Living in a different country from your parents can be hard for some. You might spend your days worrying about their health or economic situation. Alternatively, you may wish you had them here to turn to help with your kids or that DIY project you are attempting. Or maybe you miss having them to hang out with and chat to.
Some might say separation from family is the price you pay for seizing the opportunities that living in the U.S. can provide. But, it does not necessarily have to be that way. In certain circumstances, you may be able to have your parents join you to reside here.
You can only do so if you are already a U.S. citizen
If you are not yet a U.S. citizen, it may be best to focus on becoming one first. Because without that status, you do not have the right to apply for a visa for your parents to join you. You also need to have turned 21.
If you meet both those requirements, then the next step would be to download an I-130 form. Download it and look at the supporting information you will need to provide.
Some parents are easier than others
Parents registered on your birth certificate are generally the simplest applications. If they are not or are stepparents or adoptive parents, you will need to provide additional proof. Note not all ‘parents’ qualify.
As you will see when you download the form, the application is not straightforward and you may benefit from having someone experienced in these applications to help you.