Key Information You Should Know
If you are a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older, you can petition for your parents (mother and father) to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. The process begins with filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to establish your family relationship.
There are no annual numerical limits for green cards issued to immediate relatives such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21.
The green card processing time for parents typically ranges from 8–14 months if they are already in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa, or 14–20 months if they are residing abroad.
Being separated from parents and close family members can be emotionally challenging. As a U.S. citizen, you have the legal right to bring your parents to live with you permanently. However, green card holders (permanent residents) are not eligible to petition for their parents.
If you’re ready to reunite your family, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help guide you through every step of the parent green card process with expertise and care.
Want to bring your parents to the U.S.? Begin your parent green card petition today with Green Card Link!
What Is a Parent Green Card?
A green card for parents grants lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to the parents of U.S. citizens, allowing them to live and work permanently in the United States. With a parent green card, your parents can:
- Live in the U.S. without an expiration date on their residency status
- Work legally and obtain employment authorization
- Access social and healthcare benefits (where eligible)
- Travel freely in and out of the country
It’s a life-changing opportunity that allows families to stay together while ensuring long-term security and stability in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements to Sponsor Your Parents
To successfully sponsor your parents for a green card, you must meet these core eligibility criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship Proof: You must provide evidence that you are a U.S. citizen.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Parent-Child Relationship: You must show valid documentation proving your biological or legal relationship to your parents.
- Financial Ability: You must demonstrate the financial capacity to support your parents at 125% above the federal poverty guidelines, as defined by USCIS.
When you file a green card petition, you also accept financial responsibility for your parents under an Affidavit of Support, confirming that they will not become a public charge.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Parent Green Card
Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The first step in sponsoring your parents is submitting Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This petition formally establishes your parent-child relationship and initiates the green card process.
If you plan to sponsor both parents, you must file a separate I-130 form for each parent.
When filing, include:
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport)
- Your birth certificate showing your parents’ names
- The required filing fee
- Supporting documentation that verifies your relationship
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys ensure your petition package is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
Step 2: Pay the Required Filing Fees
After filing Form I-130, you must pay the USCIS filing fee of $625 per petition (one for each parent). This fee is non-refundable, even if the petition is denied or withdrawn.
Accepted payment methods include personal or cashier’s check, money order, or credit card (with Form G-1450 for authorization).
It’s important to understand that the approval of Form I-130 alone does not grant immigration status—it simply confirms the qualifying relationship.
For comparison, sibling green card applications can take 17–73 years depending on the applicant’s country of origin (particularly India, Mexico, and the Philippines), while immediate relative petitions such as those for parents have no waiting limits.
Step 3: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing (Form DS-260)
Once the I-130 petition is approved, the next steps depend on where your parents currently reside:
- If your parents are already in the U.S. on a valid visa:
File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This can often be submitted concurrently with the I-130. After USCIS approval, your parents will receive their green cards. - If your parents live outside the U.S.:
USCIS forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. You will then complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and follow NVC’s instructions for documentation and scheduling.
The DS-260 collects detailed biographical and background information to determine visa eligibility. After approval, your parents will attend a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Additional Requirements and Final Steps
Before the final approval, parents must:
- Complete a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment
- Undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician
- Present valid biographical and civil documents
Once approved, they will receive lawful permanent resident (green card) status and can begin their new life in the United States with their family.
Green Card Benefits for Parents
When parents receive their Green Card, they gain a wide range of advantages that allow them to live and thrive permanently in the United States. The key benefits include:
- Permanent Residency and Unlimited Stay: Parents can reside in the U.S. indefinitely without the need for visa renewals.
- Employment Authorization: Green Card holders can legally work for any employer across the United States.
- Access to Social Services and Benefits: Parents may qualify for federal and state social programs, health coverage, and other essential services.
- Travel Flexibility: Green Card holders can travel freely in and out of the U.S. with fewer restrictions.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residents may apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting the naturalization requirements.
- Educational Opportunities: Parents can access affordable education and in-state tuition benefits.
- Property and Inheritance Rights: Green Card holders enjoy simplified access to property ownership and inheritance laws in the United States.
Green Card Processing Times for Parents
Processing times for a parent Green Card (IR5 Visa) depend on where the parent currently resides.
- If your parent is already in the United States under a lawful non-immigrant status, the process typically takes 8 to 14 months.
- If your parent lives abroad, the case goes through consular processing, which can take 14 to 20 months.
Currently, Green Card processing for parents is among the fastest family-based categories, as parents are classified as immediate relatives. Many interviews are being waived at this time, though biometrics scheduling and backlogs in the parent’s home country may influence overall wait times. Applicants can always check their USCIS case status online for the most up-to-date information.
The Form I-130 petition for immediate relatives—such as a U.S. citizen’s spouse, child under 21, or parent abroad—usually takes 8 to 14 months, depending on which USCIS service center is handling the application.
If your parents are already in the U.S., you can file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) concurrently to expedite the process.
Parent Visa Document Checklist
When applying for a Green Card for your parents, you will need to prepare and submit several important documents.
Documents for Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.)
Documents for Consular Processing (if abroad)
All documents not written in English or in the official language of the country of application must be submitted with certified translations. Because of the volume of required forms, even minor mistakes can delay approval and significantly extend processing times.
At Green Card Link, your application can be reviewed by one of its immigration attorneys at no extra charge to ensure accuracy and compliance. Start your application today to avoid costly errors and unnecessary delays.
Once approved, your parent will receive instructions for a Green Card interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Green Card holder sponsor their parents?
Unfortunately, no. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their parents for a Green Card.
What family members can a Green Card holder sponsor?
A lawful permanent resident can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old.
Can Green Card holder parents sponsor a child over 21?
Yes, but only if the child is unmarried. This process can take several years due to visa category limits.
Can my parents stay in the U.S. while waiting for their Green Card?
Generally, parents may remain in the U.S. only if they have another valid visa that allows them to stay legally during the application process.
Medical Examination and Final Approval
Before receiving their Green Card, your parents must complete a medical exam with an approved physician. Once their visa is approved, the Green Card will be mailed to a U.S. address, and upon entry to the United States, they will receive an official passport stamp from a Customs and Border Protection officer, confirming their lawful permanent resident status.
Processing times have evolved over recent years and may continue to fluctuate due to government backlogs, travel restrictions, and country-specific factors.
For an in-depth overview, explore our Ultimate Parent Green Card Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Consult an Immigration Professional
Your best chance of success is working with experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link who have helped thousands of families reunite in the United States. Their deep knowledge of immigration procedures ensures your parents’ Green Card process is handled efficiently and accurately.
While each case is unique, most parent Green Card applications take around ten months or longer. With professional guidance, you can avoid costly errors and bring your loved ones home faster.
Get started today with Green Card Link — where family reunification begins.