How immigrants bring their parents to the United States is a question that interests many. What is needed to fulfill this desire? To apply for permission for your parents (mother and/or father) to live in the United States as a green card holder, you must be a US citizen at least 21 years old. Green card holders (permanent residents) cannot apply for parents’ right to permanent residence in the United States, recalls the US Citizenship and Immigration Service.
What documents are needed to submit a petition
If your mother lives outside the United States
Submit the following documents:
- Form I-130.
- Copy of birth certificate showing your name and mother’s name.
- A copy of your certificate of naturalization or U.S. passport if you were not born in the U.S.
If your father lives outside the United States
Submit the following documents:
- Form I-130.
- Copy of birth certificate showing your name and the names of both parents.
- A copy of your certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or your US passport if you were not born in the US.
- A copy of your parents’ marriage certificate.
Your father lives outside the United States, you were born out of wedlock, and your father did not officially recognize you until your 18th birthday.
Submit the following documents:
- Form I-130.
- Copy of birth certificate showing your name and your father’s name.
- A copy of your certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or your US passport if you were not born in the US.
- Evidence that an emotional or financial connection existed between you and your father before you got married or turned 21, whichever comes first.
Your father lives outside the United States, you were born out of wedlock, and your father officially recognized you before your 18th birthday.
Submit the following documents:
- Form I-130.
- Copy of birth certificate showing your name and your father’s name.
- A copy of your certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or your US passport if you were not born in the US.
- Proof that you were legalized prior to your 18th birthday as a result of the marriage of your biological parents, the laws of your state or country (birth or residence), or the laws of your father’s state or country (birth or residence).
A petition has been filed for your stepfather / stepmother to move to the United States.
Prepare the following documents:
- Form I-130.
- A copy of your birth certificate showing the names of your biological parents.
- A copy of your biological parent’s marriage certificate to your step-parent, confirming that the marriage was contracted before your 18th birthday.
- A copy of any divorce certificates, death certificates, or marriage annulment orders to show that any previous marriage your sibling or step-parent had lawfully ended.
A petition has been filed for your adoptive parent to move to the United States.
Prepare the following documents:
- Form I-130.
- Copy of birth certificate.
- A copy of your certificate of naturalization or citizenship if you were not born in the United States.
- A certified copy of the adoption certificate certifying that the adoption took place before your 16th birthday.
- A certificate indicating the dates and places where you lived with your parents.
Note
If your name or your parent’s name has changed, attach proof of legal name change (may include marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption order, court order to change name, etc.)
USCIS will notify you if your I-130 petition is approved or denied. If approved and your parent is outside the United States, he or she will be advised to contact the local United States consulate to complete visa processing.
If your parent is in the United States, he or she may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Change of Status, at the same time as filing Form I-130.
