How Do I Get My Parents Legal

If you are an immigrant who wants to bring his family to the United States, you might have many questions. For example, you could be wondering how do I get my parents legal? And while the legal process can seem overwhelming at first, we are here to help you understand everything about it.

Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants

A Family-based Green Card is an immigrant visa that allows relatives of lawful permanent residents to become legal in the United States. That category includes the spouse, parents, and children of a US citizen or a Green Card owner. So if you are looking to get your parents legal, the family-based Green Card is the only solution.

Who Can Apply for a Family Green Card?

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Family Green Card is available for relatives of US citizens or lawful permanent residents. Additionally, the relative needs to be free of any legal charges in both their origin country and the United States.

It’s important to mention that your parents need to have legally entered the country before they are eligible to apply for a Family Green Card. In other words, you need to have an approved or pending I-130 form filled on your behalf. But luckily, your parents can apply for both an I-130 and status adjustment form at the same time, reducing the waiting time considerably.

How Do I Get My Parents Legal Using a Family Green Card?

Depending on whether or not your parents are currently living in the US, they must fill out different forms. But generally speaking, they need to fill out the I-485 form in order to adjust their status. Then, they will need to provide the US authorities with proof of the relative status, which includes a birth certificate, a government-issued identification document, and a copy of their passport if applicable.

Besides that, they might also need to fill out specific forms regarding their medical and legal status. It’s worth noting that you will also need to pay a fee of up to $1,000.

Once all the documents have been sent, your parents will have to wait for anywhere between 5 to 12 months. Then, the authorities will schedule an interview with them to see if they are eligible for the legal status. If everything goes well, your parents will have their Green Card in less than a year. Even so, the government can revoke the request at any time based on its own terms and conditions.

The Bottom Line

All in all, the question of how do I get my parents legal has only one answer — using the Family-Based Green Card. And while the process can seem long and time-consuming, it is entirely worth it. Not only are you helping your parents make a living in the United States, but you also become an example to other immigrants who are looking to bring their families into the country. But remember that if you feel overwhelmed, you can always reach out to ABC’s for Immigrants. We are here to provide help regarding the immigration process and all its legalities.