Age a factor? Sponsoring elderly parents

[kuhweenb 0]

Hello,

I'm planning on filing Form I-130 for my parents (ages 84 and 92) who live in India. Other than the usual old age related afflictions, they are physically healthy. My mother suffers form anxiety and mild depression but my father is very alert mentally. Before I put them through the long immigration process, I would like to know what the chances are for people of advanced age getting a visa?

Once you receive an interview date, is it possible to defer? If for some reason my parents are not ready, can it be deferred indefinitely or is there an expiration date?

Thanks so much. I apologize if this has been addressed elsewhere - I did search and I couldn't find an answer.

KB

[Boiler 48,214]

If you can afford to cater for their medical needs then that is all you need from an Immigration perspective.

From a practical perspective I know with my Grandparents taking them out of their comfort zone, away from friends etc is tricky.

[belinda63 3,055]

Agree (which is rare) with Boiler. At that age they would probably be more comfortable at home where they have probably lived for a long time and have roots and friends. The ex-brought his father here to live and after 2 years he is done with it. He has no friends, can't talk to anyone, nothing to do, just sits around bored all day.

Medical costs is another issue. They can obtain insurance through the ACA but it will still probably cost you a pretty penny. They won't ever qualify for Medicare and it's at least 5 years to qualify for Medicaid.

[Boiler 48,214]

I often agree with you...

[kuhweenb 0]

Thanks for the quick responses. All 4 children are abroad and there is no one to care for them in India. Fortunately, the parents are keen on settling here to be close to at least a couple of their children. While I can't afford the medical expenses, my siblings in other countries can. Since none of my siblings are US citizens/green card holders, I will be the one filing the Affidavit of Support (I8664). I was looking at the Affidavit of Support, and It appears my commitment is to support them at 125% of the Federal Poverty level and make sure they don't avail of any govt. services until they become citizens. I didn't see any place where I was liable for their medical expenses. So I was puzzled about that.

[Boiler 48,214]

Things can change quickly at that age and the process is likely to take a year.

Are your siblings aware of the costs in the US?

It is plausible that the Consulate will look for some assurance that they will not become a public charge.

[jan22 3,190]

Thanks for the quick responses. All 4 children are abroad and there is no one to care for them in India. Fortunately, the parents are keen on settling here to be close to at least a couple of their children. While I can't afford the medical expenses, my siblings in other countries can. Since none of my siblings are US citizens/green card holders, I will be the one filing the Affidavit of Support (I8664). I was looking at the Affidavit of Support, and It appears my commitment is to support them at 125% of the Federal Poverty level and make sure they don't avail of any govt. services until they become citizens. I didn't see any place where I was liable for their medical expenses. So I was puzzled about that.

The 125% is the minimum you must make to be their sponsor; it does not mean that is the only amount you will be committed to spend on them. You are committing to see that they are supported sufficiently to avoid being a public charge, whatever that takes.

Who do you expect to pay for their medical expenses? Somebody will have to pay for their medical insurance and anything the insurance doesn't cover. They will never be able to qualify for Medicare, since they will not work 40 quarters, and won't qualify for Medicaid for five years. Which means they will have to have medical insurance paid for by someone/something other than the US government, nor the state government in most states.

The Embassy will undoubtedly factor their ages into the possibility of them becoming a public charge unless you demonstrate how you are able to meet their medical needs.

And, a personal note -- I moved my parents from one state to another, which they were looking forward to doing, when they were 70 and 80 years old. In two years, I was moving them back to where they had started. They told me they just didn't realize how hard it would be to start over and meet people, etc. at their ages, even though they had a strong church affliation they thought would help. Just a thought for you...

Edited September 8, 2015 by jan22

[aaron2020 11,652]

Thanks for the quick responses. All 4 children are abroad and there is no one to care for them in India. Fortunately, the parents are keen on settling here to be close to at least a couple of their children. While I can't afford the medical expenses, my siblings in other countries can. Since none of my siblings are US citizens/green card holders, I will be the one filing the Affidavit of Support (I8664). I was looking at the Affidavit of Support, and It appears my commitment is to support them at 125% of the Federal Poverty level and make sure they don't avail of any govt. services until they become citizens. I didn't see any place where I was liable for their medical expenses. So I was puzzled about that.

