Sponsor my Mother in Mumbai

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vivekn

New Member
I am a US citizen in the Bay Area, California. I would like to sponsor my mother for a Green Card. She is 72 and lives in Mumbai.

(1) What is the process I should start with.
(2) Do I need a legal representative or can I do on my own?
(3) If I file an application to US Immigration Services in CA, how long would it typically take for her to get the green card?
(4) She has a passport but may not have a birth certificate - is that a problem?

(She has visited the US 2-3 times over last 5 years).

Thanks for any pointers to get started.

Regards
 
vivekn said:
I am a US citizen in the Bay Area, California. I would like to sponsor my mother for a Green Card. She is 72 and lives in Mumbai.

(1) What is the process I should start with.
(2) Do I need a legal representative or can I do on my own?
(3) If I file an application to US Immigration Services in CA, how long would it typically take for her to get the green card?
(4) She has a passport but may not have a birth certificate - is that a problem?

(She has visited the US 2-3 times over last 5 years).

Thanks for any pointers to get started.

Regards
Click to expand...

www.uscis.gov
www.state.gov
Also use the search function on this forum if you can't find all you need on the official websites above. Happy researching!
 
One small piece of advice. Gather all the documents you can and ask questions on this forum if you are unclear. I know it would have saved me countless hours and a few bucks if I had. Pianoplayer has some great advice about the links to the USCIS site. The website is pretty complete and self-explanatory. A green card from beginning to end can take anywhere from one year or so (depending on several factors) to at least a decade or more. Since your mother has no b/c try to get someone in India to vouch for her. If she has any older relatives have them swear out affidavits stating her date and location of birth. If her birth was never registered, she can do it now. It requires appearance in front of a magistrate and might set you back a few rupees. Check with the state in which she lives for the process. I assume that you're bringing your mother to the US for AOS (adjustment of status) processing. You don't need a lawyer, but it requires a bit of research. You can start by figuring out if you enough income to support her. Get a copy of the IRS extract for your income. You need form 4506. Since you live in the Golden State, mail it to:

RAIVS Team
Stop 38101
Fresno, CA 93888

If you'd rather send a facsimile transmission (fax) here's the number:

559-253-4992

You should get a response within 10 business days or so. Go to the USCIS website for the level of income required. If you have enough money then prepare to fill out numerous forms, pay the fees and proceed.
 
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