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How to Bring Your Parents to the U.S. – A Complete Immigration Guide

Bringing your parents to live permanently in the United States is a significant milestone for many U.S. citizens. It’s a process that requires careful planning and compliance with immigration laws. If you’re wondering, “How can I bring my parents to the U.S.?”, you’re not alone.

To sponsor your parents for a green card, you must file a family-based immigrant petition through USCIS by submitting Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) as a U.S. citizen. While the process requires attention to detail and patience, understanding the essential steps and requirements can make your family reunification journey smoother.

At Namona, our experienced immigration attorneys have successfully guided numerous families through this process, ensuring their parents' transition to life in the U.S. is smooth and fully adheres to all legal regulations.

Quick Overview of the Process

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen and a minimum of 21 years old to petition for your parents.

Required Documents: Proof of U.S. citizenship, relationship with your parent, parent's identity, and financial support documentation.

Forms Needed: I-130, I-864, DS-260, I-693, and if applying for Adjustment of Status, I-485.

Application Process: Submit Form I-130. Once approved, the application is processed either through consular processing if the parent is outside the U.S. or through adjustment of status if the parent is already in the U.S.

Processing Time: Varies by case; typically 10–14 months for consular processing, while adjustment of status may take 9–18 months.

Financial Responsibility: Sponsor must meet income requirements and submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).

Eligibility Requirements for Bringing Your Parents to the U.S.

To petition for your parents' green card, you must hold U.S. citizenship.Only U.S. citizens can petition for their parents under the IR-5 visa category, which allows parents of U.S. citizens to immigrate without being subject to visa caps.

Key Eligibility Points:

U.S. Citizenship Required – Only U.S. citizens, not green card holders, are eligible to sponsor their parents.

Age Requirement – You must be at least 21 years old.

Green Card Holders Cannot Apply – Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for their parents.

Choosing the Right Process: Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status

The process your parent will go through depends on whether they are inside or outside the U.S.:

Consular Processing: (IR-5 visa): If your parent is outside the U.S., they must apply through a U.S. embassy or consular office in their country of residence.

Adjustment of Status: If your parent is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they may be eligible to apply for a green card without leaving the country.

Required Documents for Sponsoring a Parent

To apply for an IR-5 visa or Adjustment of Status, you need to submit key documents, including:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship – A birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate.

2. Evidence of Relationship – Your birth certificate showing your parent’s name.

3. Parent’s Identity Documents – Passport, national ID, or other official identification.

4. Financial Support Documents – You must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and provide proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, employer letters, or asset statements).

5. Medical Examination – Required for both consular processing (Form I-693) and adjustment of status.

Step-by-Step Application Process to Bring Your Parents to the U.S.

Option 1: Consular Processing (Parent Outside the U.S.)

Step 1: File the Petition (Form I-130) – Submit Form I-130 to USCIS.

Step 2: NVC Processing – Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 3: Visa Interview – Your parent will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy.

Step 4: Travel to the U.S. – If approved, your parent will receive an immigrant visa and travel to the U.S.

Option 2: Adjustment of Status (Parent Already in the U.S.)

Step 1: File Form I-130 and Form I-485 Together – If your parent is in the U.S. legally, they can file for a green card without leaving.

Step 2: Biometrics Appointment – USCIS will schedule an appointment to collect fingerprints and photographs.

Step 3: Green Card Interview – Your parent will attend an interview at a USCIS office.

Step 4: Receive Green Card – If approved, the green card is mailed to your parent.

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times vary depending on whether your parent is applying from outside or inside the U.S.:

For Consular Processing:

• I-130 Processing: 6-12 months

• NVC Processing: 2-4 months

• Visa Interview & Approval: 1-2 months

For Adjustment of Status:

• I-130 & I-485 Processing: 9-18 months

• Biometrics & Interview: Additional 3-6 months

Financial Requirements & Affidavit of Support

As a sponsor, you must meet income requirements to ensure your parents do not become public charges upon arrival.

