If you are a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old, you may generally file separate immigrant petitions for each qualifying parent.
White Plains, NYC
Petition for Parents Immigration Lawyer in New York
Personalized legal guidance for U.S. citizens petitioning for their parents, from Form I-130 preparation through Adjustment of Status or consular processing.
- Parent petition eligibility review
- Form I-130 petition preparation
- Adjustment or consular guidance
- Financial sponsorship support
Parents Petition
Help Your Parents Immigrate to the United States
Guidance from petition through the Green Card stage
If you are a U.S. citizen and want to bring your parents to the United States, you may be able to petition for them to become lawful permanent residents.
For many families, sponsoring a parent for a Green Card is an important step toward bringing loved ones closer together. However, the process involves specific eligibility requirements, government forms, supporting documentation, financial sponsorship, and—depending on where your parents live—either adjustment of status or consular processing.
At E-Z Immigration, we help U.S. citizens understand and navigate the parent immigration petition process, from preparing the initial petition to the final Green Card stage.
If you are considering immigration options for multiple family members, explore our Family Immigration Services.
Parent petition eligibility
Can I Petition for My Parents?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old, you may generally petition for your eligible parents to immigrate to the United States.
Parents of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives, meaning they are not subject to the same annual numerical limitations that apply to many family-preference categories.
A Green Card holder cannot use the immediate-relative category to petition for a parent.
The specific requirements can depend on your relationship with the parent, your citizenship status, your parent's location, and your immigration history.
Sponsorship requirements
Who Can Sponsor a Parent for a Green Card?
To petition for a parent through the immediate-relative category, the petitioner generally must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 21 years old
- Establish the qualifying parent-child relationship
- Provide the required supporting documentation
- Meet applicable financial sponsorship requirements
If you are a lawful permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen, you generally cannot petition for a parent under the immediate-relative category.
If you are not yet a U.S. citizen, our team can help you understand other family immigration options and whether another immigration pathway may be available.
Parent petition evidence
Petitioning for Your Mother
If you are a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old, you may generally petition for your mother.
The evidence required can depend on whether you were born to married parents, unmarried parents, adopted, or have another qualifying relationship.
The documentation requirements should be reviewed based on your specific family circumstances.
Parent petition evidence
Petitioning for Your Father
Petitioning for a father can involve additional documentation depending on the circumstances of the relationship.
For example, the evidence required may differ depending on whether your parents were married when you were born and whether your father's name appears on your birth certificate.
Additional evidence may sometimes be required to establish the qualifying relationship.
An immigration lawyer can review your documents and explain what evidence may be appropriate before filing.
Coordinating two petitions
Petitioning for Both Parents
Each parent is treated as an individual immigration case, so separate forms and supporting documentation may be required.
If you want to bring both parents to the United States, preparing the cases together can help ensure that the information and documentation are consistent across the petitions.
Parent Green Card process
How to Petition Your Parents for a Green Card
The process generally begins with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
The exact process depends on whether your parent is already in the United States or lives abroad.
-
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before filing, we review:
- Your U.S. citizenship
- Your age
- Your relationship with your parent
- Your parent's location
- Your parent's immigration history
- Previous immigration applications
- Possible inadmissibility issues
This helps determine the appropriate immigration process.
-
Step 2: File Form I-130
The U.S. citizen child generally files Form I-130 to establish the qualifying parent-child relationship.
Supporting documents are submitted with the petition to demonstrate the relationship and the petitioner's U.S. citizenship.
The petition should be prepared carefully because errors or missing evidence can result in requests for additional evidence or other complications.
-
Step 3: USCIS Reviews the Petition
USCIS reviews the petition and supporting evidence.
If the petition is approved, the next stage depends on whether your parent is inside or outside the United States.
If Your Parent Is Outside the United States
When the parent lives outside the United States, the case generally proceeds through consular processing after the immigrant petition is approved.
