Dublin, OH asked in Immigration Law for Ohio

Q: If one of the parents in immigration application dies, can the other one still have the green card?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: If your spouse passes away during the green card application process, you may still be eligible to continue with your application under the "widow/widower provision" of U.S. immigration law.

The law allows you to continue pursuing permanent residency if you were married to your U.S. citizen spouse for at least 2 years before their death, and you file Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) within 2 years of their passing. You'll need to prove that your marriage was genuine and that you haven't remarried.

If your case involves the death of someone other than your spouse (like a parent or child), different rules apply and you should consult with an immigration attorney to understand your specific options. The process can be complex, but support and resources are available to help guide you through this difficult transition while maintaining your immigration status.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.