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When can people help their parents immigrate?

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2025 | Immigration |

There are many different types of family-based immigration. Some people use employment opportunities to bring in children and spouses to the country. Their immediate family members may be eligible for subordinate visas related to their own. Others get engaged or married and can then obtain green cards because of their relationships.

People can also use their presence in the United States to help their close family members qualify for green cards in some cases. Those with loved ones living abroad often hope to leverage their status for the benefit of their family members.

Individuals who have parents living abroad may hope to help them enjoy their golden years in the United States. Their parents may have gone years without seeing their grandchildren and may have limited social support in their country of origin because their children have immigrated. When can children help their parents secure green cards and become permanent residents?

Only citizens can sponsor their parents for green cards

Those attempting to help a child or spouse enter the United States have a variety of options available to them. People only need visas or green cards of their own to help spouses and children legally enter the country. When the foreign national someone hopes to support is their parent, there is usually only one option available.

The adult child hoping to sponsor their parents for a green card must be a United States citizen. They also need documentation affirming their relationship with their foreign national parent. Birth certificates, adoption paperwork and child support records can all play a role in helping to legitimize a parent-child relationship.

The parent seeking a green card must also meet immigration standards. They have to undergo a background check and must submit medical records for review as well. In scenarios where the person hoping to reunite with their parents is a permanent resident, they may want to look into naturalization so that they can offer their parents an opportunity to change their lives.

Having support when evaluating different family-based immigration opportunities may make a big difference for those with parents living abroad. Parents of natural-born and naturalized citizens can potentially enter the country as permanent residents and live here indefinitely if they follow the right procedures.

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