Connecticut Parent Immigration Attorney
Reunite with your parents through the IR-5 immediate relative visa process. As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your parents for permanent residence with no wait times or annual caps. Expert guidance through I-130 petitions and I-864 affidavit of support requirements.
2025 Parent Immigration: Processing Times Improving
USCIS has implemented efficiency improvements for family-based petitions, with I-130 processing times for parents showing significant improvement in 2025.
- • I-130 parent petitions: 8-15 months (down from 12-20 months)
- • NVC processing streamlined with digital document submission
- • Interview scheduling improved at major consulates
- • I-864 affidavit of support guidelines clarified
Required Documentation for Parent Immigration
Comprehensive document checklist for successful I-130 parent petition
Petitioner (U.S. Citizen Child)
- U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate
- Valid U.S. passport or driver's license
- Form I-130 petition for alien relative
- Filing fee and supporting documentation
- Evidence of parent-child relationship
Beneficiary (Parent)
- Birth certificate showing relationship to petitioner
- Valid passport from country of citizenship
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
Relationship Evidence
- Petitioner's birth certificate listing parent
- Parent's birth certificate (if available)
- Adoption decree (if applicable)
- DNA test results (if relationship questioned)
- Supporting affidavits from family members
Financial Support (I-864)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Form W-2 or 1099 for past year
- Letter of employment with salary details
- Bank statements for past 6 months
- Assets documentation if needed
Complete Parent Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from petition filing to green card receipt
Step 1: Eligibility Verification
1-2 weeksConfirm U.S. citizenship and parent-child relationship
Key Activities:
- Verify petitioner's U.S. citizenship status
- Gather birth certificates and relationship evidence
- Assess any potential admissibility issues
- Review parent's immigration history
Critical Points:
- Only citizens can petition for parents
- Clear relationship documentation required
Step 2: I-130 Petition Filing
8-15 months processingFile petition for alien relative with USCIS
Key Activities:
- Complete Form I-130 with supporting evidence
- Include relationship documentation
- Pay required filing fees
- Submit to appropriate USCIS facility
Critical Points:
- Current processing: 8-15 months
- Expedite requests rarely granted
Step 3: National Visa Center (NVC)
2-4 monthsCase forwarded to NVC for immigrant visa processing
Key Activities:
- Pay immigrant visa fees
- Submit DS-260 immigrant visa application
- Provide civil documents
- Complete affidavit of support (I-864)
Critical Points:
- I-864 affidavit of support mandatory
- All documents must be current
Step 4: Medical Exam & Interview
1-3 monthsMedical examination and consular interview abroad
Key Activities:
- Schedule medical exam with panel physician
- Attend immigrant visa interview at U.S. embassy
- Present all required documentation
- Receive visa decision and travel authorization
Critical Points:
- Medical exam valid for 6 months
- Interview attendance mandatory
Step 5: Entry & Green Card
Upon arrivalTravel to U.S. and receive permanent resident card
Key Activities:
- Travel to U.S. within visa validity period
- Present immigrant visa at port of entry
- Receive I-551 stamp in passport
- Physical green card mailed within 90 days
Critical Points:
- Must travel before visa expires
- Green card valid for 10 years
I-864 Affidavit of Support Requirements
Understanding the financial obligations and requirements for sponsoring parents
Income Requirements
Duration of Obligation
Joint Sponsors
Assets Alternative
Common Parent Immigration Challenges
Potential obstacles and proven solutions for successful parent petitions
Insufficient Income for I-864
35% of casesSponsor doesn't meet 125% poverty guideline income requirement
Proven Solutions:
Missing Relationship Documentation
25% of casesBirth certificates unavailable or don't show clear relationship
Proven Solutions:
Parent's Criminal History
15% of casesCriminal convictions may affect admissibility
Proven Solutions:
Previous Immigration Violations
25% of casesParent previously overstayed or had visa issues
Proven Solutions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common parent immigration concerns
Can permanent residents sponsor their parents for green cards?
No, only U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents for green cards through the IR-5 immediate relative category. Permanent residents cannot petition for their parents. You must be a naturalized U.S. citizen to file an I-130 petition for your parents.
How long does parent immigration take from start to finish?
The complete process typically takes 12-18 months. This includes 8-15 months for I-130 processing, 2-4 months at the National Visa Center, and 1-3 months for medical exam and interview scheduling. Processing times vary by USCIS service center and consulate.
What if I don't meet the income requirements for I-864?
You have several options: find a qualified joint sponsor who meets the income requirements, use assets worth 5 times the income shortfall, include qualifying household member income, or wait until your income increases to the required level.
Can I sponsor both parents with one I-130 petition?
No, you must file a separate I-130 petition for each parent. Each parent is considered an individual beneficiary and requires their own petition, filing fee, and supporting documentation. However, they can go through consular processing together.
What happens if my parent has a criminal record?
Criminal history doesn't automatically disqualify your parent, but certain crimes may make them inadmissible. A waiver may be available depending on the specific offense, relationship to the crime, and rehabilitation evidence. Each case requires individual analysis.
Complete Family Immigration Strategy
Comprehensive family reunification services for all your immigration needs
Marriage Green Card
Complete spousal immigration services including IR-1/CR-1 visas and adjustment of status for married couples.
Child Immigration (CSPA)
Expert Child Status Protection Act guidance for children at risk of aging out of immigration benefits.
Sibling Immigration
F-4 family fourth preference category for adult siblings of U.S. citizens with priority date tracking.
Bring Your Parents Home to Connecticut
As a U.S. citizen, you have the privilege to reunite with your parents through immediate relative immigration. Don't navigate the complex I-130 and I-864 requirements alone - let our expertise guide your family to success.