Citizens of the United States can sponsor immediate relatives to get a Green card (Permanent Resident Card). The policy applies to the spouse, unmarried child under 21, and parents. If you are a US citizen, you will find out whether you are eligible to petition your parents to get a green card and how to apply for it in this passage.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Green Card for Parents?
To apply for a green card for parents (father and mother), the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen aged at least 21. A current green card holder cannot sponsor his/her parents to get permanent residency in the US.
The legal parent refers to one of the following persons.
- Birth parent(s).
- Adoptive parent(s).
- Stepparent(s) whose re-marriage must have occurred before the child attained 18 years of age.
- Father to a child who was born out of wedlock and was or was not legitimated before attaining 18 years old, or
Please note that even if you and your parents are all eligible, the authority has the final say on whether to admit your parents to enter the US and issue a green card. We will talk about how to deal with application denial later in this passage.
How to Apply for Green Cards for Parents
The family-based application involves both you (the petitioner) and the parents (beneficiaries). First of all, you should file an immigrant visa petition for your parents. Then the parents outside the US should file green card applications from a US consular office while those already in the US should request status change. Here is a detailed instruction for the whole process.
File Form I-130 Petition
Submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is the primary step to help your parents immigrate to the US. Supposing that your father and mother are immigrating together, they should have separate petitions. You have to choose either requesting status adjustment (beneficiary inside the US) or consular processing (beneficiary outside the US) in Part 4 of the form (Question 61 or 62). This section must not be blank or be chosen for both options. The form, available on the USCIS portal, can be filled out online or by mail.
Submit Evidence of a Valid Relationship
The authority will not approve the I-130 petition unless you can establish a qualifying relationship between you and your parents. The required supporting documents differ slightly according to who you are applying for, which is listed below.
| You are applying for | Required documents |
| Father | ✅ A completed Form I-130. ✅ A photocopy of your parent’s civil marriage certificate. ✅ A photocopy of your birth certificate showing your name and your parents’ names. ✅ A photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid US passport (if born outside the US). |
| Mother | ✅ A completed Form I-130. ✅ A photocopy of your birth certificate showing your name and your mother’s name. ✅ A photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid US passport (if born outside the US). |
| Step-parent(s) | ✅ A completed Form I-130. ✅ A photocopy of your birth certificate showing your birth parents’ names. ✅ A photocopy of your birth parent and your step-father/step-mother’s civil marriage certificate indicating that they were married before your 18th birthday. ✅ A photocopy of the divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment decree indicating that the previous marriage of your birth parent ended legally. ✅ A photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid US passport (if born outside the US). |
| Adoptive Parent | ✅ A completed Form I-130. ✅ A photocopy of your birth certificate. ✅ A photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid US passport (if born outside the US). ✅ A certified copy of the adoption certificate indicating that you were adopted before 16 years old. ✅ A statement indicating when and where you have lived with your parent. |
| Father (provided that you were born out of wedlock and not legitimated before 18 years old) | ✅ A completed Form I-130. ✅ A photocopy of your birth certificate showing you and your birth father’s names. ✅ A photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid US passport (if born outside the US). Proof of emotional or financial bond between you and your father before you were married or attain 21 years old (whichever came first). |
| Father (provided that you were born out of wedlock and legitimated before 18 years old) | ✅ A completed Form I-130. ✅ A photocopy of your birth certificate showing you and your birth father’s names. ✅ A photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid US passport (if born outside the US). Proof of legitimation of your relationship before you were 18 through a marriage of birth parents or national/state laws in your father’s or your country of birth or residence. |
Fill Out Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for Your Parent
The Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, proves that you are willing to and are financially capable of sponsoring your parents to apply for a green card. It is a legally enforceable contract. Once signing it, your sponsorship will last until your parents become US citizens or until they are granted 40 quarters (10 years) of work.
You should provide the completed form and supporting documents (i.e. U.S. federal income tax return for the latest tax year and proof of current work) to your parents who will submit them along with the green card application or status adjustment request.
Two Ways to Sponsor Parents for a Green Card
When USCIS approves your Form I-130 petition, it verifies you have a qualifying relationship to bring your parents to live in the US permanently and now you can help them start the application. The requirements and application methods depend on whether your parents are currently inside or outside the US.
Adjustment of Status
It applies to non-US citizens who are already in the US with a US visa. Your parents should file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status along with the following supporting documents.
- Two 2X2 inch Green Card photos.
- A photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
- A photocopy of a birth certificate or other proof of birth.
- Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the Form I-130 petition (unless it is filed along with the Form I-130).
- Certified police and court records of all criminals (if applicable).
- Other documentation to prove the legal stay and immigration status in the US.
- Proof of payment (unless exempted), such as Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, or checks payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The application should be submitted to USCIS by mail. The USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations vary according to where the applicant lives and the courier service.
Consular Processing
It applies to non-US citizens who are physically outside the US. Your parents should apply for an immigration visa from the US embassy or consulate in the country of residence to enter the US. It must be done after your Form I-130 petition is approved. Consular processing will go through more complicated procedures.
- USCIS sends the immigrant petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) after approving Form I-130 and NVC will send confirmation to your parents and issue a visa number.
- Your parent should fill out Form DS-261 at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) after receiving a visa number.
- Pay the immigrant visa application processing fee and affidavit of support fee online separately.
- When the case status on CEAC turns to “PAID”, file Form DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration on CEAC.
- Scan the required documents and upload them on CEAC.
- Print the confirmation page of Form DS-260 submission. Your parent should bring it along with other supporting documents to have an interview at the US embassy/consulate.
Optional Documentation for Additional Benefits
Foreigners with a pending green card application can apply for extra benefits, such as eligibility to work in the US and free travel in and out of the country. Here are the requirements for specific benefits.
Family-based immigrants are usually not allowed to work in the US without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It could be applied by filing Form I-765 online or by mail.
It is used to obtain an Advance Parole Document which allows non-US citizens to temporarily travel outside the US and re-enter multiple times without visas. It could be filed online or by mail. Please note if your parents have applied, they must not travel before the document is issued.
Prove Your Parent Must Be Admissible
It is necessary to note that not all eligible persons will be admitted to the US. You are also supposed to prove that they will not pose burdens or threats to US society in the following aspects.
- Finance
You have to persuade the authorities that you have sufficient funds to sponsor your parents to become US permanent residents. For example, you earn 125% of the U.S. poverty guidelines (or higher), which means you can support your parents and your own family. In this case, your parents will not rely on the government’s financial aid even if they cannot support themselves.
- Health
Your parents must have a thorough body check with a government-certified physician, ensuring that they do not have any obvious or hidden disease that might cause public health risks, such as serious infectious diseases, dangerous mental disorders, etc.
- Immigration Violations
The authorities will check your parents’ traveling or immigration histories to the US or other countries, which helps the officer determine your parents’ intention to violate the immigration rules and regulations, such as overstaying in a country, being deported, illegal entries, etc.
- Criminal Record
Your parents should be in good standing to be admitted. Those with grave crimes are more likely to be rejected, such as drug trafficking, murder, or terrorism.
What Happens After Submitting Your Parent’s Green Card Application?
Submitting a green card application does not mean everything is coming to an end. You and your parents should keep track of the application status and respond promptly according to any official notification.
- Receive the Result of the Application
USCIS will notify the applicant/petitioner upon receiving the application through Form I-797C, Notice of Action by mail.
- Provide Additional Supporting Documents
Sometimes USCIS will send a Request for Evidence notice to ask for extra documents to further explain your application. Once receiving it, just prepare the required proof and submit it according to the instructions.
- Submit BIometrics
A biometrics appointment notice will be sent about 2-3 weeks after applying. The notice includes when and where your parents should go to capture a photograph and fingerprints. If they are unavailable at the appointed date and location, please contact the authority to re-schedule as soon as possible.
- Have an Interview
An interview notice will be sent to your parents. They should go to the consular office as scheduled with the required documents listed in the notice to have a face-to-face talk with the immigration officer. When your parents are physically in the US, you should attend the interview along with them.
Green Card Processing Time for Parents
How long it takes to get a green card based on family relationships has been shortened recently. Here is the common processing time of USCIS and the United States Department of State at different stages. Please note that the waiting time is subject to the number of applications, the completeness of your application, where you apply from, when you apply, etc. Therefore, you should wait patiently and monitor the application status.
| Stage | Processing Time |
| Form I-130 Petition | 11.4 months |
| Form I-864 Petition | 9.4 months |
| Form DS-260 Filing | 3 months |
| Form DS-261 Filing | 2-3 weeks |
Green Card Application Fees for Parents
The total cost of applying for a green card for your parents involves the type of fees listed below.
| Type of Fees | Amount of Fees |
| Online Form I-130 filing (unless exempted) | $625 |
| Paper Form I-130 filing (unless exempted) | $675 |
| Form I-864 filing | $0 |
| Form I-485 filing | $1,440 |
| Form DS-261 filing | $0 |
| Form DS-260 filing (online processing fee) | $325 |
| Form DS-260 filing (Affidavit of Support fee) | $120 |
| Biometric fee | $85 |
| Medical examination fees | $300 (dependent on the physician) |
How to Check the Application Status of My Parent’s Green Card?
