As a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your parents to live permanently in the United States, you will need to go through the immigration process like the procedures, and requirements set by USCIS and this guide will help you in filling out and submitting Form I-130 for Parents, which is the Petition for Alien Relatives, for your parents.
It’s important to know the primary eligibility requirement which is you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.
Your First Step
Download the form for free from the USCIS website, this petition establishes your citizenship and proves the parent-child relationship, making your parents eligible for a green card.
Consular Processing for Parents Abroad
If your parents are living abroad, they will need to wait until the I-130 is approved before starting the application process through a U.S. consulate. This process involves additional steps and waiting periods.
Concurrent Filing of I-485 for Parents in the U.S.
If your parent are already in the States legally, they can file the Petition to Adjust Status, concurrently with the I-130 application to fasten the process but make sure they did not use a tourist visa or visa waiver with the intent to adjust your status because that can cause complications.
Filling Out Form I-130 for Parents: Step-by-Step
Now, let’s delve into the details of filling out Form I-130. Please note that the following instructions are based on the version of the form issued on 07/20/21.
Part 1. Relationship
- Question 1: Check the second box, “Parent.”
- Question 2: These questions verify the parent/child relationship, including provisions for adoptive parents. Seek legal counsel for specific cases involving adoptive parents.
Part 2. Information About You (The Petitioner)
- Question 1: A U.S. citizen can put “N/A” here.
- Question 2: If you don’t have a USCIS Online Account Number, leave this blank.
- Question 3: Provide the U.S. citizen’s Social Security Number.
- Question 4: Enter your names as requested.
- Question 5: Include any names by which you have been commonly known.
- Questions 6-9: Self-explanatory.
- Question 10: Your mailing address.
- Questions 11-15: Address details.
- Question 16: Enter the number of times you have been married, including your current marriage.
- Question 17: Indicate your most recent marital status.
- Questions 18-19: Provide information about your current marriage, if applicable.
- Questions 20-23: Include names of current or prior spouses.
- Questions 24-35: Questions about your parents. Answer to the best of your knowledge.
- Question 36: Check the “U.S. citizen” box.
- Questions 40-41: Leave blank if you are a U.S. citizen.
Part 3. Biographic Information
- Self-explanatory questions about you, the petitioner.
Part 4. Information About Beneficiary (Your Parent)
- Question 1: Alien Registration Number if applicable.
- Question 2: USCIS Online Account Number if applicable.
- Question 3: Social Security Number if applicable.
- Question 4: Current name of your parents.
- Question 5: Other names used by your parents.
- Questions 6-9: Self-explanatory.
- Question 10: Details of prior visa petitions, if any.
- Questions 11-16: More information about your parent’s marital history.
- Question 17: Marital status of your parents.
- Question 18: Date of your parent’s present marriage, if married.
- Question 19: Information about the place your parents were legally married.
- Questions 21-24: For step-parents, establishing a separate parent-child relationship.
- Questions 25-44: List of your parent’s children, including you.
- Question 45: Answer “yes” even if your parent is not currently in the U.S.
- Question 46.a: How did your parents arrive in the U.S.
- Question 46.b: I-94 number.
- Question 46.c: Date of entry into the United States.
- Question 46.d: The date when your parent’s right to remain in the U.S. legally ran out.
- Questions 47-50: Number in your parent’s passport or travel document.
- Questions 51-52: Your parent’s employer information.
- Question 53-56: If your parent has been in Immigration Court proceedings.
- Questions 57-58: For applicants from countries with non-ABC written languages.
- Questions 59-60: Leave blank; for petitioners filing for spouses.
- Question 61: For immigrants planning to apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
- Question 62: For parents not in the U.S., list the consulate in their home country.
Part 5. Other Information
- Questions 1-5: Addressing prior petitions and other immigrants you have petitioned for.
Part 6. Petitioner’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature
Affirm your understanding of the information provided. Include your contact information and signature.
Part 7. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Complete if an interpreter assisted in filling out the form.
Part 8. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of Person Preparing This Petition if Other Than the Petitioner
Leave blank if you prepared the application yourself.
Part 9. Additional Information
Use this section for any extra details needed to complete your answers.
Required Documents for Submission
Submit the following documents with your completed and signed Form I-130 for Parents:
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship).
- Proof of the parent-child relationship (birth certificates, adoption certificates, or marriage certificates, if applicable).
- Payment of the filing fee (check the current amount on the USCIS website).
Where to File the I-130 Petition
Make a copy of all documents for your records. You can file the petition online or send it to the USCIS lockbox address indicated in the instructions on the USCIS website.
What Happens After
A few weeks after submitting the petition, you should receive a receipt notice from USCIS with a receipt number. Use this number to check your case status on the USCIS website and sign up for email updates. If USCIS requires additional documentation, they will send a request.
If your parent is living abroad, USCIS will forward the approved Form I-130 for Parents to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will contact your parents for further processing and a visa interview. For parents in the U.S. who filed an I-485 for adjustment of status concurrently, the application will continue to be processed, and your parent may be called for an interview at a USCIS office.
Petitioning for your parents to become green card holders in the United States is a complex but rewarding process. By following these steps and adhering to the guidelines, you can navigate the process with confidence, taking a significant step toward reuniting with your loved ones in the U.S. If you have any doubts or need personalized guidance, consulting an immigration attorney is always advisable.
