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Bringing My Parents to Live in the U.S.
Am I Eligible?
The Process
How Do I Apply?
Obtaining an Immigrant Visa Number
Work Permits
Checking My Application Status
How Can I Appeal?
Help!
Additional Information & Links

Immigrant Visas

Related Links:

Application Procedures: Bringing My Parents to Live in the U.S.
Family Immigration
Immigration Home Page
 
Am I Eligible?


If you are a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old, you are eligible to petition to bring your parents to live and work permanently in the United States. As the sponsor of your parents, you must show that your household income is sufficient to support your family and your parents at 125% or more above the U.S. poverty level for your household size. For more details about meeting this income requirement, see Filing an Affidavit of Support for a Relative.

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you are not eligible to petition to bring your parents to live and work permanently in the United States.

 
The Process

An immigrant (also called a "lawful permanent resident") is a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States. Your parents must go through a multi-step process to become an immigrant. First, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must approve an immigrant petition that you file for your parents. Second, the State Department must give your parents an
immigrant visa number, even if they are already in the United States. Third, if your parents are already in the United States legally, they may apply to adjust to permanent resident status. If they are outside the United States, they will be notified to go to the local U.S. Consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa.

 

How Do I Apply?

To find out how you can petition (apply) for your parents to live in the United States permanently, please see Application Procedures: Bringing My Parents to Live in the U.S.

Obtaining an Immigrant Visa Number

If the immigrant visa petition is approved, an immigrant visa number will be immediately available to your parents.

Work Permits

Your parents do not need to apply for a work permit once they are admitted as an immigrant with their immigrant visa or have already been approved for adjustment to permanent resident status. As a legal permanent resident, your parents should receive Permanent Resident Cards (commonly referred to as '
Green Cards') that will prove that they have a right to live and work in the United States permanently. If your parents are now outside the United States, they will receive a passport stamp upon arrival in the United States. This stamp will prove that they are allowed to work until a Permanent Resident Card is created.

If your parents are in the U.S. and have applied to adjust to permanent resident status (by filing USCIS Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), they are eligible to apply for a work permit while their case is pending. Your parents should use Form I-765 to apply for a work permit (see Obtaining a Work Permit for more information).

 Checking My Application Status

Contact the USCIS office that received your application, and be prepared to provide specific information (see
Checking the Status of My Case).

How Can I Appeal?

If the visa petition you filed for your parents is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to appeal. Generally, you may appeal within 33 days of receiving the denial by mail. After your appeal form and a required fee are processed, the appeal will be referred to the Board of Immigration Appeals in Washington, D.C. For more information, please see Appealing the Denial of My Petition or Application.

HELP!

  • Or, call the national USCIS toll-free information service at 1-800-375-5283
  • You may also want to seek the advice of an immigration attorney, or an immigrant assistance organization accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals.



Additional Information & Links

For details on filing an immigrant visa petition for your parents, see:
Application Procedures: Bringing My Parents to Live in the United States

For details on sponsorship eligibility, including the income requirement, see:
Filing an Affidavit of Support for a Relative

For more details on adjusting to permanent resident status if your parents are already in the United States, see:
Becoming a Permanent Resident (Immigrant) While in the U.S.

If your parents are in the U.S. and want to work while their application to adjust to permanent resident status is pending, see:
Obtaining a Work Permit

If your parents are in the U.S. and need to travel outside the U.S. while their application to adjust to permanent resident status is pending, see:
Have a Pending Immigration Application? Beware of Foreign Travel.

For online forms and fee information, including fee waivers, see:
Forms, Fees & Filing Locations

If you are outside of the United States and need information regarding immigrating to the United States, contact your nearest U.S. Consulate:
U.S. Consulate & Embassy Website Locator

The information provided in this website is not legal advice and should not be interpreted as legal advice. This website is intended to provide a basic understanding of this information in summary form. This information may not be comprehensive, is subject to change, and may not apply to all individual circumstances. Any information received here should be confirmed with the appropriate government agencies or with an attorney, particularly as it relates to your individual circumstances. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use.


 
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