualify for legal permanent residence in Utah, contact Herbert Immigration, trusted immigration attorneys who have been specializing in immigration law in Salt Lake City, Utah, for over 20 years.