The process can include:
National Visa Center Processing
The case is transferred for immigrant visa processing, where additional forms, fees, financial documents, and civil documents may be required.
Affidavit of Support
The sponsoring U.S. citizen generally needs to demonstrate that they meet the applicable financial sponsorship requirements.
Civil Documents
Your parent may need to provide documents such as:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Divorce records, if applicable
- Police certificates, where required
- Other civil documents
Medical Examination
Your parent generally needs to complete a required immigration medical examination with an authorized physician.
Immigrant Visa Interview
Your parent attends an interview at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
If the immigrant visa is approved and your parent is admitted to the United States, they can become a lawful permanent resident under the applicable process.
If Your Parent Is Already in the United States
If your parent is already in the United States, they may potentially be eligible to apply for permanent residence through Adjustment of Status.
Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the case, including how your parent entered the United States and their immigration history.
An adjustment case may involve:
- Form I-130
- Form I-485
- Form I-864
- Form I-693
- Supporting documentation
- Biometrics
- Possible interview
Consular processing
If Your Parent Is Outside the United States
When the parent lives outside the United States, the case generally proceeds through consular processing after the immigrant petition is approved.
The process can include:
-
National Visa Center Processing
The case is transferred for immigrant visa processing, where additional forms, fees, financial documents, and civil documents may be required.
-
Affidavit of Support
The sponsoring U.S. citizen generally needs to demonstrate that they meet the applicable financial sponsorship requirements.
-
Civil Documents
Your parent may need to provide documents such as:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Divorce records, if applicable
- Police certificates, where required
- Other civil documents
-
Medical Examination
Your parent generally needs to complete a required immigration medical examination with an authorized physician.
-
Immigrant Visa Interview
Your parent attends an interview at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
If the immigrant visa is approved and your parent is admitted to the United States, they can become a lawful permanent resident under the applicable process.
Adjustment of Status
If Your Parent Is Already in the United States
If your parent is already in the United States, they may potentially be eligible to apply for permanent residence through Adjustment of Status.
Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the case, including how your parent entered the United States and their immigration history.
Learn more about our Adjustment of Status Services.Supporting evidence
Documents Needed to Petition for a Parent
The documents required depend on your individual circumstances.
Common evidence may include:
For the U.S. Citizen Petitioner
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Other acceptable citizenship evidence
For the Parent
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Marriage records, if applicable
- Divorce records, if applicable
- Identity documents
- Other civil records
Evidence of the Parent-Child Relationship
Depending on your circumstances, evidence may include:
- Birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship
- Marriage documentation
- Adoption records
- Legitimation documents
- Evidence establishing a legal parent-child relationship
Additional documentation may be required in certain cases.
Affidavit of Support
Financial Sponsorship for Parents
A parent immigration case generally involves financial sponsorship.
The U.S. citizen petitioner may need to submit an Affidavit of Support demonstrating the ability to financially support the immigrant as required under U.S. immigration law.
If the petitioner's income is insufficient, another eligible person may potentially serve as a joint sponsor, depending on the circumstances.
Our team can help you understand the documentation required for the financial sponsorship portion of your parent's immigration case.
Permanent residence
Parent Immigration and Green Card
A successful parent petition can provide a pathway for your parent to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
For parents of U.S. citizens who qualify as immediate relatives, immigrant visa availability is generally not subject to the annual numerical limitations that apply to family-preference categories.
However, the overall case can still involve USCIS processing, National Visa Center processing, consular procedures, background checks, medical examinations, and other requirements.
Qualifying relationships
Can I Petition for a Stepparent?
In certain circumstances, a U.S. citizen may be able to petition for a stepparent if the applicable legal requirements are satisfied.
The relationship must generally meet specific requirements involving the marriage between the U.S. citizen's biological parent and stepparent.
Because stepparent cases have specific eligibility rules, the relationship should be reviewed before filing.