Hi,

Here is the basic dilemma, your elderly parents are going to need health care of some sort at some point. You don't see any place where you would liable for their medical expenses. If not you, then who should bear the cost of providing medical care for them? Should US taxpayers? Why would the US allow you to bring in foreign people who will need medical care that you will not pay for? It's not like your parents are young and can work and pay into the system.

You will need to show how you will pay for your parents' medical expenses before the US government will allow you to bring them here. You will need to show that they are not likely to become public charges.

Look at your state's Obamacare program. See if your parents would qualify and what the premiums are.

Best of luck

Edited September 8, 2015 by aaron2020

[kuhweenb 0]

Boiler, Aaron2020: yes, my siblings are very aware of expenses (medical and other) in the US. The sibling willing to take full financial responsibility has the income to cover all medical expenses and more. Unfortunately, she is not a US citizen so cannot sponsor. Do you know whether I can add her to the I-864 as a joint sponsor even though she is not a citizen to make a stronger case?

Jan22, making a drastic move at this late stage in their lives is huge. All of us siblings have been agonizing over this and that is why I'm asking all these questions so that we can make an informed decision before I actually mail in the I-130.

[nilx25 18]

Boiler, Aaron2020: yes, my siblings are very aware of expenses (medical and other) in the US. The sibling willing to take full financial responsibility has the income to cover all medical expenses and more. Unfortunately, she is not a US citizen so cannot sponsor. Do you know whether I can add her to the I-864 as a joint sponsor even though she is not a citizen to make a stronger case?

Jan22, making a drastic move at this late stage in their lives is huge. All of us siblings have been agonizing over this and that is why I'm asking all these questions so that we can make an informed decision before I actually mail in the I-130.

You can definitely invite them to live here but in case of worse case senerio, does all your siblings can come to us immediately. Don't you think its much easier for you to go back and stay with them then go through immigration hassels. I have citizen grandparents with medicaid and still lot of hassels when they are sick. good luck

[kuhweenb 0]

Nilx25, my sibling who has the means and is accepting financial responsibility will be living in the US on a non-immigrant visa. My parents will be living with her. I, as the US citizen will be sponsoring them. Now when filing the I864 (Affidavit of Support), I was hoping to include this non-citizen sibling because of her strong financial resources. I'm not sure whether my financial information alone will make a strong enough case for issuing my parents a visa given their advanced age.

[Boiler 48,214]

Needs to be at least a PR for the I 864.

Parents can of course show their own resources, savings, pensions etc. Presumably they have a house they will be selling etc.

No harm filing asap and then reviewing nearer the time.

[Hardfacts123 50]

Its great that you are trying to be a good son, but the reality of all of this is for your parents being the age they are, traveling half way around the world for a limited amount of comfort, is it really worth it. The money spent here could go a Long way in their own country to offer them a more comfortable life.

I am sure there is more to this story than is being told, such as children not having the time to visit parents, grandchildren not wanting to leave there area of comfort to vist grandparents, etc. But whose happiness should be put forth in all of this is the parents.

One 5 day stayin a US husband can set someone back easily 75,00 dollars in finance. This is one parent, what will happen if both are sick. Funeral cost should be considered aswell, no one one to think about it but surely you'll are not expecting a 92 year old to live many more years on this earth.

The US law is that every person in the US must now have Some type health care, or you will be penatlizied.

Edited September 8, 2015 by Hardfacts123

[Hardfacts123 50]

Please clarify one can only temp stay in the US on a non immigrant visa, what happens when it's time for the sister to leave the US.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Please clarify one can only temp stay in the US on a non immigrant visa, what happens when it's time for the sister to leave the US.

Perhaps on a work visa which can be easy to renew sometimes?