Sponsoring a parent for U.S. permanent residence (a green card) is a meaningful way to reunite your family and provide your parent with the opportunity to live and work in the United States permanently. As a U.S. citizen, you may petition for your parent’s immigration. The process requires careful preparation, adherence to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines, and patience. Understanding the process and requirements can help make this complex journey smoother.
Determine eligibility
Before beginning the process, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. As a U.S. citizen, you must be at least 21 years old to sponsor a parent for a green card. Your parent must also be eligible for immigration to the U.S., meaning they must not have any disqualifying factors such as certain criminal records or prior immigration violations.
A U.S. citizen may sponsor their biological, adoptive or step parent, but specific conditions apply:
• Biological Parent: You must provide a copy of your birth certificate showing your name and your parent’s name.
• Adoptive Parent: You must prove the adoption occurred before you turned 16.
• Stepparent: The marriage between your biological parent and stepparent must have occurred before your 18th birthday.
Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The first formal step is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between you and your parent. You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
• Your parent’s birth certificate to prove the parent-child relationship
• If your parent is your adoptive parent, include adoption documents
• If you’re sponsoring a stepparent, include your birth certificate and your parents’ marriage certificate.
As a sponsor, you must demonstrate that you can financially support your parent and ensure they will not become dependent on government assistance. To do this, you’ll need to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form requires you to provide proof of your income, such as tax returns, pay stubs or employment letters. If your income does not meet the minimum requirements, you may need a joint sponsor who meets the criteria.
You can file Form I-130 online or by mail, along with the required filing fee (as of 2025, the USCIS fee is $625 for online filing and $675 for paper filing). Once USCIS receives your petition, they will send a receipt notice with a case number, which you can use to track the status of your application.
Visa Application and consular processing
If your parent lives outside the U.S., once Form I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC provides instructions for completing the DS-260 immigrant visa application and paying the required fees. Your parent will also need to collect civil documents and may need police certificates of good conduct, which will depend on their country of prior and current residence.
Your parent will also need to undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. During the interview, they must present all required documents, including the approved I-130, DS-260 confirmation page, medical exam results and proof of financial support.
If your parent is already in the U.S. legally, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Since parents of U.S. citizens are considered “immediate relatives,” there are no annual visa caps or waiting lists, unlike other family-based categories. However, processing times can vary depending on USCIS and consulate workloads.
By carefully following each step, you can help your parent obtain a Green Card and start a new chapter. If needed, consult with an immigration attorney to navigate the process smoothly and efficiently.
Barbara Wong-Wilson is an attorney at Mission Law & Advocacy, P.C. and SW Law Group P.C. If you have any questions contact wo**@mi*********.com or wo**@sw****.com.
