Bringing Mom & Mom Bringing Sister Questions

[cupcakefanatic 1]

Hi everyone, I have a couple of questions and hopefully someone with some experience is going to be able and willing to answer.

I'm a recent US citizen and would like to bring my mom to the US. I understand that it might take almost a year for her to get her visa. But after she is allowed to travel to the US, how long will it take her to receive her green card?

Also, if she wants to petition for my sister (she will be over 21 by that time), how long will it take for my sister to get her green card or to be able to live in the US?

We would prefer for them to stay together throughout this process if possible - either overseas or the US. Looking forward to your answers.

Thank you!

[OKflyboy 35]

She will receive her GC in the mail after about 2 weeks.

Depending on the country, visa wait for F2B category is 8-10 years.

Your mom will not be able to stay overseas, or she'll lose her green card. She will be able to obtain a re-entry permit that will allow her to stay out for up to 2 years IIRC, but she will need a valid reason for such a long absence. She has to live in the US for at least 6 months out of each year to keep her residency.

[cupcakefanatic 1]

Thank you for your response. Can my sister get any other type of visa except for the F2B? I thought that it would be quicker if she was petitioned for by her mother(after she gets her green card). I would petition for my mother, who would, after receiving her green card, petition for her daughter.

She will receive her GC in the mail after about 2 weeks.

Depending on the country, visa wait for F2B category is 8-10 years.

Your mom will not be able to stay overseas, or she'll lose her green card. She will be able to obtain a re-entry permit that will allow her to stay out for up to 2 years IIRC, but she will need a valid reason for such a long absence. She has to live in the US for at least 6 months out of each year to keep her residency.

Edited January 8, 2014 by cupcakefanatic

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Because your sister is older the process through your mother is slower Also your sister MUST remain unmarried the entire time if your mother is the petitioner and only an LPR. If your mother loses her status the petition will also die. For you to petition it is between 12 and 24 years Where are you from ?

[cupcakefanatic 1]

From Croatia. So the process through my mother would still take years?

Because your sister is older the process through your mother is slower Also your sister MUST remain unmarried the entire time if your mother is the petitioner and only an LPR. If your mother loses her status the petition will also die. For you to petition it is between 12 and 24 years Where are you from ?

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

^{If you want them to stay together and it isn't overly important that they be here asap. Petiton your sister and about a year before her date becomes due petition your mother. This would be the best if you think the sister may want to marry in the near future ( sibling petitions allow the sibling to be married )}

[apple21 953]

From Croatia. So the process through my mother would still take years?

Yes because your sister is already 21 years old. There's no immediate path for her in the family based category unless she can find a US citizen boyfriend/husband.

[cupcakefanatic 1]

I've read somewhere that it might take 2-3 years instead of 10 as someone previously suggested since she would be coming here through her mother. Not sure how accurate this is.

[aaron2020 11,651]

I've read somewhere that it might take 2-3 years instead of 10 as someone previously suggested since she would be coming here through her mother. Not sure how accurate this is.

Not accurate at all.

It takes 7-8 years for an LPR parent to petition for an unmarried son or daughter over age 21.

The only way for a beneficiary like that to come over in 2-3 years is to marry a US citizen or LOr who can file for the beneficiary.

There is no way for an LPR to petition an ofer 21 years old child in 2-3 years.

[cupcakefanatic 1]

Thank you for your response. Does anyone know how long it takes for a parent to be able to file for their citizenship? I got my GC through marriage and was able to file 3 years after my GC was first issued. Is it the same timeline? Thanks.

Not accurate at all.

It takes 7-8 years for an LPR parent to petition for an unmarried son or daughter over age 21.

The only way for a beneficiary like that to come over in 2-3 years is to marry a US citizen or LOr who can file for the beneficiary.

There is no way for an LPR to petition an ofer 21 years old child in 2-3 years.

[OKflyboy 35]

Five years from the "resident since" date on he GC. Well, technically 4 years and 9 months.

And petitions for siblings might die with the new immigration law, so I wouldn't do that. Or do it parallel with the mom's petition for the daughter. Whichever comes first. But there is no fast way for a GC holder to bring a child over 21.

The 2-3 year time frame is for children under 21.

Edited January 9, 2014 by OKflyboy

[Beata1501 14]

Thank you for your response. Does anyone know how long it takes for a parent to be able to file for their citizenship? I got my GC through marriage and was able to file 3 years after my GC was first issued. Is it the same timeline? Thanks.

No, it is not the same. Your mother could apply for her citizenship after 5 years of being LPR.

3 years timeline to citizenship is only through marriage.

[Beata1501 14]

I didn't scroll down far enough and didn't notice that that question was already answered by OKflyboy. Sorry.

[cupcakefanatic 1]

Thanks everyone!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

If sibling petitions die it would be future filings or else they would have to refund already collected fees