How to Obtain a Green Card for Your Parents as a U.S. Citizen
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Parents of U.S. citizens are classified as “immediate relatives” under U.S. immigration laws, which means there is no limit on the number of green cards obtained in this category every year, and this, in turn, means there is no waiting time beyond normal processing time for the parent to obtain their green card. All other categories under which other relatives and green card applicants apply to get a green card have long waiting periods. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we routinely help families in the Chicago area obtain green cards for their qualifying parents.
Sponsoring Parents for a Green Card
If you are a U.S. citizen, the law allows you to apply for your parents to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders), provided you are at least 21 years old. However, it is important to note that you must show that you have sufficient income or assets to support your parents. The amount you will need to show is at least 125% of the U.S. poverty guidelines, including support for your own family.
Application Process for Parents to Receive Green Card
To start the process to have your parents obtain a green card if you are a United States citizen, you’ll need to complete and file form I-130, also known as Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition is intended to prove your status as a U.S. citizen and that there is a child-parent relationship that exists between you and your parents, who are referred to in the petition as “beneficiaries.”
The petition should therefore include both a copy of your U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or other proof of citizenship, as well as your birth certificate with your parents’ names or an acceptable proof of their relationship to you. It is important to remember not to send originals of these documents as you may never get them back; rather, just send copies. Also, if you are petitioning for both of your parents, then you will need to submit two separate I-130 petitions, one for each parent.
Once the I-130 petition is approved, and if your parents live outside the United States, USCIS will forward their file to a U.S. consulate in your parents’ home country. The consulate will then communicate with them about how they can submit their own required application forms and documents.
If your parents are already in the U.S., and they legally entered the country, then it will be possible for them to go through what is known as adjustment of status and receive their green cards here in the United States without being required to leave to complete the process outside the U.S. Indeed, if your parents are eligible for adjustment of status, they can concurrently file their green card application alongside your I-130 petition.
If you are in the Chicago area and wish to apply for a green card for your parents, contact the immigration attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.
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I would like to sincerely thank Attorney Justin Burton and PL Kamila Lada for support with my adjustment of status case. I have been working with the firm for over a year now, and I have received nothing short of exceptional services and support throughout various cases for myself and family members. Highly recommend consulting and retaining this firm.
We have been in the dark with our case for over 2 decades, while working with other big firms who just kept me in the dark and sat on our case without making any effort to move it forward until I met the wonderful team at Kriezelman & Burton. AO and JP are truly God-sent angels who with their knowledge, collaboration, sense of direction and outside the box thinking, managed…
Highly recommend attorney Kevin Raica and attorney Agata Bigdanowicz. They were super helpful, responded on time, and won my case in record time. It took about a month and half in total for me to get my approval after filing!
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
I decided to use the services of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and Kevin was nothing short of professional and amazing. From the consultation to the final approval, he gave us confidence and reassurance throughout the entire process. When I first told him about my wife’s wish to change her status, the first thing he said was, “We will get it done.” Even during the USCIS pause, he continued to…
Great service and attention. Felt safe and confident since the first meeting. Couldn't be happier with the results and services. I had the pleasure of working with attorney Andrea Ochoa and it was a great experience would absolutely reccomend her services
Our experience with the firm was extraordinary. We worked with attorney Andrea Ochoa. Since the very first meeting we met, Andrea gave us all the confidence to proceed with our case. She always answered our questions shortly and offered clear guidelines to proceed. When my son's case received a notice of intent to deny, she planned how to fight that decision effectively. We totally recommend everyone to trust their case…
I just want to say huge thank you to Mr. Kevin A. Raica. for everything he has done for me throughout my immigration case. When I first came to Kevin, he explained the SIJS process clearly and walked me through the steps. We first needed to get the guardianship court order before moving forward with the I-360, and he connected me with a trusted attorney to help with that part.…
I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to Brittni Rivera! She literally saved my family. We had been waiting seven years for what she accomplished in just three weeks. I was impressed by how accessible the office is—they always answer calls very quickly. A special thank you to paralegal Nataliia Melnyk. You are my heroes. Thank you.
Thank you all, I found this group to be a great service. Thank you all, blessings to you. especially Khiabett
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