Family Green Card – Parent

As a citizen of the United States, you may help your parents become  lawful permanent residents of the United States by obtaining what is often referred to as a “green card.”  To do so, you need to sponsor your parent and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your parent when they come to the U.S.

Our green card lawyer can assist with all stages of the family immigration process.  Please call us to begin the family immigration process today.

Am I eligible to apply for a green card for parents?

To bring your parents (mother or father) to live in the US as a permanent resident (green card holder), you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.  Permanent residents may not bring parents to live permanently in the United States.

You may apply for a parent green card for:

1.  Your mother;

2.  Your father,

3.  Your stepparent;

4.   Your adoptive parent.

Note:  Your father-in-law and mother-in-law are not “parents”  for immigration purposes.

How do I sponsor my parent for a family green card?

You begin the parent green card application process by filing Form I 130, Petition for Alien Relative.  If your relatives are already in the US and entered legally, then they may be able to file an I-485 application to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident at the same time as you file the I-130 relative petition.

What documents do I need to get a green cards for my parents?

To get a green card for parents, you will need the following documents:

1.  Proof of your US citizenship;

2.  Your birth certificate with your mother’s name on it and your father’s name on it;

3.  Copies of your mother and father’s marriage certificate; and

4.  If you are sponsoring adoptive parents you will need your adoption decree.

If you do not have any of the above documents, you may consult with our green card lawyer to determine what needs to be done for you to apply for a parent green card.

What is the waiting time for a parent green card?

Parents of a U.S. citizen can immigrate to the United States without being subject to any numerical restrictions.  The parents of a U.S. citizen can apply for U.S. permanent resident status without any waiting time.