Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Canada to US immigration with parents.

I am a Canadian citizen. I am presently employed as a Sr. Systems Analyst in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I have been offered an excellent position (Sr. Manager, IS Dept) in San Diego, CA. The firm is actioning an H-1 visa for me and has assured sponsoring me for a green card after 6 months employment. My problem is this:

The reason I was looking for employment in San Diego is that my mother has arthritis (as well as other ailments) and is presently on long-term disabillity. The environment and quality of life in San Diego would be far superior for her.

After sourcing this position I've been told that I might not be able to bring my parents with me! As my father is retired, my mother will never be employed, and they would always be residing with me - can they not come down as totally dependent on me?

Any information or legal contacts you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.


Asked on 2/09/98, 10:14 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Carolyn Goldfarb Carolyn S. Goldfarb, Esq.

Canada to US immigration with parents

Unfortunately, the US immigration law is not hospitable to bringing retirees of any kind, especially those with long term disabilities. A Canadian can come to the US for six months to visit. If you come here on an H1B visa or later immigrate, there is no way to bring your parents legally with you to stay except as I have described. A US citizen can petition for their parents to immigrate. One must be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years before one can be a citizen.

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Answered on 2/11/98, 7:36 pm


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