Green card holders often want to know if they can sponsor parents for a visit to the United States. The answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind. This article will tell you everything about how a green card holder can sponsor their parents to visit USA.
First, it’s important to know that sponsoring parents for a visit is different than sponsoring them for permanent residency. Second, the sponsor must be able to show that they can support their parents financially while they’re in the United States. Finally, the sponsor must also have a good reason for wanting their parents to visit.
Also read: Can I sponsor my parents to visit USA if I’m a green card holder married to a US citizen.
How can a green card holder invite his parents to the usa?
Method 1 – Inviting for a green card
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you may petition for certain family members to come and live in the United States as lawful permanent residents. This is commonly referred to as sponsoring a family member for a green card.
The first step in sponsoring a family member is to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You will need to complete and submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. You will also need to submit evidence that establishes your relationship to the person you are sponsoring, as well as evidence that you meet the income requirements for sponsors.
Once your petition is approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.
The NVC will then send you a packet of information which you will need to complete and submit, along with the required fees.
Once the NVC has received all of the required documentation, they will schedule an interview for your family member at the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to their place of residence.
At the interview, the consular officer will determine whether your family member is eligible for a green card.
If they are found to be eligible, they will be issued a green card and will be able to enter the United States as lawful permanent residents.
Method 2 – Inviting for a visit visa
If you are a green card holder, you may sponsor your parents to come to the United States on a visit visa.
The first step is to file an I-130 petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Once the petition is approved, your parents will need to apply for a visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate. If they are approved for the visa, they will be able to come to the United States for up to six months.
Also read: How to invite parents to visit USA
How to file the I130 Petition
The I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in sponsoring your relative for a green card. The I-130 is also used to sponsor a spouse for a fiancé(e) (K-1) visa or an adopted child (IR-3/IH-3) visa.
To sponsor your relative, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your:
- Spouse
- Unmarried child under 21
- Married child of any age
- Brother or sister
- Parent (if you are 21 or older)
- Grandparent
- Aunt or uncle
- Niece or nephew
Or other relative if you have no close relatives listed above
If you are a permanent resident, you can sponsor your:
- Spouse
- Unmarried child under 21
To sponsor your relative, you will need to prove that:
- You have a close relationship with the person you are sponsoring
- You have enough income or assets to support your relative when they come to live with you in the United States (this is called “sponsorship”)
- Your relative does not have any immigration violations that would make them ineligible for a green card
- You will need to submit the following documents with your I-130 petition:
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- Proof of your relationship to the person you are sponsoring
- An Affidavit of Support form
- Other supporting documents, as required
Once USCIS approves your I-130 petition, they will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then send you instructions on how to proceed with your relative’s visa application.
How to sponsor parents for a visit to the United States as a Green Card holder
It can be a daunting task to try and get your parents to visit the United States on a tourist visa.
There are many things to take into consideration and the process can be time consuming.
However, it is possible to get your parents to visit the United States on a tourist visa if you follow these steps.
The first step is to make sure that your parents meet the basic requirements for a tourist visa.
They must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after their planned departure from the United States.
They must also have a clean criminal record and be in good health. If your parents do not meet these requirements, they will not be able to get a tourist visa.
The next step is to gather all of the required documentation.
This includes your parents’ passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and any other relevant documentation.
You will also need to provide proof of financial support, such as bank statements or pay stubs.
It is important to note that you cannot provide financial support for your parents if they are retired or unemployed.
Once you have all of the required documentation, you will need to fill out an application for a tourist visa.
The application can be found online or at your local US embassy or consulate.
Once the application is complete, you will need to submit it, along with the required documentation, to the US embassy or consulate.
The final step is to wait for a decision.
The US embassy or consulate will review your application and supporting documentation and will make a decision within two weeks.
If your application is approved, your parents will be issued a tourist visa. If it is denied, you will be given the opportunity to appeal the decision.
