A parent green card allows U.S. citizens to bring their parents to the United States as lawful permanent residents, enabling them to live, work, and enjoy a wide range of benefits.
Because it falls under the immediate-relative category, the parent green card is among the fastest-processed family-based immigration options.
According to recent USCIS data, the average processing time for a parent green card filed from within the U.S. is about 9.5 months, typically ranging between 6 and 12 months. If your parents are living abroad, the process generally takes around 20 months through consular processing.
If your dream is to make the U.S. feel more like home by reuniting with your parents, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help make it a reality. With expert guidance and personalized legal strategies, Green Card Link makes it easier than ever to bring your parents to the U.S. and start the path toward family unity.
What Is a Parent Green Card?
A parent green card grants the parents of U.S. citizens the right to live permanently in the United States. Holders of this card can work legally, travel freely in and out of the country, access social and health benefits, and even apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency.
Benefits of a Parent Green Card
Parents who receive a green card enjoy numerous advantages, including:
- Permanent residency with full authorization to live and work in the U.S.
- Access to federal benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Pathway to U.S. citizenship through naturalization after five years.
- Travel flexibility, eliminating the need for visa renewals or stamping.
- Ability to sponsor certain relatives for immigration benefits in the future.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you navigate the process efficiently and increase your approval chances with a precise and well-prepared application.
Parent Green Card Requirements
To sponsor your parents for a green card, you must meet several important eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old.
- Prove a qualifying relationship by providing documentation that shows you are the child of the parent(s) you are sponsoring.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
- Submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate sufficient financial resources—typically at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
💡 Immigration Tip: Following the Supreme Court’s decision that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, USCIS recognizes same-sex marriages for immigration purposes. This means same-sex parents now have the same right to apply for a parent green card as heterosexual couples.
Parent Green Card Document Checklist
Proper documentation is key to a smooth and successful application. Here’s what you’ll need based on whether your parent is applying inside or outside the U.S.:
If Your Parent Is Applying Within the U.S.
If your parent is currently in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant status, you must submit:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
- Form I-693 (Medical Examination)
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Optional Forms:
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
If Your Parent Is Applying from Outside the U.S.
When parents live abroad, once Form I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. The required documents include:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
- Medical Examination Report
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
Understanding the process and preparing these documents thoroughly ensures your parents’ application moves forward without unnecessary delays. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you step-by-step, helping you avoid common mistakes and meet all documentation standards.
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
Form I-130 is the cornerstone of your parent’s green card application. Only a U.S. citizen son or daughter can file this petition for their parent(s); lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to do so.
This form verifies the authenticity of the parent-child relationship and provides essential background information about both you and your parents. Once approved, it establishes the legal basis for your parent to apply for permanent residency.
Not sure how to complete the forms correctly? The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link prepare and review all forms on your behalf to ensure accuracy and compliance.
I-130 Document Checklist for Parents
To strengthen your petition, you’ll need to include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as:
- Birth certificate
- Naturalization certificate
- Certificate of citizenship
- Copy of a valid U.S. passport (ID page)
- Birth certificate
- Proof of parent-child relationship, such as your birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
- If applicable, legal documents for any name changes.
- Two passport-sized photographs for identification.
Special Instructions for Adopted Parents, Step-Parents, and Other Family Situations
If you are petitioning to bring your parent to the United States, specific documentation requirements apply depending on your relationship type. Below are the key guidelines provided by the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
Petitioning for a Father Living Abroad
You must provide:
- A copy of your birth certificate showing your name and your mother’s name.
Petitioning for a Mother Living Abroad
You must provide:
- A copy of your birth certificate listing your name and both parents’ names.
- A copy of your parents’ civil marriage certificate.
- In some cases, a paternity test may be required.
Petitioning for a Father (Born Out of Wedlock and Not Legitimated Before Age 18)
You must provide:
- A copy of your birth certificate showing both your name and your father’s name.
- Proof of an emotional and financial relationship that began before your 18th birthday or before you were married—whichever occurred first.
Examples of acceptable evidence include:
- Proof that you lived with your father at any point.
- Financial records such as insurance policies naming you as a beneficiary, money transfer receipts, or bank statements.
- Emotional evidence such as letters, photographs, or affidavits from people familiar with your relationship.
Petitioning for a Father (Born Out of Wedlock but Legitimated Before Age 18)
You must provide:
- A copy of your birth certificate listing your father’s name.
- Documentation proving that your father legally legitimated you before your 18th birthday.
Examples of legitimation evidence include:
- A copy of your biological parents’ marriage certificate showing marriage before you turned 18.
- Paternity test results.
- Court orders or affidavits confirming legitimation.
Petitioning for a Step-Parent
You must provide:
- A copy of your birth certificate listing both biological parents.A marriage certificate showing the marriage between your biological parent and step-parent.
