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Bringing parents to the U.S. permanently is a big step, and thankfully, the process is straightforward if you’re a U.S. citizen. Unlike family preference categories, where applicants face long waiting periods, parents fall under the Immediate Relative (IR-5) category, which has no visa backlog.
But how does the process work? How long does it take? What documents are needed? This guide covers everything in short.
Who Can Sponsor Their Parents for a Green Card?
To sponsor your parents, you must meet these criteria:
You are at least 21 years old
You are a U.S. citizen (green card holders cannot sponsor parents)
You can financially support them (via the Affidavit of Support - Form I-864)
Parents do not need to be married or meet any age requirement—they qualify solely based on your U.S. citizenship.
What if I Have a Green Card?
If you're a green card holder (permanent resident), you cannot apply for your parents. You must first become a U.S. citizen and then apply for them.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Green Card for Parents
Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The first step is filing Form I-130 with USCIS to prove your relationship with your parent(s). You’ll need to submit one I-130 per parent:
For your mother: Submit your birth certificate showing her name.
For your father: Submit your birth certificate plus their marriage certificate (to show he was married to your mother when you were born).
If your parents’ documents are in another language, they must be translated into English.
Processing Time for I-130 for Parents
Step 2: Wait for USCIS Approval & Case Transfer to NVC (If Parent is Outside the U.S.)
Once USCIS approves the I-130, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), which handles consular processing. NVC assigns a case number and asks for:
Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) – The parent must complete this online form.
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) – You must prove you can financially support your parents.
Other Documents – Birth certificates, marriage certificates, passport copies, police clearance, etc.
This stage usually takes 3–6 months, depending on processing speed.
Step 3: Consular Processing & Interview
If your parents are outside the U.S., they’ll attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. They will need:
✅ Passport
✅ Appointment Letter from NVC
✅ Medical Exam Results from a U.S.-approved doctor
✅ All Supporting Documents (I-130 approval, DS-260 confirmation, birth certificate, police clearance, etc.)
At the interview, the consular officer will ask questions to verify their identity and relationship with you. If approved, they receive an immigrant visa in their passport.
Once they enter the U.S., they automatically become a green card holder (permanent resident). The actual green card arrives by mail in 2–3 months.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status (If Parent is Already in the U.S.)
If your parent is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they can adjust their status to a green card holder without leaving the country.
Required Forms:
I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence/Adjust Status)
I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
I-693 (Medical Exam Results)
I-765 (Work Permit - Optional)
Processing Time for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485
How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor Parents?
Here’s a breakdown of fees (this might change in the future so it's better to refer to the USCIS website):
I-130 (Petition): $625 (online filing) or $675 (paper filing)
DS-260 (Visa Application): $325
Affidavit of Support (I-864): $120 (if filing from outside the US else $0)
USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
I-485 (If Adjusting Status): $1,440
Medical Exam: Varies (~$300–$500)
Total Estimated Cost:
Consular Processing (if outside the U.S.): ~$1,000 per parent
Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.): ~$2,500 per parent
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring your parents for a green card is one of the fastest family-based immigration processes, thanks to the Immediate Relative (IR-5) category. The key is preparing documents correctly and staying updated on processing times.
If you're ready to start, file Form I-130 and begin the journey to reunite your family in the U.S.
FAQs on Green Card for Parents
Can a Green Card holder sponsor their parents?
No, only U.S. citizens (age 21 or older) can sponsor their parents.
Can my parents work in the U.S. while waiting for their Green Card?
If they applied for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), they can apply for a work permit (Form I-765) and work while waiting for approval.
Can my parents apply for U.S. citizenship?
Yes! After 5 years of holding a green card, they can apply for U.S. citizenship (N-400).
What happens if my parents overstay a visa in the U.S.?
If they overstay, it can affect their ability to get a green card. However, immediate relatives (parents of U.S. citizens) are exempt from unlawful presence bars, so they may still adjust their status in the U.S.
Can I apply for a Green Card for only one parent instead of both?
Yes, you can sponsor either your mother or father individually. There is no requirement to apply for both together.
What happens if my parent’s visitor visa expires while the Green Card application is pending?
If you filed Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) while they were in the U.S., they can stay legally while waiting for a decision. However, if they leave the U.S., they may need advance parole to return.
Do my parents need to take an English or civics test for a Green Card?
No, unlike U.S. citizenship, Green Card applicants do not have to pass an English or civics test.
Can I apply for my step-parent’s Green Card?
Yes, if your step-parent married your biological parent before you turned 18, you can sponsor them just like a biological parent.
Can my parents leave the U.S. while their Green Card application is in process?
If they are adjusting their status (Form I-485), they must get Advance Parole (Form I-131) before leaving, or their application will be considered abandoned.
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