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Who Can Sponsor a Parent Visa?
Only adult U.S. citizens have the right to sponsor their foreign-born parents for a Green Card.
- Age Requirement: The sponsoring U.S. citizen child must be exactly 21 years of age or older at the time of filing.
- No Green Card Sponsors: Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) cannot sponsor their parents; they must naturalize and become citizens first.
- Immediate Relative Status: Parents are considered "Immediate Relatives," meaning there is no annual limit or visa backlog. A visa is immediately available.
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consultation with our experts and get clarity.
For parents living abroad who will enter the United States as immigrants.
- Two-Step Process: First, the citizen child files the I-130 petition. Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and the local embassy.
- Financial Guarantee: The U.S. citizen child must sign an Affidavit of Support, proving they earn enough to ensure the parents will not become a "public charge."
- Medical Exam: Parents must undergo a rigorous medical examination by an embassy-approved physician before their final interview.
Not sure if you're eligible? Schedule a free
consultation with our experts and get clarity.
For parents who are currently visiting their U.S. citizen child on a valid tourist visa (B-1/B-2).
- Concurrent Filing: We can file the family petition (I-130) and the Green Card application (I-485) at the exact same time.
- Staying in America: The parents do not have to fly back to their home country; they can wait for their Green Card safely in the U.S.
- Intent Issues: Navigating the delicate legal timing to ensure USCIS does not accuse the parents of using a tourist visa with the preconceived intent to immigrate.
Not sure if you're eligible? Schedule a free
consultation with our experts and get clarity.
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Serdar Canpolat
Associate AttorneySerdar Canpolat serves as an attorney at Yellow Law Group, specializing in corporate law, commercial transactions, and commercial litigation. He advises startups, founders, and mid-sized companies on...
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