How To Get A Green Card For My Parents​?

Do you wonder how to obtain a green card for my parents? If you're a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older, you can sponsor your parents for lawful permanent residency. With a green card, your parents can live and work permanently in the United States. This process involves several steps, including establishing your relationship, choosing the appropriate application process, and completing financial and legal requirements.​

In this article, we provide a clear, step-by-step process about how to get a green card for my parents. 

Let’s get detailed!

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States permanently. If your parents get a Green Card, they can:

• Live permanently in the U.S.

• Work legally without restrictions.

• Traveling in and out of the U.S. without a visa

• Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements

How to Get a Green Card For My Parents?

Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

Documents Needed:

For Biological Parents:

1. Your birth certificate showing both your name and your parent's name.

2. Proof of your U.S. citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, naturalization certificate).

For Step-Parents:

1. Your birth certificate.

2. Marriage certificate of your biological parent and step-parent (proving the marriage occurred before your 18th birthday).

3. Proof of termination of any prior marriages (divorce decrees or death certificates).

For Adoptive Parents:

1. Your birth certificate.

2. An adoption decree showing the adoption was finalized before your 16th birthday.

3. Proof of your U.S. citizenship.

Form Filing Fee: $675

Processing Time: Approximately 6 to 12 months. However, actual times can vary based on the USCIS workload and other factors.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Application Process

The next steps depend on whether your parent is currently inside or outside the United States.

(A) If Your Parent is Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

Submit Form I-485 (Application for Permanent Residency or Status Adjustment:

• This allows your parent to adjust their status to permanent resident without leaving the U.S.

• Concurrent Filing: In some cases, you can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 simultaneously.

Benefits:

• Your parent can remain in the U.S. during processing.

• While the application is pending, they may apply for employment authorization and advance parole (permission to travel outside the U.S. and return).

(B) If Your Parent is Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)

National Visa Center (NVC) Processing:

• Once Form I-130 is approved, it's forwarded to the NVC.

• The NVC will request additional documents and fees.

Consular Interview:

• Your parent will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

• They must bring all required documents, including civil documents and the results of a medical examination.

• Processing Time: Approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on the consulate's workload and other factors.

Benefits:
Once approved, your parent will receive an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.

Step 3: File Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)

This form demonstrates that you can financially support your parent, ensuring they won't become a public charge.

• Minimum Income Requirement: Your income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size.
  
  

• Using a Joint Sponsor: If your income doesn't meet the requirement, another person (e.g., a relative or friend) can co-sponsor, provided they meet the income criteria.

Step 4: Additional Documents Your Parent May Need

Depending on individual circumstances, additional forms may be necessary:

Note: As of December 2, 2024, USCIS requires that Form I-693 be submitted together with Form I-485. Failure to include Form I-693 may result in the rejection of the Green Card application. 

Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment & Green Card Interview

Biometrics Appointment - Your parent will be scheduled for fingerprinting and photographing to conduct background checks.

Green Card Interview - An interview may be required to verify the authenticity of the information provided. Typical questions may pertain to the parent-child relationship and your parents' background.

Post-Interview - If approved, your parent will receive their Green Cards by mail within a few weeks. If additional information is needed, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).

What Happens After Getting a Green Card?

Once your parent becomes a permanent resident:

• Employment: They can work legally in the U.S. without any restrictions.

• Travel: They can travel internationally. However, staying outside the U.S. for extended periods may affect their permanent resident status.

• Path to Citizenship: After 5 years of permanent residency, they may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, provided they meet

Conclusion:

Getting a Green Card for your parents may seem like a long process, but by following the right steps, it can be done smoothly. First, make sure you are eligible to sponsor them. Then, file the necessary forms, choose the right application process, and submit all required documents. If your parents are in the U.S., they can apply for Adjustment of Status, while those outside the country will go through Consular Processing.

Once approved, your parents can live and work in the U.S. permanently. If you’re unsure about any step, you can get a consultation with a Green Card lawyer who can help make the process easier. Bringing your parents to the U.S. is a big step, but with careful planning, you can immigrate with them easily.

FAQ’s:

1. How long does it take to get green cards for my parents?

The processing time depends on the application type. If your parent is already in the U.S. and applying through Adjustment of Status, the process takes approximately 8 to 14 months. If your parent is outside the U.S. and applying through Consular Processing, it may take 12 to 18 months.

2. What documents are needed to sponsor my parents for a green card?

To sponsor your parents, you will need:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)

• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption decree, or marriage certificate for step-parents)

• Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with financial evidence

• Form I-485 (if applying for Adjustment of Status)

• Form I-693 (Medical Examination Report)

• Consular processing documents (if applying from outside the U.S.)

3. Can I sponsor my parents for a green card if I live outside the U.S?

Yes, you can sponsor your parents while living outside the U.S., but you must prove that you maintain a U.S. domicile and plan to return once your parents obtain their Green Cards. If you cannot prove this, you may need a joint sponsor who resides in the U.S. to meet the financial requirements.

4. What is the financial requirement to sponsor my parents for a green card?

To sponsor your parents, your household income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The exact amount depends on the number of dependents in your household. If your income does not meet this requirement, a joint sponsor can help fulfill the financial obligation.