Many people have a fond hope of bringing loved ones together and for U.S. citizens whose parents live overseas. The IR-5 visa defines a way for him or her to do it. This allows U.S. citizens to bring their parents to the United States as permanent residents and enjoy family time. Avoiding the restrictions of short-term visas or guest stays. The IR-5 visa process may seem challenging at first, but with the right steps, you will be able to get your parents here in the United States.

What is the IR-5 Visa?

The IR-5 is a family-based green card that lets U.S. citizens petition to have their parents live in the United States as permanent residents. The IR-5 visa is unique as it applies only to parents, unlike other family-based visas. As the sponsor of this application, you have to be a citizen of the United States of America and 21 years or older. There is no waiting list for available visas under this category, so the IR-5 is faster than many of the other family-based visas.

Requirements for Sponsorship

Some vital requirements have to be met if you want to sponsor your parents for an IR-5 visa. You must be a U.S. citizen 21 years of age or older. You will need proof of citizenship, like a U.S. passport or a birth certificate, along with the documents that show how you are related to your parents. This relationship with your family will be important to establish as it qualifies your parents for the visa.

Along with the citizenship and age requirements, you will also need to prove that you are financially capable of supporting your parents when they arrive in the United States. This condition is aimed at ensuring your parents do not require governmental support or have a stable condition of living there. To take on this financial responsibility, you will have to file an Affidavit of Support to evidence your commitment. This document will ask you to show that your income meets the minimum or exceeds the minimum federal guidelines. Even if your income alone does not meet these thresholds. You may be able to include other assets—or enlist the services of a joint sponsor who is willing to assist you with these financial requirements.

These steps can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the Law Office Of Olena Manilich can help you navigate them. We will prepare everything you need to help your parents build the best case possible for their green card. Schedule your consultation today to start your process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

One of the first steps in the IR-5 visa application process is filing Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, which establishes that you are the child of your parents. After USCIS approves this petition, it is sent out to the National Visa Center. The NVC processes the case from that point, including collecting fees and documentation and scheduling the visa interview. 

Your parents will have to do a medical exam, and most importantly, your documents will be prepared before your interview. The last decision will be taken by a consular officer who is going to evaluate their case at the interview. We are always ready to help you with more information, check our immigration services, and find the best for your situation.

Key Benefits of the IR-5 Visa

Once your parents come to America, they have a lot to gain with their IR-5 visa. This means that they will be able to live in the U.S. for good as green card holders. This status means they can work and get health care and other privileges given to people with permanent residence.

A green card is also a mandatory requirement to become a citizen of the U.S. once the required residency period has been met if they ever want to become one.This visa gives you a sense of security and a method to unite your family in the long run. If you are looking for help with any portion of this process, contact us to help you with every step.

Conclusion

When you sponsor your parents for an IR-5 visa, you will be able to bring them together in the U.S. It will give your parents permanent residency so they can live their lives here in the States. The steps might seem tedious, but if you tick every box, it is a lot easier.

When you are ready to get your parents here, The Law Office of Olena Manilich will assist you with every step of the process. Schedule your consultation today to secure your parent’s green card!