Can I bring my parent over to live with me in the U.S.?

You may have immigrated to the U.S. as an adult, leaving family behind in your nation of origin. However, life is ever-changing, and ultimately you may lose an elderly parent who still lives overseas. When this happens, you may wish to bring your other parent into the U.S. to care for their health and provide companionship. The following is a brief overview of how to do so. Keep in mind that this post does not offer legal advice, so those who find themselves in a situation in which they want to bring their parent into the U.S. will want to speak to a compassionate and experienced Michigan immigration attorney.

Are you eligible to bring your parent to live in the U.S.?

First, it is important to note whether you can be a sponsor for your parent. Under current immigration law, to bring a parent into the U.S. as a Green Card holder, you have to be a U.S. citizen and age 21 or older. Those who are permanent residents, but have not completed the naturalization process cannot petition to bring their parents to the U.S. as permanent residents.

Bringing your mother to live in the U.S.

If you are eligible to bring your mother into the U.S., you will need to submit a Form I-130 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You will also need to submit a copy of your birth certificate that shows both your name and your mother’s name. If you are a naturalized citizen, you will need to submit your U.S. passport or a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization.

Bringing your father to live in the U.S.

If you are eligible to bring your father into the U.S., you will need to submit a Form I-130 to USCIS. You will also need to submit a copy of your birth certificate bearing both your name and your parents’ names. If you are a naturalized citizen, you will need to submit your U.S. passport or a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization. Finally, you will need to provide a copy of your parents’ civil marriage certificate.

Seek help with family immigration

Ultimately, bringing a parent to live in the U.S. is a legal process, and it is not one that many have experience with. For this reason, many people in such situation choose to work with an attorney. Every family’s legal needs are different, so it is important to seek the assistance of an attorney who will provide personal, one-on-one representation. Immigration attorneys in the Plymouth area can help you understand your options when it comes to family immigration so you can make informed choices moving forward.