US Citizen Petition for Parents – Immigration Universe
How to Petition for a Green Card for Parents
Step 1: Submitting Form I-130
The process involves submitting Form I-130 along with documentation that proves the parent-child relationship. The required evidence may vary depending on whether the petition is for a biological parent, adoptive parent, or stepparent.
Step 2: Processing Based on Parent’s Location
For Parents in the U.S.
- They may apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485, allowing them to stay in the country while awaiting approval.
For Parents Outside the U.S.
- The case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) and processed through consular processing, requiring an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Consular Processing for Parents
For parents living abroad, once Form I-130 is approved, the case is forwarded to the NVC for immigrant visa processing. The NVC will request payment of the visa fee and submission of supporting documents, including:
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination by an authorized panel physician
Affidavit of Support for Parents
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legal document in which the U.S. citizen petitioner commits to financially supporting their parents, ensuring they will not rely on public benefits. This form must include income proof, such as tax returns and employment verification.
Approval of the Immigrant Visa
Once all documents are reviewed and the interview is completed, the U.S. Consulate may approve the visa, allowing your parents to enter the U.S. as lawful permanent residents. Upon arrival, they will receive their Green Card and Social Security Number, granting them the right to live and work legally in the U.S.
Adjustment of Status for Parents in the U.S.
If your parents are already in the U.S. under a valid visa, they may apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status. This process involves filing Form I-485 along with evidence proving eligibility. The benefits of adjusting status include:
- No need to leave the U.S. for visa processing
- Eligibility for a work permit (Form I-765)
- Avoiding long processing times abroad
Why Choose Immigration Universe for Your Parent's Green Card?
At Immigration Universe Attorneys, we understand the importance of family reunification and the challenges of U.S. immigration laws. Our experienced attorneys provide personalized legal guidance to help ensure your Green Card petition for parents is processed smoothly and efficiently.
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As a U.S. citizen, you have the right to sponsor your parents to become lawful permanent residents in the United States. This begins by filing Form I-130, which proves your parent-child relationship to immigration authorities.
To qualify, you must be:
A U.S. citizen (not just a green card holder), and
At least 21 years old
Permanent residents are not eligible to petition for their parents. If you are a green card holder, you must first apply for U.S. citizenship before starting this process.
Our legal team will help you prepare a complete and accurate petition with all the required evidence and forms. We’ll walk you through every step—so your parents can legally join you in the United States.
The Consular process is the process in which your parents get an immigrant visa outside of the United States. This process is appropriate for parents who reside abroad at the time you submit the petition. Once the Form I-130 petition is approved, it is automatically sent to the US Department of State, National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. NVC will contact the petitioner by email to request payment for the immigrant visa fees and the affidavit of support.
There is an unlimited number of visas available for parents of United States citizens. This means that the visa will be immediately available. Your parents will not have to wait for a visa to become available because of backlogs. Your parents will get a green card much faster than other categories of applicants.
The affidavit of support is a legal requirement for the green card petition for parents. It is a contract that the U.S. citizen petitioner makes with the U.S. government to ensure that the immigrant will not become a public charge. A public charge is a person that uses financial government assistance to live. This contract confirms to the U.S. government that you will be responsible for your parents’ expenses while they are in the United States. It also states that your parents will not seek public assistance in the U.S. The affidavit of support must include the petitioner’s income information, including recent tax returns and proof of income.
Once the affidavit of support is approved and visa fees are paid, your parents will be scheduled for an interview at the Embassy/Consulate of their home country. Your parents must bring a police certificate, a medical exam by an approved panel doctor, a biometric card, original civil documents, and a valid passport.
If everything is done correctly, the Consular Officer will approve the immigrant visa and stamp your parents’ passport with the visa. This immigrant visa lets your parents enter the United States as green card holders. Once your parents are in the United States, the government will mail them a green card and social security card to their U.S. address. Your parents’ green card allows them to live and work legally in the United States.
Parents of United States citizens are considered “Immediate Relatives.” Therefore, if they are in the United States, they can apply for a green card concurrently to your petition. This process is called adjustment of status.
To apply for a green card for parents, your parents must submit Forms I-485 and I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) the applicable fees. This submission must also include all necessary evidence to evidence proving that your parents qualify for a green card. Once submitted, USCIS schedules an appointment to capture your parents’ fingerprints (biometrics). Once everything is processed, your parents may be interviewed by an Immigration Officer at the local USCIS office. If everything is done correctly, the Immigration Officer approves your parents’ application for a green card. The physical card is then mailed to the applicant at their home address.
US Citizen Petition for Parents
Schedule a consultation today and give your parents the opportunity to live with you permanently in the U.S.
If you’re ready to bring your parents to the U.S., our legal team can help you navigate the petition process with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your US Citizen Petition for Parents