Can a Green Card Holder Sponsor Parents for Visit?
The United States offers numerous pathways for immigrants to unite with their families, and one of the most common questions among green card holders is whether they can sponsor their parents for a visit. The answer lies in understanding the U.S. immigration laws and the specific categories under which family members can be sponsored.
Understanding the Green Card Holder’s Role
A green card holder, also known as a permanent resident, has the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. This status allows them to sponsor certain family members for immigration purposes. However, the process for sponsoring parents is different from sponsoring immediate family members like a spouse, child, or parent through a family-based immigration category.
Immediate Relative vs. Family Preference Categories
Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parents of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old, can be sponsored without having to wait for a visa number to become available. This category is known as “immediate relative” and has no annual limit on the number of visas issued.
On the other hand, parents of a green card holder fall under the family preference categories, which have an annual limit on the number of visas issued. These categories are ranked based on the relationship to the petitioner and can result in long waiting periods.
Sponsoring Parents for a Visit
While a green card holder cannot directly sponsor their parents for permanent residence through the family preference categories, they can sponsor their parents for a visit using the B-2 visitor visa. The B-2 visa is designed for individuals who wish to enter the United States temporarily for medical treatment, pleasure, or business.
To sponsor a parent for a visit, the green card holder must:
1. Demonstrate that the visit is for a legitimate purpose, such as visiting family, tourism, or medical treatment.
2. Provide evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as employment, property, or family obligations, to prove that they will return after their visit.
3. Submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to request that the parent be classified as an immediate relative for the purposes of the B-2 visa.
4. Pay the required filing fees and submit supporting documents, including proof of the relationship and financial ability to support the parent during their stay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a green card holder can sponsor their parents for a visit by applying for a B-2 visitor visa. Although this does not lead to permanent residence, it allows parents to reunite with their family in the United States for a temporary period. It is important for green card holders to understand the limitations and requirements of this process to ensure a smooth and successful application.
