How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship for Parents

When it comes to securing U.S. citizenship for your parents, the process can feel overwhelming, but the end result is worth the effort. You, as a U.S. citizen, have the ability to apply for your parents to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs), which is the crucial first step before they can seek naturalization and U.S. citizenship.

1. Immediate Eligibility: Priority for U.S. Citizens’ Parents

One of the biggest advantages of being a U.S. citizen when filing for your parents is that they are classified as "immediate relatives." Immediate relatives do not fall under the immigration quotas, meaning there is no limit to the number of visas available to them. This is a major benefit as opposed to other visa categories that may have lengthy backlogs. Parents are eligible as soon as their U.S. citizen child is at least 21 years old.

2. The Process: Start with Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card)

Before your parents can apply for U.S. citizenship, they need to obtain a Green Card. The first step in this process is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the relationship between you, the U.S. citizen, and your parents.
Once this is approved, the next step is for your parents to either adjust their status if they are already in the U.S. (Form I-485) or go through consular processing if they are abroad. If they are outside the U.S., they will need to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate in their home country.

Timeline of Green Card Processing

The time it takes for this process to complete varies. Generally, it takes about 8-14 months for the Form I-130 to be processed and approved. Following this, the adjustment of status or consular processing can take several more months depending on the situation. But with your parents classified as immediate relatives, they avoid the years-long waits many others face.

Processing Step	Timeframe
I-130 Petition Approval	8-14 months
Adjustment of Status	6-12 months (if in U.S.)
Consular Processing	6-10 months (if abroad)

3. Naturalization Pathway: From Green Card to Citizenship

Once your parents have obtained a Green Card, they need to wait for a specific period before applying for naturalization (U.S. citizenship). If they received their Green Card through a U.S. citizen child, they can apply for citizenship after 5 years as a lawful permanent resident. However, during this time, they must meet several requirements such as continuous residence in the U.S., physical presence, and good moral character.

Here’s a quick rundown of these naturalization requirements:

• Continuous Residence: Your parents must have lived in the U.S. continuously for five years.
• Physical Presence: They need to be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of those five years.
• Good Moral Character: This means they should not have committed any serious crimes, lied on immigration applications, or engaged in any other behavior that would disqualify them from citizenship.

4. Common Challenges: Rejection and Delays

While the pathway to citizenship is straightforward, there are common pitfalls. One of the most frequent issues is incomplete or incorrect paperwork, which can delay the process significantly. Another common hurdle is proving the relationship between the U.S. citizen child and the parent, particularly in cases of adoption, or where birth records may not be readily available.

In some cases, parents who have a history of visa overstays or unlawful presence in the U.S. may face additional scrutiny. It is highly recommended to seek legal advice in these cases to avoid any unexpected roadblocks.

Example of Rejection Reasons

• Incomplete Forms: Missing signatures or incorrect information can lead to rejection.
• Unlawful Presence: If your parents have previously been in the U.S. unlawfully, it may require additional steps to resolve.

Common Issues	Impact
Incomplete Forms	Delays or rejection
Unlawful Presence	Requires legal waivers

5. Fees and Costs: What to Expect

The application process is not free. You will encounter various fees throughout the different stages. These include the filing fee for Form I-130, which is currently $535, and additional fees for consular processing or adjustment of status. Once your parents are ready to apply for citizenship, they will also need to pay the naturalization application fee, which is $725 as of now.

Form or Process	Fee
Form I-130 (Petition)	$535
Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)	$1,225
Naturalization Application	$725

6. Citizenship Interview and Civics Test

A significant part of the citizenship process is the naturalization interview and civics test. Your parents will be asked questions about U.S. history, government, and their personal background. The civics test includes 100 questions, and applicants must correctly answer at least six out of 10 questions asked.

Preparing for this test is crucial, and there are many resources available, including practice questions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

7. Oath of Allegiance: The Final Step

After passing the interview and civics test, your parents will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony where they will take the Oath of Allegiance. This is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. Once they take the oath, they will receive a Certificate of Naturalization, marking the completion of their journey to citizenship.

Conclusion: The Rewarding Outcome

Securing U.S. citizenship for your parents is a multi-step process that requires attention to detail, patience, and financial investment. However, the benefits are immense. From voting rights to access to federal benefits, your parents will have the full privileges and protections of U.S. citizenship.

In summary, by following these steps carefully and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully navigate the path to U.S. citizenship for your parents and reunite your family under one national umbrella.