There are many reasons to bring your parents to join you in the United States. For example, you may want to care for them in their later years. You may need them to help out with your children. You may want them to have a better life, or you may just want your family to be all together.
Whatever the reason, let’s look at just a couple of things you should know.
You can only do it if you are a U.S. citizen
If you do not yet hold U.S. citizenship, you need to obtain that first. Otherwise, you do not have any right to bring your parents to join you permanently. However, you may be able to help them get a temporary visa if you hold a Green Card.
Not all parents are equal in the eyes of immigration law
Your mother is usually your mother as far as the law is concerned, but things can be trickier regarding your father. If he was married to your mother at the time of your birth, then things will be simpler. However, if he was not, you will need to show that he claimed paternity of you before you turned 21 or married, whichever came first.
If you and your parent(s) meet these initial requirements, you will need to complete Form I-130 to apply for a visa for them. To learn more about how the process works and increase the chance your application is accepted, consider legal help to complete it. You don’t want to jeopardize their chances by making avoidable errors.