There are multiple ways to monitor the progress of your parent’s green card application depending on which stage you are in. For example, you can track the case by visiting the government office in person, sending an email to the customer support team, or visiting the official website. Checking online is recognized as the most convenient way.
- USCIS Case Status Tracker
Supposing that you are filing a Form I-130 Petition or your parents are requesting Adjustment of Status, you can visit the USCIS case status tracker and enter a receipt number on Form I-797C.
- US Department of State Case Status Tracker
If your parents are applying for a green card through consular processing outside the US, please visit the US Department of State case status tracker and enter the NVC case number.
What to Do If the Application for My Parent’s Green Card Is Denied?
USCIS will reject the green card application for various reasons, such as no legitimate relationship between you and your parents, negative results of background checks, insufficient funds, mistakes in the application, and so on. The reasons are specified in the letter of rejection from USCIS. If your parent’s or your application is denied, please review the letter carefully. Find out if you can file an appeal and provide extra evidence to explain why you think the rejection is unreasonable. You are suggested to seek help from an immigration attorney or professional consultant.
Benefits of Applying Green Cards for Parents
Obtaining a green card for parents means they can live permanently in the United States and get united with you. In this case, they can enjoy not only the joy of family reunions but also a series of public benefits.
- Government Support
Permanent residents have access to assistance from the federal or state government to local citizens, such as joining the Social Security Program, applying for healthcare insurance, education allowance, etc.
- Better Healthcare Service
Your parents will enjoy a higher level of healthcare and medical service in the United States.
- Work Eligibility
The United States, as one of the most developed economies in the world, provides more job opportunities. Permanent residents can work in the country without extra work visas and have better jobs.
- Travel
Green card holders can travel to some countries without visas and re-enter the US without restriction.
- Path to US Citizenship
Permanent residents might be eligible to apply for US citizenship after living in the country for consecutive years, like 3-5 years, and enjoy all civil rights as a US citizen, such as applying for a US passport or voting.
- Vibrant Culture Experience
The US is famous for its diverse culture and different ethnicities. Your parents can appreciate the colorful activities and traditions in this country, thus enriching their lives and inspiring their spirits.
FAQ
👉 How to prepare a US passport-style photo?
You can take a passport photo with a phone or digital camera at home and upload it to our AI passport photo maker, AiPassportPhotos, to get a 100% qualified picture.
👉 Can I apply for my parents’ Green Card if I am a permanent resident?
No. You can only apply for them after becoming a US citizen.
👉 How much income do I need to sponsor my parents in the USA?
At least 125% of the U.S. poverty guidelines, ranging from $25,550 to $82,400 according to the state of residence and household size.
👉 Can my parents work in the U.S. while waiting for their Green Card?
Yes, if they have obtained an EAD.
👉 How long can my parents stay in the U.S. while their Green Card application is pending?
It depends on the validity of their current visas or residence permits.
👉 Can I appeal if my parents’ Green Card application is denied?
Yes, if the decision is appealable.
👉 What is the difference between a Green Card and a visa for parents?
The green card allows your parents to live permanently and travel freely while a visa for parents only allows temporary stay for specific purposes.
👉 Can I include other family members on my parents’ Green Card application?
Yes. You can also apply for other immediate relatives, such as spouses and children. Each beneficiary should have a separate petition.
👉 Can my parents become U.S. citizens after getting a Green Card?
Yes, as long as they satisfy the requirements for US citizenship.
👉 Do my parents need to learn English to get a Green Card?
No. Learning some English will make their life more convenient in the US.
👉 Can my parents get healthcare benefits while waiting for their Green Card?
Yes. Purchasing health insurance in the US does not require a green card, but they might not have access to public healthcare benefits.
👉 Is there an interview for a green card for parents?
Yes, and the requirements vary according to where your parents are.
Summary
If you are a US citizen, you can apply for a green card for your parents and bring them to live permanently in the US. Family-based green card applications are lengthy and complicated. Applying on behalf of your parents can also accelerate the process and avoid making mistakes as so many different stages and online procedures are involved. We hope this passage can help you learn about the requirements and make full preparations in advance, thus reducing the chances of being delayed or rejected.
Dolores Xiao