The Leading Green Card for Parents Lawyers in Atlanta
Apply for Green Cards for Parents with Quijano Law
Quijano Law, a leading immigration law firm in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area, focuses on helping U.S. citizens apply for a green card for parents. Our experienced green card for parents attorneys in Atlanta simplify the complex family-based immigration process, ensuring a smooth path to permanent residency.
The Process of Applying for a Green Card for Parents in Atlanta
Securing a green card for parents involves several steps. The U.S. citizen must first file a Form I-130 for each parent, followed by the parent(s) applying for an immigrant visa or filing for a change of status to permanent residence.
Eligibility for a Green Card for Parents
U.S. citizens who are 21 years or older can apply for a green card for parents, making the parent-child relationship a key factor in the application process. To successfully petition for a green card, the U.S. citizen must submit their birth certificate, along with additional supporting documentation, to establish the parental relationship. Our experienced Georgia-based green card for parents lawyers are well-versed in assisting with these applications, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome for your family’s immigration needs.
Overcoming Challenges in Applying for a Green Card for Parents
Our legal team at Quijano Law has extensive experience navigating the challenges that may arise when you apply for a green card for parents. We understand the complexities of proving parental relationships and can guide you in gathering the necessary evidence.
Addressing Disqualifications
Disqualifications for obtaining a green card can arise if your parents entered or have resided in the U.S. without proper documentation or if they have a serious criminal record. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you in understanding these potential barriers to a successful application and guide you in exploring potential waivers or solutions to overcome these immigration challenges. Trust our experience to navigate you through the complexities of the green card process.
Overcoming Challenges in Applying for a Green Card for Parents
What forms are needed to apply for a green card for parents?
Similar to marriage-based green cards, the primary forms for parents include the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), and I-864 (Affidavit of Support). For parents, the process typically involves a U.S. citizen child filing Form I-130 on behalf of their parent.
- Form I-130 - This is a petition filed by U.S. citizens that identifies the qualifying relationship with the parent(s). The processing time is around 11 months, on average.
- Form I-485 - The Form I-485 is a central part of the green card application process. Since it is used to grant the right to live and work in the U.S., it requires supporting documentation and can take between 10-20 months to process.
- Form I-864 - The U.S. citizen child must demonstrate financial ability to support the parent(s), preventing them from becoming a “public charge,” or being dependent on the government for financial support.
Beyond these documents, getting a green card for parents also requires birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial records, police certificates, and medical examination results. Additionally, there are some interviews that will need to be conducted as part of the process.
Why does someone need a lawyer for parental green cards?
Having a lawyer can help you navigate complexities and ensure peace of mind when going through the process of getting a parental green card. This includes help with preparing for interviews, understanding eligibility, and addressing any challenges that arise with forms and documents. One of the main challenges associated with this process is getting the right paperwork and filling it out properly. When you have a dedicated green card lawyer, you can ensure minimal errors and prevent delays.
What are some of the requirements for getting a green card for parents?
Two major requirements must be passed when attempting to get a green card for a parent:
- U.S. citizenship - The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old.
- Parent-child relationship - Applicants must provide documentation to establish a legitimate parent-child relationship, such as birth certificates and other official records.
Additionally, the general requirements include:
- Admissibility - Applicants must meet the general requirements for admissibility to the United States, including having no disqualifying criminal history or past immigration violations.
- Medical examination - Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician and be free of any health conditions that would render them inadmissible.
- Public charge - Applicants must demonstrate they are not likely to become a public charge, meaning they will not rely on government assistance. This typically involves showing sufficient financial resources or having a sponsor who can provide financial support.
To make this process easier, our team of Atlanta green card lawyers are local to you and ready to help navigate the process of achieving lawful permanent residence for your loved ones.
What separates Quijano Law from other green card law firms?
Our team is a diverse group of legal and business professionals who help clients of all backgrounds. Our firm has extensive experience in family-based immigration, particularly for green cards through marriage and for parents.
What are some statistics on parental green cards?
In the year 2024, around 60,600 green cards were issued to parents (USCIS).
Immediate relatives, including the parents of U.S. citizens, make up around 68% of family green card applications each year.
As of December 2024, the processing time for green cards for parents of U.S. citizens is around 16 months (ILOLA).
As of August 2024, the minimum income required to sponsor a family member or spouse is $25,550 (ILOLA).
Some of the reasons that green card applicants get denied include insufficient family relationships, criminal records, not passing the “public charge” rule, and incorrectly filled out forms.
Choose Quijano Law to Apply for a Green Card for Parents
With Quijano Law, applying for a green card for parents becomes a smoother process. We provide professional, engaging, and high-quality legal services to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your journey toward securing lawful permanent residence for your parents.
