When can I start filing to petition my mother if I'm still a green card holder?
Question Details:
I just received my 10 year green card this year and I am in the process of filing for my citizenship. I am wondering as to when I can start processing to petition my mother?
In order to petition your mother, you must naturalize first. If you received your green card based on marriage to a US citizen, you can qualify for naturalization after 3 years of residency. If you obtained it from a different relative or employer, you must be a resident for 5 years. Then, once naturalized, you can file for her.
You must be a US citizen in order to be able to petition for your parent so once you become a US citizen, as soon as you do, you will be able to petition for your mother. It is currently taking about 4-5 months to get citizenship from the time you file so if everything goes smoothly for you, in about 6 months or so you might be eligible to petition for your mother.