- Proof that any previous marriages for either parent have ended (divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate).
- Supporting affidavits from family members or witnesses.
Petitioning for an Adoptive Parent
You must provide:
- A copy of your birth certificate.
- If you were born abroad, proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization or citizenship certificate.
- A certified copy of your adoption certificate, confirming the adoption occurred before you turned 16.
- A written record of where and when you lived with your adoptive parents.
- Evidence showing legal and physical custody by your adoptive parents.
Termination of Biological Parental Rights
No. The National Interest Waiver allows applicants to bypass the PERM process entirely if they can demonstrate that their work is in the national interest of the United States.
How Long Does the PERM Process Take?
On average, the PERM process—including prevailing wage determination, recruitment, and DOL adjudication—takes around two years to complete.
How Green Card Link Can Help You Succeed
It’s important to understand that adopted children cannot petition for a green card for their biological parents.
The only way to restore eligibility is by re-establishing a “petitionable relationship,” which requires that you did not receive immigration benefits through adoption, that your adoption was legally terminated, and that a legitimate parent-child relationship has been re-established.
Bringing Your Parents to the U.S.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary evidence, you’ll need to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form proves that you can financially support your parents once they immigrate to the United States.
About Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
Your parents supported you most of your life—now it’s your turn to show that you can support them. The Affidavit of Support demonstrates to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that your income meets or exceeds 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
These thresholds change each year and depend on your household size, which includes your parents and anyone you’ve previously sponsored for immigration.
2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support will determine the income levels required for your household size.
Required Supporting Documents for Form I-864
When submitting the affidavit, you should include:
- A copy of your most recent federal income tax return and W-2 forms.
- Any 1099s, schedules, or documentation of additional income sources.
- Pay stubs from the past six months to help verify your current income.
- A signed employer letter confirming your position and income.
- If self-employed, include copies of your most recent Schedule C, D, E, or F.
- If you are relying on assets to meet income requirements, provide documentation such as bank statements, real estate appraisals, or investment records.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship through a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or valid U.S. passport.
What if Your Parent Doesn’t Have a Birth Certificate?
If your parent comes from a country like India, where official birth certificates are sometimes unavailable, they can still proceed with the petition. They’ll need to submit an affidavit verifying their date and place of birth, along with any other secondary evidence.
For additional guidance, you can consult the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, who can advise on how to prepare affidavits and supporting documents for your parent’s immigration case.
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
If your parents are currently in the United States with a valid nonimmigrant visa—such as an H-1B—they may be eligible to adjust their immigration status by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This process allows them to apply for a green card without leaving the U.S., as long as they were lawfully admitted upon entry. Before submitting Form I-485, it’s best to consult with one of the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link for personalized guidance to ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements.
However, parents who entered the country without inspection (that is, without being lawfully admitted at a port of entry) must first apply for the necessary waivers. If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves these waivers, they will continue the green card process through consular processing abroad, which includes completing an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Each parent must complete a separate Form I-485 if both are applying for adjustment of status while in the U.S. The form asks for detailed information including:
- Residential and employment history
- Marital background
- Family relationships
- Criminal record (if any)
- Security or espionage activities
- Memberships or affiliations in U.S. organizations
- Details of prior immigration violations
- Public charge considerations
- Personal and biographical contact information
Supporting Documents for Form I-485 (Parents’ Green Card Application)
Each parent must provide two passport-style photos and copies of several important documents, including:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of lawful entry and inspection records
- Form I-797 approval or receipt notice
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Any court or police records related to prior criminal charges, arrests, or convictions
- Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)
After years of caring for you, this process ensures your parents’ health and well-being meet immigration standards through a mandatory medical examination. This physical and mental evaluation must be conducted by a USCIS-approved physician, who will provide a sealed envelope containing the results. The envelope must not be opened by the applicant or anyone else before submission.
To locate an approved civil surgeon, use USCIS’s “Find a Doctor” tool. For parents applying from abroad, the U.S. Department of State website provides a list of authorized panel physicians in each country. In these cases, the doctor completes Form DS-3025, and the results are sent directly to the consulate, sometimes without being disclosed to the applicant.
Medical Evaluation Requirements
The medical exam includes:
- Review of physical and mental health
- Drug and alcohol screening
- Examination of medical and vaccination history
- Testing for communicable diseases
- Review of any ongoing treatment plans or prior x-rays
Certain health conditions may make your parents inadmissible to the United States, such as:
- Communicable diseases of public health significance
- Mental or physical disorders linked to harmful behavior
- Substance abuse or addiction that could pose risks
- Missing immunization documentation
If your parent has a medical condition that could affect admissibility, it’s important to speak with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to understand your options. Some conditions may not lead to automatic inadmissibility on their own but could be considered along with other factors in USCIS’s final decision.
