seanimrod

1. Can I sponsor my parents as soon as I become a U.S citizen?
2. When I sponsor them do they become permanent residents or citizens
directly?
3. How long does that process usually take? I understand that the
process for parent's takes significantly less as compared to siblings,
is that right?
4. When they finally come here after completion of the process, how
would thier medical insurance work? I would just have to buy it and pay
for all?

Noorah101

Yes.

Permanent Residents.

This one I don't know...I don't know if they have to wait for a visa number to become current or not. I would say at least a year or maybe several years.

Yes, unless they also work and get insurance through their employer.

Best Wishes,
Rene

scrubbedexpat099

As Rene but no wait for a Visa number so should be less tahn a year.

Assuming they are not spring chickens, Medical costs usually rules this out from a practical perspective.

Corina

Hi,
Once you become a US citizen, you can file for your parents.
Even though getting visa trough the embassy (DCF) used to be faster
than filing from here, lately it has taken more than 2-3 years for some
countries.

AS far as Insurance--that is a big problem, they will have to work and
get some benefits, otherwise you will have to foot the bill..remember
you will sponsor them until they complete 10 quarters of work or become
Citizens, therfore you are liable for their expenses.

Regards
Corina

fatbrit

1.
Yes

2.
Permanent residents

3.
Paperwork should be 6 to 18 months. There is no waiting for a visa number. If they're already in the US, they may be able to adjust status without leaving (check with an immigration attorney though).

4.
a/ After 5 years of residency, you can purchase Medicare for them. You/they will have to make their own provisions before this time is up, and this can be very difficult if not impossible.
b/ If they can get in ten years of social security contributions before they retire, they can take Medicare with the same terms as USCs. The yearly earning requirements are small (can't remember and can't be bothered to look it up but they are < $5k/year) so perhaps they could take a part time job to reach this goal?