How to Apply For a Green Card For Parents: Step-By-Step Guide

Bringing your parents to live with you permanently in the United States requires managing a specific immigration process. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Confirm you’re eligible to sponsor your parents (U.S. citizen, age 21+)
2. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for each parent
3. Prove your relationship with birth certificates and supporting documents
4. Complete Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to show financial responsibility
5. Choose between adjustment of status or consular processing
6. Submit all required supporting documents
7. Ensure your parent completes a medical examination
8. Prepare for and attend an interview
9. Wait for green card approval

The immigration process can feel overwhelming, with confusing paperwork and strict deadlines. Making mistakes could lead to costly delays or even denial of your parents’ applications.

Without proper guidance, you might miss critical steps in the process or submit incomplete documentation.

Our Immigration lawyer in Miami will guide you through every step of bringing your parents to the United States with a personalized approach to your family’s specific situation.

Find Out More

Are you eligible to sponsor parents to the USA?

• You must be a U.S. citizen (not a green card holder)
• You must be at least 21 years old
• The parent must be your biological, step, or adoptive parent
• Green card holders cannot sponsor parents

📌 Remember that the law only allows U.S. citizens to petition for their parents. If you’re a permanent resident (green card holder), you will need to become a citizen first before sponsoring your parents.

Step-by-step process on the Green Card application for parents of a US citizen

1. Confirm eligibility: Make sure you meet all requirements as a sponsor and your parent is eligible for a green card.
2. File Form I-130: Submit the Petition for Alien Relative to establish your relationship with your parent. This is the first step in the process and must be approved before moving forward.
3. Prove qualifying relationship: Submit birth certificates and additional evidence showing your biological relationship or legal parent-child relationship.
4. Complete Form I-864: File the Affidavit of Support to prove you can financially support your parent at 125% above the federal poverty guidelines.
5. Choose adjustment of status or consular processing: Decide which path is appropriate based on whether your parent is already in the U.S. legally or outside the country.
6. Submit supporting documents: Gather and submit all required documents, including identification, financial records, and proof of your citizenship.
7. Parent completes medical exam: Your parent must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor to ensure they meet health requirements.
8. Attend interview: Prepare for and attend an interview with USCIS (if in the U.S.) or at a U.S. consulate (if abroad).
9. Await green card approval: After completing all steps, wait for the final decision on your parent’s application.

Filing multiple forms with incorrect information can lead to significant delays or denials. Double-check all information before submission.

Additional reading: can I sponsor my parents to USA with a green card

What is Form I-864, and how do you complete it?

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a legally binding contract where you promise to financially support your parent and prevent them from becoming dependent on government assistance.

• Form I-864 proves financial sponsorship and is required for all family-based immigrants
• You must earn 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size (including the parents you’re sponsoring)
• You can use a joint sponsor if your income isn’t sufficient
• Submit with supporting income documents including tax returns, W-2s, and recent pay stubs

💡 If your income falls below the required threshold, you may also use assets to help qualify. Assets must be convertible to cash within one year and typically need to be 5 times the shortfall in income.

What happens after you submit the application?

After submitting Form I-130, you’ll receive Form I-797, Notice of Action, confirming USCIS received your petition. This receipt contains a unique case number for tracking your application status online.

If your parent is already in the U.S. and filing for adjustment of status, they’ll receive a notice for a biometrics appointment to collect their fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if they need additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly and completely to avoid delays or denial.

Finally, an interview will be scheduled. For adjustment of status, this happens at a local USCIS office. In Miami, interviews take place at the USCIS Miami Field Office. For consular processing, the interview takes place at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your parent’s home country.

Adjustment of status for parents already in the U.S.

If your parent is already legally present in the United States, they may be eligible to adjust their status without leaving the country by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

This option is typically faster since your parent can remain in the U.S. throughout the process. You can also file Forms I-130 and I-485 concurrently to save time.

⚠️ Entering the U.S. on a tourist visa with the intention of adjusting status may be considered visa fraud. Your parent should have entered the country with legitimate travel intentions, not with a premeditated plan to immigrate.

