IfysweetReuniting with family is one of the strongest motivations for immigration to the United States. If you’re a U.S. citizen and wish to bring your parents to live with you permanently, you have the legal right to do so under U.S. immigration law. The process to sponsor green card for parents is straightforward but requires attention to detail and proper documentation.
This guide provides everything you need to know about sponsoring your parents for lawful permanent residence in the U.S., including eligibility, application steps, processing time, and responsibilities you’ll assume as a sponsor.
Understanding the Right to Sponsor a Green Card for Parents
Only U.S. citizens—not green card holders—can sponsor their foreign-born parents for a green card. This privilege reflects the U.S. government’s emphasis on family unity. If you are 21 years or older and hold U.S. citizenship, you are legally eligible to file immigrant petitions on behalf of your biological or adoptive parents.
The process falls under the “Immediate Relative” category, meaning your parents are not subject to annual visa quotas. This often results in faster processing compared to other family-based immigration paths. However, sponsoring a green card for parents involves strict financial and legal responsibilities, including proving that you can support them without public assistance.
Who Can Sponsor a Green Card for Parents?
To sponsor green cards for parents, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen: Permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to sponsor parents.
- Be at least 21 years old: The law requires that the sponsoring children be legal adults.
- Maintain a U.S. domicile: You must show that you reside in the U.S. or plan to do so when your parents arrive.
- Meet income requirements: Sponsors must demonstrate sufficient income to support their parents based on U.S. federal poverty guidelines.
There is no limit on the number of parents you can sponsor, as long as you meet the criteria for each individual petition.
Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor a Green Card for Parents
1. File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
This is the first and most critical step. You must file a separate Form I-130 for each parent. For example, if you are sponsoring both your mother and father, two separate petitions are required.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship is required (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate).
- Proof of relationship is needed (birth certificate showing parents’ names, adoption papers if applicable).
Once approved, the I-130 will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) if your parent is outside the U.S., or will continue with the adjustment process if they are already in the country.
2. File Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
This form demonstrates your ability to financially support your parents. You must provide income tax returns, W-2 forms, employment letters, and pay stubs.
If your income doesn’t meet the required threshold, a joint sponsor can be used.
3. Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing
If your parent is already in the U.S. legally, they can apply for a green card using Form I-485. If they are abroad, they will go through consular processing and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country.
4. Medical Examination and Vaccination
As part of the process, your parent must undergo a medical examination by a certified doctor. The results must be submitted as part of the immigration packet.
5. Interview and Final Approval
For consular processing, an interview will be conducted at the U.S. embassy. In adjustment of status cases, the interview will be scheduled at a USCIS office in the U.S. After the interview, if all documents are in order, a green card will be issued.
Processing Time and Costs
On average, the process to sponsor a green card for parents takes 10 to 16 months. However, this can vary depending on the service center, consulate workload, and completeness of your documentation.
Fees:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: $535
- Form I-485 Filing Fee (if in the U.S.): $1,140 + $85 (biometrics)
- Medical Exam Fee: Varies by location
- DS-260 Visa Application Fee (if abroad): $325
These costs are typically paid by the sponsor or applicant and are non-refundable.
Responsibilities of the Sponsor
Sponsoring a green card for a parent is not just a paperwork process—it comes with serious obligations. By signing the I-864 Affidavit of Support, you commit to financially supporting your parent until they become a U.S. citizen or earn 40 quarters of work (roughly 10 years).
If your parent receives public benefits, the U.S. government can legally demand reimbursement from the sponsor. Therefore, it’s critical to assess your financial readiness before beginning this process.
Real-World Examples of Families Reuniting Through Sponsorship
Many U.S. citizens successfully sponsor their parents for green cards each year. For instance:
- Maria, a nurse in Texas, sponsored her widowed mother from the Philippines. After 12 months, her mother joined her in Houston and now helps care for Maria’s children.
- Ahmed, a software engineer in California, filed petitions for both parents living in Egypt. With careful documentation and legal guidance, they completed the process in just over a year.
These examples show that the process, while complex, is achievable with proper preparation.
Common Questions About Sponsoring Parents
Can a green card holder sponsor their parents?
No. Only U.S. citizens who are 21 or older can sponsor a green card for their parents.
Do my parents need to speak English or pass a test?
No language or civics test is required for a parent to obtain a green card. These are only required when applying for citizenship.
Can my parents work in the U.S. after getting a green card?
Yes. Once your parents receive their green card, they are authorized to live and work anywhere in the United States.
Conclusion: Reuniting with Your Parents Starts Here
Bringing your parents to live with you in the United States is more than an act of love—it’s a powerful step in building a united and supportive family life. The process to sponsor a green card for parents may seem complex, but with proper planning, accurate documentation, and commitment, it is well within your reach.
If you’re ready to take the first step, start by gathering your documents, confirming your eligibility, and filing Form I-130. Whether your parents are already in the U.S. or abroad, your support can open the door to permanent residency and a new life together.
Looking to sponsor your parents for a green card? Explore our complete green card checklist and step-by-step guide [insert internal link].
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