Question (but dunno which forum it belongs in)

[AFQuaid 18]

Ok here goes,

My parents are wanting to immigrate to america too after seeing it and would like to "retire" there ya know?They keep saying they think theres someway they can attach onto me and andy once I go through AOS...is this true? Or do they have to file a whole visa just for them as a couple immigrating .. DCF? I dunno what to tell them, they certainly aint going to go into it anytime soon until andy and I are sorted out....just wondered how it'd work. I've read around and can see "parents of....this and that visa" but not the K-1.... I'm figuring they apply for there own seperate one...

Any idea?

Fiona

[Miranda&James 8]

I'm completely unsure on this, but I think that you will have to be a US Citizen before you can bring any relatives over and this is a REALLY long process.

Here is a link to the kind of visa I think you are wanting - http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/immrel.html

Edited March 31, 2006 by James_and_Miranda

[Ladylethal 12]

Yep, or they can try the green card lottery.

[gag54611 1]

There is no easy way to do this. As a US Citizen you can petition for them, but you are probably 5 years at least away from gaining that (remaining K-1 time + AOS time + 3 years after green card issuance + processing time for citizenship).

As non-citizens, your parents have no other rights that I am aware of to gain residence in the USA.

Hey, maybe they could get divorced, marry US citizens, come to the USA, get permanent residence, get divorced again, then re-marry!! Just kidding!!!!

G

[Miranda&James 8]

This is more helpful

http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/family.htm

When I looked on processing dates it looks like I-130 processing for parent of US citizen was Sept 2005 and they also have filing for spouse/child of permanent resident but I don't see a processing time for parent of permanent resident....but the way that site I linked above is worded it makes it seem like a lawful permanent resident CAN file for a parent.

[meddykomp 0]

I think this is what munchkins is doing.

[meauxna 15]

If you visit the Citizenship forum here at Vj you'll find all the info in the pinned post.

You must be a US citizen before you can petition your parents. This *is* what munchkins is doing.. they had to wait until her daughter naturalized to US citizenship.

Parents are immediate relatives, so the process is similar time and paperwork-wise to a spouse visa as discussed here in the CR/IR forums.

I would think that naturalization would be a *very* good idea for you, Fiona. It will make a lot more resources available to you.

For your parents, they might find, as many do, that the cost of insurance makes it difficult to retire here, but if they want to come and work (like munchkins plans) then they can build into the Social Security system and eventually retire here.

[AFQuaid 18]

Hi Ya'll

TY for all your great informative responces. Going to look through the links you guys gave and I'll come back if I have any questions. You guys are the best

[motu 6]

Yes you must be a citizen before you can file for them. However coming here and retiring here is no picnic. My parents tried for a few months and gave up because - They had no life of their own other than with their own children and their friends and acquaintances. Medical Insurance was a big Issue and not being mobile - driving was a big issue; Food was a very big issue especially eating out. They didn't like the lifestyle here and couldn't wait to go back! Make sure they visit for a few months before making their big move (I have heard a few more stories like that from friends whose parents don't like living in USA (but love to visit their kids and grandkids and love to shop here!)

[meauxna 15]

Make sure they visit for a few months before making their big move (I have heard a few more stories like that from friends whose parents don't like living in USA (but love to visit their kids and grandkids and love to shop here!)

Good advice that I offer to anyone interested in being an expat.

The place you vacation in is NOT the same as the place you live in when you move there!

[mrswooten4ever 0]

Yep, or they can try the green card lottery.

Im afraid the UK falls outside of the green card lottery.

Adele

[Ladylethal 12]

Really? I didn´t know that.