Did you know that you don’t have to pay up to $5,000 to prepare your Green Card application? Read on to see how you can save thousands of dollars in the process with Alvva.
For parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older, obtaining a Green Card can be the first step toward a stable life in the United States. Residency also eventually provides a path to citizenship. This immigration process offers one of the fastest routes within family-based immigration because U.S. immigration law qualifies parents as “immediate relatives”. This status avoids long waiting lists for other categories of family visas. This article covers the requirements, the process, the advantages of using Alvva‘s online services, and frequently asked questions. Keep reading to discover path to path how to obtain a Green Card trought a U.S citizen child:
Requirements for a Green Card Through a U.S. Citizen Child
To apply for a Green Card through a child, the applicant must meet several requirements. The first and most important is that the sponsoring child must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. This is a mandatory legal requirement, with no exceptions for children under that age.
Once the citizen child meets the age requirement, the process can proceed in two main ways. One way is through Adjustment of Status, another way is Consular Processing.
If the parents are already in the United States and entered legally, they can adjust their status without needing to leave the country. For this, they must submit Form I-485 along with Form I-130, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative. Adjustment of status is a convenient option for those already in the U.S.. This pathway avoids the extra steps associated with leaving and re-entering the country.
If the parents live outside the United States, they must complete the process through Consular Processing. In this case, the child must initiate the petition from the U.S. by sending Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) receives the case and then transfers it to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the parents’ country of residence. At the interview, officials evaluate their case. If approved, they will receive an immigrant visa that will allow them to enter the United States as a permanent resident. After arriving in the U.S., they will receive the Green Card by mail.
Importance of Demonstrating Intent to Reside in the U.S.
Obtaining a Green Card requires you to live permanently in the United States, meaning that beneficiaries cannot remain outside the country for extended periods without risking their status. Immigration authorities may see long stays abroad as a sign of abandonment of residency. Therefore, parents should be careful not to stay outside of the country for long periods if they wish to maintain their permanent resident status and eventually move toward U.S. citizenship. This requirement ensures that individuals use residency to build a life in the U.S. rather than for short-term travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card for Parents of U.S. Citizens
Can my U.S. citizen child sponsor my Green Card if they are under 21?
No, U.S. immigration law requires the child to be at least 21 years old to sponsor their parents. This means that although a child born in the U.S. can be a citizen from birth, the parents must wait until the child reaches the minimum age to start the Green Card application process.
How long does it take to obtain the Green Card through a child?
The processing time for a Green Card for parents may vary depending on the specific situation of each case. However, it is generally faster compared to other family categories because parents are considered “immediate relatives” and are not subject to annual visa quotas. In general, the complete process can take between 12 and 24 months, depending on factors such as the type of processing (Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing), USCIS office workload, and how quickly the requirements are met and documents submitted.
Do I need to leave the United States to obtain the Green Card?
If the applicant is already in the U.S. and entered the country legally, they may choose Adjustment of Status without needing to leave the country, if they have not committed immigration violations, such as overstaying a visa, unauthorized employment, or criminal offenses that could affect their eligibility. Otherwise, consular processing is required from the applicant’s home country.
Can I lose my Green Card if I spend too much time outside the U.S.?
Yes, if a permanent resident leaves the United States for an extended period, authorities may interpret this absence as an abandonment of residency. To avoid issues, it is recommended that residents do not leave the U.S. for more than six months without a justified reason and maintain proof of residence in the U.S., such as property, work, or family ties.
Is it necessary to hire an attorney or immigration consulting service?
Hiring an immigration consulting service is not mandatory, but it can be extremely helpful. Immigration forms and legal requirements can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the process, and any error increases your chances of delays. Additionally, for those with previous unauthorized stays or specific requirements, expert advice can be crucial to maximize the chances of success.
Why Choose Alvva’s Immigration Consulting Services?
The process of obtaining a Green Card through a U.S. citizen child can be more complex than it appears, especially if special circumstances arise, such as previous unauthorized stays, incomplete documentation, or questions about meeting the requirements. In these cases, seeking assistance from an immigration consulting agency like Alvva is a strategic choice that ensures you have someone to consult with at every step of the process.
At Alvva, we specialize in family immigration cases, providing personalized attention that allows applicants to navigate forms and processes more easily. In addition, our advisors are experts in identifying and resolving any potential obstacles in the process, from initial document preparation to interview assistance and handling possible inadmissibility waivers. By choosing Alvva‘s services, you ensure that each step of the process is handled efficiently and professionally, avoiding errors that could lead to delays or even denial of your application.
Obtain Your Green Card Through a U.S. Citizen Child with Alvva
For parents of U.S. citizens, obtaining a Green Card through their child represents a valuable opportunity to settle in the United States and, over time, advance toward citizenship. This fast-track immigration route can be accessible and efficient if all requirements are met, and having expert guidance, like that provided by Alvva, can make the difference between a successful and frustrating process.
Having experts like Alvva by your side can make all the difference between a smooth, successful process and a stressful, frustrating one. For just $995—far less than the thousands you’d typically spend—you get a high-quality, efficient service that truly understands you and walks with you every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation today!
