The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Citizen Petition for Parents: Unveiling the Lengthy Wait Time

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Being a U.S. citizen, you have the privilege of requesting your parents to live with you in the United States forever. However, the process of petitioning for them is not as simple as it seems. What many U.S. citizens fail to recognize is the lengthy wait time involved in the process, turning their eagerness into a yearning frustration.

Are you feeling helpless and discouraged due to the tedious process of petitioning for your parents? You are not alone. This ultimate guide on U.S. citizen petition for parents is the answer you have been looking for. We will unveil all the intricate details on this subject, including the expected wait time involved.

Are you prepared to go the extra mile to bring your parents to the United States? Then you need all the possible knowledge on this subject to expedite the process. Read to the end to get equipped with the necessary tools to make your petition process seamless and efficient.


Comparison Blog Article: The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Citizen Petition for Parents: Unveiling the Lengthy Wait Time

U.S. Citizen Petition for Parents
Processing Time 20-25 years
Petition Fees $535
Eligibility Parents who have a child who is a U.S. citizen and is over 21 years old
Visa Availability Limited
Priority Dates Can change depending on demand and supply of visa

The Lengthy Wait Time for U.S. Citizen Petition for Parents

The process for a U.S. citizen to petition for their parents to come and live in the United States can be challenging, and it can take up to 20-25 years. This means that many people who have started the process may never see it completed within their lifetime. This article will explore the reasons behind this lengthy wait time and what it means for individuals trying to bring their parents to the United States.

Processing Time

The biggest reason for the lengthy wait time is the processing time required for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve each petition. Currently, USCIS estimates that this process can take up to 20 years, and in some cases, even longer. This is because of the high demand for these visas and the limited supply.

Petition Fees

The cost to file a U.S. citizen petition for parents is $535. However, this is only the initial filing fee, and additional fees may be required throughout the process. For example, applicants may need to pay for document translation, travel costs, and legal services. These costs can add up over time and create financial challenges for families trying to bring their parents to the United States.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a U.S. citizen petition for parents, the applicant must have a child who is a U.S. citizen and is over 21 years old. Additionally, both parents must have a clean criminal record and be in good health. If either parent has a criminal record or a medical condition that renders them inadmissible, they may not be eligible for the visa.

Visa Availability

The number of visas available for U.S. citizen petitions for parents is limited each year. This means that even if an applicant is eligible, they may still have to wait a long time before a visa becomes available. The Department of State provides a monthly bulletin with priority dates, which is when a visa is available for each family-based category. Unfortunately, these priority dates can change depending on demand and supply, making the wait time unpredictable.

Priority Dates

Priority dates are assigned to each applicant based on the date USCIS receives their petition. These dates determine when a visa will become available for the applicant. However, priority dates can change depending on demand and supply. If more people apply than there are visas available, priority dates can retrogress or move backward, lengthening the wait time even further.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the wait time for a U.S. citizen petition for parents is lengthy and unpredictable. The high demand for these visas and the limited supply, combined with the eligibility requirements and financial costs, make it challenging for families trying to bring their parents to the United States. It is essential for applicants to understand the process, the requirements and stay up to date with the priority dates. Additionally, they may consider alternative options such as applying for a temporary visitor's visa or exploring other family-based visa categories that have shorter wait times.


Thank you for taking the time to read our ultimate guide to U.S. citizen petition for parents. We understand that the process can be lengthy and frustrating, but we hope that this guide has provided you with valuable information and insights on what to expect.

It is important to note that the waiting time for approval of the petition can take years due to the high volume of applications received by the U.S. government. However, we urge you to stay patient and persistent, as the end result of being reunited with your loved ones will be worth the wait.

In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to your local immigration and citizenship resources for support and guidance during this process. Also, keep checking for any updates on your application status and responding promptly to any requests from the U.S. government to ensure the process moves as smoothly as possible.

Again, we thank you for reading our comprehensive guide and wish you all the best in your journey towards being reunited with your parents.


Here are some common questions that people also ask about The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Citizen Petition for Parents: Unveiling the Lengthy Wait Time:

  1. What is a U.S. citizen petition for parents?
  2. A U.S. citizen petition for parents is a process that allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor their parents to come live permanently in the United States.

  3. How long does it take to get approval for a U.S. citizen petition for parents?
  4. The wait time for approval of a U.S. citizen petition for parents can be lengthy, ranging from several months to several years. The exact length of time depends on various factors, such as the number of petitions being processed and the country of origin of the parents.

  5. What is the current wait time for a U.S. citizen petition for parents?
  6. The current wait time for a U.S. citizen petition for parents varies depending on the country of origin of the parents. For example, as of June 2021, the wait time for parents from Mexico was approximately 20 years, while the wait time for parents from the Philippines was approximately 12 years.

  7. Can I expedite the process for a U.S. citizen petition for parents?
  8. In some cases, it may be possible to expedite the process for a U.S. citizen petition for parents. However, this generally requires extenuating circumstances, such as a medical emergency or humanitarian reasons.

  9. What happens after my parents receive approval for a U.S. citizen petition?
  10. After your parents receive approval for a U.S. citizen petition, they will need to go through additional steps, such as obtaining a visa and undergoing a medical examination. Once these steps are complete, they will be able to come live permanently in the United States.