Income Proof – Tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification required.
Form I-864 Required – A legally binding affidavit committing financial support.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Processing Delays – USCIS and embassies may take longer due to workload. Solution: Apply as early as possible and monitor case status.
Documentation Errors – Missing or incorrect documents can lead to denials. Solution: Double-check all paperwork before submission.
Financial Proof Issues – If your income is too low, your application may be at risk. Solution: Use a joint sponsor or show sufficient assets.

Conclusion

Bringing your parents to the U.S. is a meaningful and life-changing event, but it requires careful planning and legal compliance.

At Namona, our experienced immigration team is here to help you navigate each step, from filing petitions to interview preparation, ensuring a smooth transition for your parents to permanent residence in the U.S.

Need expert assistance? Contact with Namona today to get personalized guidance and start your parent's immigration journey with confidence!

Quick Overview of the Process

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen and a minimum of 21 years old to petition for your parents.

Required Documents: Proof of U.S. citizenship, relationship with your parent, parent's identity, and financial support documentation.

Forms Needed: I-130, I-864, DS-260, I-693, and if applying for Adjustment of Status, I-485.

Processing Time: Varies by case; typically 10–14 months for consular processing, while adjustment of status may take 9–18 months.

Financial Responsibility: Sponsor must meet income requirements and submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).

Eligibility Requirements for Bringing Your Parents to the U.S.

Key Eligibility Points:

U.S. Citizenship Required – Only U.S. citizens, not green card holders, are eligible to sponsor their parents.

Age Requirement – You must be at least 21 years old.

Green Card Holders Cannot Apply – Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for their parents.

Choosing the Right Process: Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status

The process your parent will go through depends on whether they are inside or outside the U.S.:

Consular Processing: (IR-5 visa): If your parent is outside the U.S., they must apply through a U.S. embassy or consular office in their country of residence.

Adjustment of Status: If your parent is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they may be eligible to apply for a green card without leaving the country.

Required Documents for Sponsoring a Parent

To apply for an IR-5 visa or Adjustment of Status, you need to submit key documents, including:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship – A birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate.

2. Evidence of Relationship – Your birth certificate showing your parent’s name.

3. Parent’s Identity Documents – Passport, national ID, or other official identification.

4. Financial Support Documents – You must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and provide proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, employer letters, or asset statements).

5. Medical Examination – Required for both consular processing (Form I-693) and adjustment of status.

Step-by-Step Application Process to Bring Your Parents to the U.S.

Option 1: Consular Processing (Parent Outside the U.S.)

Step 1: File the Petition (Form I-130) – Submit Form I-130 to USCIS.

Step 2: NVC Processing – Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 3: Visa Interview – Your parent will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy.

Step 4: Travel to the U.S. – If approved, your parent will receive an immigrant visa and travel to the U.S.

Option 2: Adjustment of Status (Parent Already in the U.S.)

Step 1: File Form I-130 and Form I-485 Together – If your parent is in the U.S. legally, they can file for a green card without leaving.

Step 2: Biometrics Appointment – USCIS will schedule an appointment to collect fingerprints and photographs.

Step 3: Green Card Interview – Your parent will attend an interview at a USCIS office.

Step 4: Receive Green Card – If approved, the green card is mailed to your parent.

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times vary depending on whether your parent is applying from outside or inside the U.S.:

For Consular Processing:

• I-130 Processing: 6-12 months

• NVC Processing: 2-4 months

• Visa Interview & Approval: 1-2 months

For Adjustment of Status:

• I-130 & I-485 Processing: 9-18 months

• Biometrics & Interview: Additional 3-6 months

Financial Requirements & Affidavit of Support

As a sponsor, you must meet income requirements to ensure your parents do not become public charges upon arrival.

