How to Bring Your Parents to Indiana with Family-Based Immigration

How to Bring Your Parents to Indiana with Family-Based Immigration

Bringing your parents to Indiana through family-based immigration can be a rewarding process, allowing you to reunite with loved ones and share the joys of life together. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for successfully bringing your parents to Indiana.

Understanding Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for their relatives to come and live in the United States. As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your parents under the immediate relative category, which doesn’t have annual limits on visas.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

To petition for your parents, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old.
  • You must demonstrate the ability to financially support your parents, thus providing an Affidavit of Support.

Step 2: Filing the Petition

The first step in the process is to file Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, for each parent. This form establishes the relationship between you and your parents. Include necessary documentation with your application, such as:

  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, etc.).
  • Proof of your relationship (your birth certificate showing parents’ names).

Once you have completed the forms, submit them to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the required filing fee.

Step 3: Wait for USCIS Approval

After submitting your petition, USCIS will process it. The processing time can vary, but you can check current processing times on the USCIS website. You will receive a notice of approval or a request for additional information. Once your Form I-130 is approved, USCIS will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

Step 4: Visa Application Process

Once at the NVC, you will need to pay the visa fees and submit Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa Application. Your parents will be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Make sure they have all necessary documents, including:

  • Valid passports.
  • Medical examination results.
  • Proof of financial support (Affidavit of Support).

Step 5: The Interview

The interview process is crucial. Your parents will be asked about their intentions in the U.S. and their ties to their home country. It’s important they are prepared to answer questions and provide documentation that reflects their reasons for immigrating.

Step 6: Arrival in the U.S.

If approved during the interview, your parents will receive an immigrant visa in their passports. Upon arrival in Indiana, they will be processed at the port of entry, and then they will receive their Green Cards by mail shortly after arriving.

Step 7: Post-Arrival Support

After your parents arrive, it’s beneficial to help them adapt to their new environment. Assist them with obtaining a Social Security number, setting up a bank account, and understanding their rights and responsibilities as permanent residents.

Conclusion

Bringing your parents to Indiana through family-based immigration involves several steps but is ultimately a fulfilling endeavor. By carefully preparing the necessary documents and understanding the immigration process, you can help your parents start a new chapter in their lives alongside you. Make sure to stay informed about any changes in immigration laws that might affect your petition.