Bringing Elderly Parents to the USA in Perris: Complete Guide for Arab Families
Everything you need to know about sponsoring aging parents for green cards, visitor visas, and caring for them in America
Quick Answer
Perris and the surrounding Inland Empire region is home to many Arab-American families who wish to bring their aging parents from the Middle East to live with them in the United States. Whether you're a U.S. citizen or green card holder, understanding your options for elderly parent immigration is essential for keeping your family together.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Perris and the surrounding Inland Empire region is home to many Arab-American families who wish to bring their aging parents from the Middle East to live with them in the United States. Whether you're a U.S. citizen or green card holder, understanding your options for elderly parent immigration is essential for keeping your family together.
Immigration Options for Elderly Parents
1. Green Card Petition (I-130): For U.S. citizens only - immediate relative, no visa wait
2. B-2 Visitor Visa: Temporary visits up to 6 months, extendable
3. Humanitarian Parole: Emergency situations requiring urgent entry
4. Super Visa (if eligible): Some countries have special parent/grandparent programs
The best option depends on your status and your parents' situation.
Green Card for Parents (U.S. Citizens Only)
| Step | Form | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| File I-130 petition | Form I-130 | 6-12 months |
| NVC processing | DS-260, financial docs | 2-4 months |
| Consular interview | At embassy abroad | 1-2 months |
| Visa issuance | Immigrant visa stamped | Immediate after approval |
| Entry to USA | Green card mailed | Within weeks of entry |
Financial Requirements for Parent Petitions
- •Form I-864 Affidavit of Support is required
- •Income must be 125% of federal poverty guidelines
- •For 2026, 3-person household (you, spouse, parent) = approximately $27,800
- •Add approximately $6,600 for each additional parent
- •Joint sponsor allowed if you don't meet income requirements
- •Assets can be used: Must equal 3x the difference in required income
Healthcare Considerations for Elderly Parents
• Medicare: Not available until after 5 years as permanent resident (or 40 work quarters)
• Medicaid: Generally not available during first 5 years
• Affordable Care Act (ACA): Eligible after green card issuance
• Private Insurance: Often expensive for elderly immigrants
• Hospital Charity Care: Available in emergencies
Plan ahead for healthcare costs - this is often the biggest challenge for families.
B-2 Visitor Visa for Parents
- •Valid for up to 10 years (multiple entry)
- •Stay allowed: Usually 6 months per visit
- •Extension possible: Additional 6 months via I-539
- •Must show ties to home country (property, pension, etc.)
- •Intent: Must intend to return, not stay permanently
- •Good for parents who aren't ready to relocate permanently
Special Considerations for Elderly Parents
| Challenge | Solution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical exam (I-693) | Find gentle civil surgeon | All vaccinations must be current |
| Chronic health conditions | Medical waiver possible | Conditions that bar entry are rare |
| Mobility issues | Request accommodations | USCIS/embassy can accommodate |
| Memory difficulties | Accompany to interviews | Interpreter allowed |
| Language barriers | Arabic interpreter | Embassy provides or you bring |
Processing Times: What to Expect
• I-130 for parent: 6-12 months (domestic processing)
• NVC processing: 2-4 months
• Consular interview wait: Varies by embassy (Middle East: 1-6 months)
• Total timeline: Approximately 12-18 months from filing to entry
No visa backlog for parents of US citizens - they are immediate relatives.
Green Card Holders: Limited Options
• Must become U.S. citizen first (naturalize)
• Naturalization requires 5 years as green card holder (or 3 if married to citizen)
• After naturalization, can file I-130 for parents immediately
• Consider expediting your citizenship if parents are elderly
In the meantime:
• B-2 visitor visa for temporary visits
• Parents can apply for visitor visa independently
Preparing Your Parents for the Move
- •Gather all documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports
- •Medical records: Bring complete health history and current medications
- •Financial records: Bank statements, pension documents
- •Power of attorney: Designate someone to handle affairs in home country
- •Language preparation: Basic English or plan for Arabic community support
- •Housing: Prepare living space in your home or nearby
- •Social connections: Find local Arab community organizations, mosques
Documents Needed for Parent Petition
- •Form I-130 (petition)
- •Proof of your US citizenship (certificate, passport, birth certificate)
- •Your birth certificate showing parent's name
- •Parent's birth certificate
- •Parent's passport photos
- •Marriage certificate of parents (if applicable)
- •If name changed: Legal name change documents
- •I-864 Affidavit of Support with tax returns
- •Evidence of relationship (photos, letters, financial support records)
Why Perris Families Choose Us
- •Complete I-130 petition preparation and filing
- •Arabic-speaking staff to communicate with your parents
- •Coordination with civil surgeons for elderly medical exams
- •Affidavit of Support assistance and income calculations
- •Interview preparation for both you and your parents
- •Healthcare planning guidance for elderly immigrants
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does it take to bring my parents from the Middle East?
A: For US citizens, the total process takes approximately 12-18 months: 6-12 months for I-130 approval, 2-4 months for NVC processing, and 1-6 months for consular interview scheduling depending on the embassy.
Q:Can I bring both parents at the same time?
A: Yes, you can file separate I-130 petitions for each parent simultaneously. File together so they can be processed and interviewed together. You'll need to meet income requirements for both.
Q:My parents are elderly and sick. Will they be denied?
A: Health conditions rarely result in visa denial. Most medical inadmissibilities have waivers available. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are not grounds for denial. Only certain communicable diseases and conditions requiring extensive public resources may be problematic.
Q:I'm a green card holder. Can I bring my parents?
A: Unfortunately, green card holders cannot petition for parents. You must first become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Once you're a citizen, you can immediately file I-130 for your parents as immediate relatives.
Q:Can my parents get Medicare after they arrive?
A: Parents generally must wait 5 years as permanent residents before qualifying for Medicare. They may also need 40 quarters of work history or a spouse with that history. Plan for private insurance or ACA coverage during the waiting period.
Q:What if my parents don't speak English?
A: English is not required for the green card process. Interpreters are available at embassy interviews (or you can bring your own). Once in the US, they'll benefit from Arabic-speaking communities and services in the Inland Empire.
Ready to Bring Your Parents to America?
Don't wait to reunite your family. Our Arabic-speaking team in Perris helps families navigate the parent immigration process from start to finish.
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