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Obtaining a Green Card for Your Parents, also known as sponsoring them for lawful permanent residency in the United States, is a significant step that many U.S. citizens take to reunite with their families. However, the process is often surrounded by misconceptions that can lead to confusion or missteps.
1. Misconception: It's the Same as Sponsoring a Spouse or Child
One of the most common misconceptions is that sponsoring a parent for a green card is similar to sponsoring a spouse or child. While the overall process may seem alike—both require filing petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—there are key differences. For instance, sponsoring a parent falls under the immediate relative category, which means there are no annual limits or quotas on the number of green cards issued. This makes the process potentially faster than other family-based sponsorships. However, the documentation requirements and the steps involved, such as proving the sponsor's financial ability to support their parents, can differ significantly.
Another misconception is that once the petition is filed, the green card is almost guaranteed. In reality, several factors can affect the outcome, including the parent's health, criminal history, or past immigration violations. For example, if your parent has previously overstayed a visa or has been deported, these issues can complicate the process and might even lead to a denial. Additionally, even minor errors in the application, such as incomplete forms or missing documents, can result in delays or rejections.
Many people believe that getting a green card for their parents is a quick and straightforward process, but this is not always the case. While the absence of numerical caps on immediate relatives can expedite the process compared to other categories, the time frame can still vary widely. The process involves multiple steps, including filing the I-130 petition, waiting for approval, and then going through consular processing or adjustment of status. Depending on various factors, such as the backlog at USCIS or the U.S. embassy in your parents' home country, the entire process can take several months to over a year.
Another common misconception is that once parents arrive in the U.S. on an immigrant visa, they can immediately start working. However, while they are eligible to work once they receive their green card, the actual card may not be issued immediately upon arrival. It could take several weeks or even months to receive the physical green card. During this time, parents may not legally work unless they obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).