Parents who entered without inspection or have certain immigration violations may not be eligible for adjustment of status and might need to use consular processing instead.

Additional reading: can you work while waiting for a Green Card

Consular processing if your parent is outside the U.S.

For parents living abroad, the process continues through the National Visa Center (NVC) after USCIS approves your I-130 petition.

The NVC will collect additional forms, fees, and documents before transferring the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your parent’s country. Your parent will need to complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application, online.

The embassy will schedule an interview and your parent must bring their passport, medical exam results, and original documents. If approved, they’ll receive an immigrant visa packet, which should not be opened.

Your parent will use this visa to enter the U.S., where they’ll become a lawful permanent resident. The U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center provides the portal for completing this form and checking visa status updates. Their physical green card will arrive by mail several weeks after arrival.

⚖️ Consular processing typically takes longer than adjustment of status, but it’s the only option for parents who aren’t already legally present in the United States.

Contact our trusted Kendall immigration lawyer today to start your application process!

Find Out More

Documents needed to prove your relationship with your parent

Parent type	Required documents
Mother	Your birth certificate showing your mother’s name + Your U.S. citizenship proof
Father (in wedlock)	Your birth certificate + Parents’ marriage certificate before your birth + Your citizenship proof
Father (out of wedlock)	Your birth certificate + Evidence of emotional/financial bond or legal legitimation + Your citizenship proof
Step-parent	Your birth certificate + Marriage certificate showing parent married your step-parent before you turned 18 + Prior marriage termination documents
Adoptive parent	Adoption decree + Proof you lived with adoptive parent before age 16 + Your proof of citizenship

Birth certificates must be official, long-form versions issued by the government office in your country of birth, not short-form hospital certificates.

What to know about the required medical exam

Your parent must complete a medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon (if in the U.S.) or a panel physician approved by the U.S. embassy (if abroad). The Florida Department of Health maintains information on approved civil surgeons in Miami-Dade County. You can also find USCIS-approved physicians through the USCIS Find a Doctor tool.

The exam includes a review of medical history, physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests for certain communicable diseases. The doctor will also verify your parent’s vaccination records and provide any missing required vaccines.

For parents in the U.S., results are sealed in an envelope with Form I-693 that should not be opened. Submit this sealed envelope with the adjustment of status application or bring it to the interview if requested later.

The medical exam results are valid for 2 years, but it’s best to complete this closer to the interview date to ensure they don’t expire during processing.

Costs and fees for sponsoring parents for a Green Card

Item	Cost (approx.)
Form I-130 (per parent)	$535
Form I-485 (if in U.S.)	$1,225
DS-260 (if abroad)	$325 + $120
Medical exam	Varies ($100–$500)
Optional Forms (I-765, I-131)	Free if filed with I-485

💡 When filing Form I-485, your parent can also apply for a work permit (Form I-765) and travel document (Form I-131) at no additional cost if submitted together.

Can you sponsor both parents at the same time?

Yes, you can sponsor both parents simultaneously, which allows them to go through the immigration process together. However, you must file separate Form I-130 petitions and pay individual filing fees for each parent.

Filing for both parents concurrently doesn’t speed up processing, but it helps keep their cases on similar timelines. This approach is especially beneficial for parents who plan to immigrate to the U.S. together rather than at different times.

Even though you’ll submit separate petitions, you can include copies of the same supporting documents (like your proof of citizenship) in both applications.

What if your parent is inadmissible to the U.S.?

Certain factors can make your parent inadmissible to the United States, even with an approved family petition. Common issues include:

• The public charge rule requires proving your parent won’t rely on government assistance. Your I-864 Affidavit of Support helps address this concern, but additional factors like age, health, and skills are also considered.
• Previous visa overstays or unlawful presence can trigger bars to admission ranging from 3 to 10 years, depending on the length of the violation. Waivers may be available but require proving extreme hardship to you as the U.S. citizen sponsor.
• Criminal history, even for minor offenses, can affect eligibility. Some convictions may be waived, while others create permanent inadmissibility.

