Moreno Valley, CA asked in Immigration Law for California

Q: How do I get my dad a green card? And how much does it cost?

I am from Arizona

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3 Lawyer Answers
Nassim Arzani
PREMIUM
Answered

A: Obtaining residency in the United States depends on several important factors. Here are some questions to consider:

1. How did your father enter the United States?

2. Does he have any criminal convictions?

3. Does he have any encounters with border patrol?

An immigration attorney can best advise you on your father's specific situation. Consulting with an attorney will ensure you consider all relevant factors and work towards the most favorable outcome for your parent. The price depends on how he obtains his residency, either by adjusting his status in the United States or Consular Processing abroad. I hope this helps.

A: If Dad entered the United States with permission, he can adjust status if you are a US citizen over the age of 21. He shouldn’t file his adjustment case until 90 days after entry. The entire process can take between eight months minimum to 18 months. Some of us charge a reasonable flat rate fee to process the case from start to finish. The government filing fees are now a total of $2100. An attorney in any state can represent your Dad.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
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Answered

A: To get your dad a green card, you'll need to file a petition for him as a U.S. citizen. Start by submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between you and your dad.

Once the I-130 is approved, if your dad is already in the U.S., he can apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485. If he's outside the U.S., he'll need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. In both cases, there will be several supporting documents required, including proof of your citizenship and your dad's identity.

As for the costs, the I-130 form filing fee is $535, and the I-485 form filing fee can range from $750 to $1,225, depending on your dad's age. Additionally, there might be fees for medical examinations and other related expenses. It's important to check the latest fees on the USCIS website, as they can change.

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