Naturalized American (from Canada) - Bringing Canadian Parents to USA

[SMK 89 68]

Anyone out there that is going through, or has recently (last 5 years), gone through bringing their parents from Canada (or similar) to the U.S.? My parents are considering it. I am an only child, they have a granddaughter, and they are alone in Canada. We live in the south, so travel time is lengthy. 

 

I have so many questions, and plan to do my research but my main questions are:

1) What are the main reasons USCIS would reject a case? Is being "too old" a concept? One parent is 61, the other is 55. They are retired, but were frugal their whole lives to so home is paid for, savings is good, etc. They honestly could live off of their savings for the the rest of their lives because they barely buy anything other than food and basic utilities. **The other kicker is my mother is in remission from an early stage of cervical cancer. She went through treatment in 2020 and has been cancer free at all follow-ups since. Does this effect the immigration process? 

2) Insurance in the U.S. for parents - my dad is willing to go back to work in any capacity if he has to because otherwise insurance would be way too high or because the U.S. would prefer it. But again, they are so frugal they really could live off of what they saved/selling their old home. But if he didn't, anyone have experience on how expensive insurance would be for Green Card holder folks over the age of 55/60? With mom having her past history? 

3) Money implications -- what are they looking at as it relates to money loss beyond just exchange rates from CAD to USD? What does Canada ding you with that is significant, what does the US ding you with that is significant? Is there a way to alleviate those implications (i.e., if you bought a home before immigrating, or if they moved in with us versus buying a home... any advice you have/lessons learned in that respect). 

4) I didn't use a lawyer for my immigration process because I honestly didnt think anyone who handle my case as thoroughly as I would handle my own. In my parent's case is there a reason to engage one or a consultant on the money side that would ensure everything is done the correct way and in a way that could result in the most success? 

 

And finally, and probably the answer I am most nervous of, is there any viable chance of this working out or should we just give up on this turning into a reality? 

[Boiler 45,467]

Importing a parent is pretty simple so unless there is something really unusual then it can be done yourself, after all basically it is about showing that you are a USC and that they are your parents

 

I do not know what your father's skill set is but it can be tricky to get a job in your 60s especially with good benefits and who knows what the job situation will be in a couple of years.

 

Most people think of immigration being long term,  insurance is annual so all I can comment on is what happens now. California excepted they are probably looking at buying through the exchange for at least 5 years, in US terms cost and cover may not be too bad, bit it may be a shock to them.

 

I believe it is simpler to sell their house before they make the move.

Edited June 18, 2023 by Boiler

[carmel34 3,622]

16 hours ago, SMK 89 said:

And finally, and probably the answer I am most nervous of, is there any viable chance of this working out or should we just give up on this turning into a reality?

Dual US/Canadian citizen here, I have brought family members from Canada to the US before via immigration.  Right now it is taking 1-2 years from filing the I-130 petitions to a visa interview in Montreal, so I suggest that you start soon.  Yes, there is a good chance that this will work out if you have the financial means to sponsor them, and if they have nothing complicated on their records like criminal activity, past overstays, misrepresentation, or deportation.  The main issue they will face is US health insurance, as it will be very expensive once they immigrate.  Do lots of research so that you can discuss all of the financial implications with them, as they will not be eligible for Medicare once they arrive.  Try the Obamacare website to check out the various options and costs.  They will have to pay their monthly premiums, and there can be big co-pays and deductibles when they get care or have a hospital stay that can be shocking for Canadians.  They can sell their home in Canada once they get their visa in 1-2 years, and wire the funds to a bank in the US.  They should also discuss their retirement finances with their financial planner in Canada, to know what to expect in terms of Canada Pension, Old Age Security, and any employer-based retirement plans or other investments, and if these resources would be sufficient to support themselves after they move to the US.  Good luck!

Edited June 19, 2023 by carmel34

[SMK 89 68]

On 6/18/2023 at 4:21 PM, carmel34 said:

Dual US/Canadian citizen here, I have brought family members from Canada to the US before via immigration.  Right now it is taking 1-2 years from filing the I-130 petitions to a visa interview in Montreal, so I suggest that you start soon.  Yes, there is a good chance that this will work out if you have the financial means to sponsor them, and if they have nothing complicated on their records like criminal activity, past overstays, misrepresentation, or deportation.  The main issue they will face is US health insurance, as it will be very expensive once they immigrate.  Do lots of research so that you can discuss all of the financial implications with them, as they will not be eligible for Medicare once they arrive.  Try the Obamacare website to check out the various options and costs.  They will have to pay their monthly premiums, and there can be big co-pays and deductibles when they get care or have a hospital stay that can be shocking for Canadians.  They can sell their home in Canada once they get their visa in 1-2 years, and wire the funds to a bank in the US.  They should also discuss their retirement finances with their financial planner in Canada, to know what to expect in terms of Canada Pension, Old Age Security, and any employer-based retirement plans or other investments, and if these resources would be sufficient to support themselves after they move to the US.  Good luck!

Thanks for this! Once they would get approved in Montreal at the consulate, how much time do they have to sell the house/cross the border with the IR-5 Visa? Once they cross, do they have to do anything else to trigger getting the Green Card mailed to them? Assuming until they do all that and can use money from their home to buy a home here, they are moving to my home/that's ok with this immigration process? Any idea how long it takes for them to get their Green Card once they get here? Because even Obamacare options they could only sign-up for once they get the Green Card in hand I assume? Wondering how long they would have to find another form of insurance between crossing the border and the day they get their Green Card if it is significant...

Sorry I went through the Fiance 90-Day Process with my husband, and that had many steps between that to Naturalization. Maybe I'm overcomplicating things because of that!!  

[Boiler 45,467]

Their visa will be valid for 6 months from the medical.

 

They pay the Green Card fee and it will be sent to them in the US at some variable time.

 

They get a I 551 stamp on entry which is a temporary GC and good for a year.