For many grounds of inadmissibility, waivers exist but require strong documentation and often legal assistance to manage successfully.

How to avoid losing permanent resident status after approval

Once your parent receives a green card, they must maintain their permanent resident status by making the United States their primary home.

Absences of six months or more may raise questions about abandonment of residence. Trips exceeding one year can create a presumption that your parent has abandoned their status, placing the burden of proof on them to show they intended to maintain their U.S. residence.

If your parent needs to spend extended periods outside the U.S., they should apply for a reentry permit (Form I-131) before leaving. This document, valid for up to two years, helps preserve their status during longer absences.

Permanent residents must also file U.S. tax returns even when living abroad temporarily and should maintain ties to the U.S. through property, bank accounts, or family connections.

⚠️ Permanent residents who spend too much time outside the U.S. risk losing their status and might need to restart the entire immigration process.

Final thoughts on how to apply for a Green Card for parents of a US citizen

Bringing your parents to live permanently in the United States is a meaningful way to reunite your family, but the process requires careful planning and attention to detail.

Understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the right documentation, and following each step correctly will help ensure a smoother process. Whether your parents are already in the U.S. or abroad, there’s a pathway available if you meet the basic criteria.

The immigration landscape can change with policy updates, so working with knowledgeable professionals can help you handle any complexities. While the process may seem daunting, many families complete it each year and enjoy the benefits of having multiple generations together in one country.

Reach out for expert tailored guidance

Our experienced immigration team at Yolanda Mendoza Law understands the emotional importance of reuniting your family and offers personalized support throughout the green card process. Call us today at (305) 419-3334 or schedule your consultation.

Find Out More

FAQs

Can I apply for a Green Card for my parents if I’m under 21?

No, you must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen to petition for your parents. This age requirement is strict and cannot be waived, even if you’re married or financially independent.

Can my parents visit the U.S. while their Green Card is being processed?

Your parents may apply for visitor visas while their green card petitions are pending, but they must prove to consular officers that they intend to return home after their temporary visit. Having a pending immigrant petition makes this more difficult but not impossible.

What happens if I make a mistake on Form I-130 or I-485?

Minor mistakes can often be corrected by filing Form I-824 to request correction. However, significant errors may result in delays or denials, potentially requiring you to refile the application with the correct information and new filing fees.

Can I still sponsor my parents if I don’t meet the income requirements?

If your income falls below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, you have several options. You can use a joint sponsor who meets the requirements, count household members’ income who have lived with you for at least 6 months, or use qualifying assets worth at least 5 times the shortfall.

Do my parents need to hire a lawyer to apply for a Green Card?

While not legally required, hiring our experienced immigration lawyer is beneficial, especially if there are complications like previous immigration violations or if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Our lawyer will help avoid mistakes that might lead to delays or denials.

Can I expedite my parents’ Green Card process for medical or emergency reasons?

USCIS may consider expedite requests in limited circumstances, including severe financial loss, humanitarian reasons, or clear USCIS error. Medical emergencies affecting your parent may qualify, but you’ll need to provide substantial documentation of the urgent situation.

What if my parent has an old visa overstay or a deportation order?

Previous immigration violations can create serious barriers to obtaining a green card. Depending on the circumstances, your parent might need waivers of inadmissibility or to resolve outstanding deportation orders before proceeding. These situations often require legal assistance.

Can my parents get health insurance while waiting for their Green Card?

Parents with pending adjustment of status applications may have limited health insurance options. They usually don’t qualify for federal programs until becoming permanent residents, so private insurance or visitor insurance are often the main options during the waiting period.

What if my parent doesn’t speak English? Will that affect their application?

There is no English language requirement for parents applying for green cards through family sponsorship. Your parent can use an interpreter for their interview, and USCIS provides forms in multiple languages. However, basic communication ability helps handle the process.

How do I track the status of my parents’ Green Card application?

You can check your parents’ case status online using the receipt number from their Form I-797 Notice of Action at USCIS.gov. You can also sign up for case status updates by email or text, or schedule an InfoPass appointment for more detailed information if needed.