Bringing Parents to the U.S.: Family-Based Immigration Explained

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For many U.S. citizens, the ability to reunite with their parents is one of the most meaningful aspects of the immigration process. Through family-based immigration, U.S. citizens can petition to bring their parents to live with them permanently in the United States. This article explains the eligibility requirements, application steps, and important timelines involved in the process.

Who Can Petition for Their Parents?

Only U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can sponsor their parents for green cards. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot sponsor parents. The relationship must be biological, adoptive, or stepparent (if the marriage creating the step-relationship occurred before the child turned 18).

What Are the Benefits of Parent Green Cards?

If approved, your parents will receive lawful permanent resident status. This allows them to:

  • Live and work permanently in the U.S.
  • Travel in and out of the country
  • Qualify for Medicare and other benefits (after meeting eligibility periods)
  • Apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence

Step-by-Step: How to Bring Your Parents to the U.S.

Step 1: File Form I-130

Submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for each parent. You must include:

  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
  • Proof of the parent-child relationship (e.g., birth certificate, adoption decree, marriage certificate for stepparents)
  • Filing fee (currently $535 per petition)

Step 2: Wait for USCIS Approval

USCIS will review the I-130 petition. Processing can take 8 to 15 months on average.

Step 3: Apply for an Immigrant Visa or Adjustment of Status

  • If your parent is outside the U.S., the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then the local U.S. embassy or consulate. Your parent will complete Form DS-260 and attend an interview abroad.
  • If your parent is already in the U.S., they may be eligible to file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) to become a permanent resident.

Step 4: Attend the Interview and Medical Exam

Whether abroad or in the U.S., the parent will attend a green card interview and complete a required medical examination by a certified doctor.

Step 5: Receive the Green Card

If all goes well, your parent will be approved and receive their green card. It will arrive by mail within a few weeks after approval.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Timelines can vary, but here’s a rough breakdown:

  • I-130 Petition: 8–15 months
  • NVC and Embassy Interview (if abroad): 6–12 months
  • I-485 (if adjusting in the U.S.): 12–24 months

Altogether, the full process can take 1 to 2.5 years, depending on the specific case and location.

Financial Responsibility: The Affidavit of Support

As the petitioner, you must submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to show that you can financially support your parent. You need to demonstrate an income at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size.

What If One Parent Is Deceased or Absent?

You can still file for one parent individually. USCIS does not require that both parents be alive or present to file. If your parent is widowed, include the deceased spouse’s death certificate to clarify the relationship.

Can Green Card Holders Sponsor Their Parents?

No. Only U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents. Green card holders must naturalize first before petitioning for their mother or father.

Summary Checklist

  • Are you a U.S. citizen aged 21+?
  • Can you prove your relationship to your parent?
  • Can you financially support your parent?
  • Is your parent inside or outside the U.S.?

If you answered yes, you can begin the process by filing Form I-130.

Official Resources