Income Proof – Tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification required.
Form I-864 Required – A legally binding affidavit committing financial support.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Processing Delays – USCIS and embassies may take longer due to workload. Solution: Apply as early as possible and monitor case status.
Documentation Errors – Missing or incorrect documents can lead to denials. Solution: Double-check all paperwork before submission.
Financial Proof Issues – If your income is too low, your application may be at risk. Solution: Use a joint sponsor or show sufficient assets.

Conclusion

Bringing your parents to the U.S. is a meaningful and life-changing event, but it requires careful planning and legal compliance.

Need expert assistance? Contact with Namona today to get personalized guidance and start your parent's immigration journey with confidence!

Quick Overview of the Process

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen and a minimum of 21 years old to petition for your parents.

Required Documents: Proof of U.S. citizenship, relationship with your parent, parent's identity, and financial support documentation.

Forms Needed: I-130, I-864, DS-260, I-693, and if applying for Adjustment of Status, I-485.

Processing Time: Varies by case; typically 10–14 months for consular processing, while adjustment of status may take 9–18 months.

Financial Responsibility: Sponsor must meet income requirements and submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).

Eligibility Requirements for Bringing Your Parents to the U.S.

Key Eligibility Points:

U.S. Citizenship Required – Only U.S. citizens, not green card holders, are eligible to sponsor their parents.

Age Requirement – You must be at least 21 years old.

Green Card Holders Cannot Apply – Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for their parents.

Choosing the Right Process: Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status

The process your parent will go through depends on whether they are inside or outside the U.S.:

Consular Processing: (IR-5 visa): If your parent is outside the U.S., they must apply through a U.S. embassy or consular office in their country of residence.

Adjustment of Status: If your parent is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they may be eligible to apply for a green card without leaving the country.

Required Documents for Sponsoring a Parent

To apply for an IR-5 visa or Adjustment of Status, you need to submit key documents, including:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship – A birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate.

2. Evidence of Relationship – Your birth certificate showing your parent’s name.

3. Parent’s Identity Documents – Passport, national ID, or other official identification.

4. Financial Support Documents – You must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and provide proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, employer letters, or asset statements).

5. Medical Examination – Required for both consular processing (Form I-693) and adjustment of status.

Step-by-Step Application Process to Bring Your Parents to the U.S.

Option 1: Consular Processing (Parent Outside the U.S.)

Step 1: File the Petition (Form I-130) – Submit Form I-130 to USCIS.

Step 2: NVC Processing – Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 3: Visa Interview – Your parent will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy.

Step 4: Travel to the U.S. – If approved, your parent will receive an immigrant visa and travel to the U.S.

Option 2: Adjustment of Status (Parent Already in the U.S.)

Step 1: File Form I-130 and Form I-485 Together – If your parent is in the U.S. legally, they can file for a green card without leaving.

Step 2: Biometrics Appointment – USCIS will schedule an appointment to collect fingerprints and photographs.

Step 3: Green Card Interview – Your parent will attend an interview at a USCIS office.

Step 4: Receive Green Card – If approved, the green card is mailed to your parent.

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times vary depending on whether your parent is applying from outside or inside the U.S.:

For Consular Processing:

• I-130 Processing: 6-12 months

• NVC Processing: 2-4 months

• Visa Interview & Approval: 1-2 months

For Adjustment of Status:

• I-130 & I-485 Processing: 9-18 months

• Biometrics & Interview: Additional 3-6 months

Financial Requirements & Affidavit of Support

As a sponsor, you must meet income requirements to ensure your parents do not become public charges upon arrival.

Income Proof – Tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification required.
Form I-864 Required – A legally binding affidavit committing financial support.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Processing Delays – USCIS and embassies may take longer due to workload. Solution: Apply as early as possible and monitor case status.
Documentation Errors – Missing or incorrect documents can lead to denials. Solution: Double-check all paperwork before submission.
Financial Proof Issues – If your income is too low, your application may be at risk. Solution: Use a joint sponsor or show sufficient assets.