Several US citizens are seeking a US citizen petition for their parents to reunite their families. This process involves multiple requirements and extensive documentation to prove financial stability alongside family ties.
What visa category applies for a US citizen petition for parents?
If you’re a US citizen looking to sponsor your parents for a green card, apply for an IR5 visa. This visa allows your parents to move to the US permanently and provides several key benefits:
- ✅ Stay permanently in the US without the need for visa extension.
- ✅ Work legally in the US without a work permit.
- ✅ Participate freely in volunteer organizations, clubs, and community activities.
- ✅ Access to social benefits and healthcare services.
If your parents only plan to stay for a short period, a US visitor visa is a more suitable option.
Eligibility criteria for bringing parents to the US
To be eligible for an IR5 visa, the petitioner must:
- 1️⃣ Be a US lawful citizen residing in the US
- 2️⃣ Be at least 21 years old
- 3️⃣ Provide official documents proving the parent-child relationship (e.g., birth certificate, household registration).
- 4️⃣ For adoption cases, provide a guardianship certificate and evidence of having lived with your adoptive parents for at least two years, either before or after the adoption.
- 5️⃣ Demonstrate financial capability by meeting the minimum income requirements for sponsorship, which is 125% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines.
Also read: Can I sponsor my nephew or niece to the US?
How long does it take to process a US citizen petition for parents?
The IR5 processing time typically takes 10 to 14 months. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your application is well-prepared and fulfills all criteria to avoid delays and increase your chances of approval.
🌟 Also read: Types of US visas.
What documents are needed for a US citizen petition for parents?
Here’s the essential checklist to make sure you have everything covered:
For the petitioner
- + Form I-130
- + Form G-1145
- + US passport, birth certificate or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- + Name change certificate (If applicable)
- + Parents’ marriage certificate
- + Proof of financial stability: Pay slips, passbooks, etc., which align with the income criteria based on household size or state.
- + Proof of assets: If your income is insufficient, gather supporting documents such as property ownership or stock certificates, etc. The total asset value should be at least five times the required income level.
- + Proof of parent-child relationship: Photos taken in different periods, academic transcript, home-school communication book, etc.
For the beneficiary
- + Form DS-260
- + Marriage certificate
- + Divorce decree or death certificate of the spouse (if applicable)
- + Passport
- + Criminal record check
- + 2×2 inch passport-sized photos
The 4-step process to bring your parents to the US
☑️ Step 1: Submit the completed Form I-130 along with a $535 filing fee to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
☑️ Step 2: Wait for USCIS to process your application and complete any additional requirements. Once approved, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
☑️ Step 3: Upon receiving your case number from the NVC, pay the DS-260 application fee of $325. Provide any additional documents if requested.
The NVC will then transfer the case to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the country where the beneficiary resides.
☑️ Step 4: Attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and await your visa decision.
Where to get trustworthy translations for your US immigration application?
Filing a US citizen petition for parents involves more than just paperwork. It’s about ensuring your documents are clear, persuasive, and accompanied by a certified English translation. This vital step can significantly affect both the processing time and your chances of success.
Contact Thao & Co. for a tailored consultation and exceptional translation services. Our team of expert linguists, holding bachelor’s degrees in English and relevant certifications such as IELTS and TOEFL, ensures your translations are both accurate and legally sound.
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