My parents have been planning to move to the US to live with me for some time now. I am a proud Korean EB-5 investor, and I just had my I-829 form approved, which means I will soon receive my permanent residency. This will allow me to sponsor their immigrant visa application. However, I have been reading on online forums that I-130 petitions take much longer if filed through a US consulate or embassy. Is this true?
Answers
Bernard P Wolfsdorf
EB-5 Immigration attorneysYou cannot sponsor your parents until you become a US citizen. These petitions and next steps presently take about two years.
Lynne Feldman
EB-5 Immigration attorneysYou can’t sponsor your parents for permanent residency until you become a citizen. They can travel now to the U.S. on ESTA for up to 90 days if eligible.
Renata Duarte
EB-5 Immigration attorneysOnly a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can file Form I‑130 for a parent. Permanent residents (even brand‑new EB‑5 investors with an approved I‑829) cannot.
Robert West
EB-5 Immigration attorneysFiling at consulates is no longer allowed and you must be a citizen to petition your parents.
Barbara Suri
EB-5 Immigration attorneysUnder current U.S. Immigration law and policy, only U.S. citizens may file for parents.
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