There are many ways to achieve the goal of living and working in the United States. One way is by earning your green card, which grants permanent residency to its holders.
If you are a U.S. citizen living in Utah, you may be wondering how you can help your parents receive a green card. The process is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. However, in matters as important as this, it’s always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney.
In this blog post, we will outline the steps necessary for U.S. citizens to sponsor their parents for green cards in Salt Lake City.
To sponsor your parents for green cards, you must be at least 21 years of age and be a U.S. citizen. If you meet these criteria, you will then need to gather evidence of your U.S. citizenship, as well as proof of your relationship to your parents (e.g., birth certificate).
If your parents are in the United States, and they reside in Utah, you can file for adjustment of status. They will eventually have their case processed in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Salt Lake City field office. A Salt Lake City green card attorney can assist you with this process. If your parent lives outside the United States, then you will file an I130 Petition for Alien Relative. Once USCIS has received and approved your petition, they will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) with instructions on how to proceed with the next steps in the process.
Once you pay the necessary fees and submit the required documentation, the NVC will then forward your case to the U.S embassy or consulate. There, your parents will have an interview with a consular officer who will determine whether they are eligible for a green card.
You must provide evidence of your ability to support your parents so that they do not become a public charge. After the consular officer has interviewed your parents and reviewed all required documentation, they will decide on whether to approve their green card application. If all goes well, they will then be issued green cards and will be able to live and work in the United States permanently.
If you are a U.S. citizen interested in helping your parents receive green cards, there are a few things you need to know about the process. First, you must be a U.S. citizen and over the age of 21 to sponsor them. Again, if they are in the United States, you would file the I130 Petition for Alien Relative along with an I-485 Application to Adjust Status to Permanent Resident. Your parents’ case will be processed in the United States. If your parents are outside the United States, you would file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative first, and wait for its approval. Once approved your parents’ documentation will be sent to the NVC.
With careful attention to each step in the process, you can help make your parents’ dream of living and working in the U.S. come true.
For help with this important process, or to find out if your parents qualify for legal permanent residence in Utah, contact Buhler Thomas Law, P.C., trusted immigration attorneys who have been specializing in immigration law in Salt Lake City, Utah, for over 20 years.