Form I-693 Supporting Documents for Parents
When filing for your parents’ green cards, the Form I-693 medical examination plays a vital role in confirming that they meet U.S. health requirements. To complete this step smoothly, ensure your parents bring the following documents to the medical exam:
- A complete copy of your parents’ medical history
- Vaccination and immunization records
- Copies of any prior chest X-rays, if applicable
- A letter from their doctor detailing any ongoing treatments or medical conditions
- Their health insurance card (if the exam is covered by their plan)
- A valid, government-issued photo ID
Form DS-260 and DS-261 for Parents Abroad
If your parents are currently living outside the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must first approve Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. After approval, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) under the U.S. Department of State for additional processing.
Once the NVC receives the case, you will need to:
- Submit Form DS-261 (Choice of Address and Agent): This form informs the NVC how to contact your parents and identifies who will manage their immigration case.
- Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): This is your parents’ official green card application, completed online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Parent Green Card Fees
The total fees to obtain a green card for your parents depend on whether they are applying from inside or outside the United States. Below is an overview of the standard costs:
If Your Parents Live in the U.S.
- Form I-130: $625 (online) or $675 (paper)
- Form I-485: $1,140
- Form I-131 (Advance Parole, optional): $630
- Medical Examination: Typically $200–$500
If Your Parents Live Abroad
- Form DS-260: $325
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
- U.S. Immigrant Fee: $325
- Medical Examination: Typically $200–$500
- Optional Form I-131: $630
Parent Green Card Interview Process
Once the NVC receives all required documents, it will schedule your parents’ green card interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if they live abroad. For those already in the U.S. on a valid visa, the interview will take place at the nearest USCIS field office.
The interview helps immigration officers:
- Confirm your relationship with your parents
- Review your parents’ background information
- Verify the accuracy and authenticity of submitted documents
Consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to understand the types of questions typically asked during parent green card interviews.
Parent Green Card Processing Time
Processing times depend on where your parents apply:
- Within the U.S.: Average of 9.5 months (ranging from 6–12 months).
- Outside the U.S.: About 20 months, including USCIS and consular processing times.
Because parents are considered “immediate relatives” of U.S. citizens, there is no annual cap on visa numbers. This makes the process faster than most other family-based green cards.
If your parents entered the U.S. legally, they may file Form I-485 concurrently with Form I-130. However, it is recommended to speak with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link before proceeding with any adjustment of status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parent Green Cards
Is a biometric appointment required?
Yes. USCIS will notify applicants by mail if fingerprints or background checks are needed after receiving the petition.
Who cannot file Form I-130?
You cannot file Form I-130 for:
- A biological parent if you obtained your green card or citizenship through adoption or as a special immigrant juvenile.
- An adoptive parent if the adoption occurred after age 16, or if you didn’t live with and remain under their legal custody for at least two years.
How do I get a birth certificate for the green card process?
You must submit a birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship. If you were born in the U.S., request it from your state’s vital records office. If born abroad, contact your home country’s issuing authority or check the U.S. Department of State’s country-specific guidance under the “Birth, Death, Burial Certificates” section.
What happens after filing Form I-130?
USCIS will issue a decision notice. If approved and your parents are abroad, the U.S. consulate will guide them through the next steps. If they’re already in the U.S., they may be eligible to file Form I-485 at the same time.
Is concurrent filing faster?
Yes. Filing Form I-130 and Form I-485 together often shortens the processing timeline.
How long does NVC take to process DS-260?
Typically 2–6 months, depending on workload and case volume.
Can my parents travel while the green card is pending?
Your parents can travel only if they first apply for Advance Parole (Form I-131), which allows them to re-enter the U.S. without abandoning their application.
Do my parents need a medical exam?
Yes. They must complete a medical exam and vaccination review with a USCIS-approved physician (or a Department of State-approved doctor if applying abroad).
What questions are asked during the interview?
Common questions include:
- Where will you live in the U.S.?
- How many children do you have?
- What is your sponsoring child’s occupation?
- How did your sponsor obtain U.S. citizenship?
- Have you ever visited the U.S. before?
What if my parents can’t find their birth or marriage certificates?
If documents are missing, affidavits from relatives or witnesses and other official records (school or government documents) may serve as substitutes.
Should I hire an attorney to help with my parents’ green card?
Yes. Working with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link ensures every document is filed correctly and that your parents’ case has the best chance of success.
How Green Card Link Can Help
Applying for a parent green card can be complex. A single mistake can delay or even derail your case. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link are highly experienced in family-based immigration and will guide you through every step—from petition filing to interview preparation.
They’ll help you:
- Avoid costly errors and delays
- Navigate USCIS and NVC procedures
- Ensure compliance with all documentation requirements
With Green Card Link, you can feel confident your parents’ green card application is in the hands of trusted experts who understand the process inside and out.