Qualifying relationships
Can I Petition for an Adoptive Parent?
Adoptive parent cases can involve additional requirements.
The immigration treatment of an adoptive parent depends on the legal relationship and the circumstances surrounding the adoption.
If your parent-child relationship is based on adoption rather than biological parentage, speak with an immigration lawyer before filing so the appropriate petition and evidence can be determined.
After naturalization
Parent Petition After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
If you recently became a U.S. citizen and are at least 21 years old, you may now have the ability to petition for your parents.
If your parents previously had another immigration case or your family has previously filed petitions, those records should be reviewed before starting a new case.
Previous immigration filings, visa applications, or immigration violations can sometimes affect how a new case should be prepared.
Issues to review before filing
Common Problems With Parent Immigration Petitions
Although parent petitions are common, cases can become complicated when documentation or immigration history raises questions.
Potential issues include:
- Missing birth certificates
- Differences in names across documents
- Missing marriage or divorce records
- Adoption or stepparent relationships
- Previous immigration violations
- Prior visa refusals
- Criminal history
- Immigration fraud or misrepresentation concerns
- Financial sponsorship problems
- Previous removal proceedings
- Inadmissibility issues
If your parent has a complicated immigration history, it is important to have the case reviewed before filing.
Processing timeline
How Long Does It Take to Bring a Parent to the United States?
Processing times can vary depending on whether your parent is applying through adjustment of status or consular processing, the government agencies involved, background checks, document processing, interview scheduling, and other circumstances.
Because processing times change, E-Z Immigration does not guarantee a specific timeline.
We can help you understand the stages of your case and what to expect as the petition moves forward.
Careful guidance for your family's immigration journey
Why choose E-Z Immigration?
Why Choose E-Z Immigration for Parent Immigration?
Bringing your parents to the United States is an important family decision. The immigration process should be handled carefully from the beginning.
At E-Z Immigration, we can assist with:
- Parent Green Card eligibility evaluation
- Form I-130 preparation
- Parent petition documentation
- Adjustment of Status guidance
- Consular processing guidance
- Affidavit of Support documentation
- Supporting evidence review
- Immigration history review
- Interview preparation
- Identification of potential immigration issues
- Family immigration planning
For additional family-based immigration options, visit our Family Immigration Services page.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Petitioning for Parents
Find answers to common questions about petitioning for parents.
Ask Our TeamCan a U.S. citizen petition for their parents?
Yes. A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old may generally petition for a qualifying parent.
Can a Green Card holder petition for their parents?
Generally, no. A lawful permanent resident cannot petition for a parent under the immediate-relative category. Becoming a U.S. citizen may provide the ability to petition for qualifying parents.
Can I petition for both my mother and father?
Yes. If you qualify, you can generally file separate petitions for each parent.
Do I need to live in the United States to petition for my parents?
U.S. citizens living abroad may potentially petition for qualifying parents, although additional considerations can apply, particularly regarding the petitioner's U.S. domicile and financial sponsorship.
Can my parents get a Green Card if they are already in the United States?
Potentially. Eligible parents of U.S. citizens may be able to apply for Adjustment of Status if they meet the applicable requirements.
What if my parent entered the U.S. without inspection?
The manner in which your parent entered the United States can be extremely important when determining Adjustment of Status eligibility. Speak with an immigration lawyer before filing if your parent entered without inspection or has other immigration violations.
Do I have to financially sponsor my parents?
Generally, the petitioner must meet applicable financial sponsorship requirements and submit the required Affidavit of Support.
Can I petition for a stepfather or stepmother?
Potentially. Certain stepparent relationships can qualify, but specific legal requirements must be satisfied.
Can I petition for my adoptive parents?
Potentially, depending on the legal relationship and circumstances of the adoption. An immigration lawyer should review the case before filing.
How long does a parent Green Card take?
There is no single guaranteed timeline. The processing period depends on the case type, government processing, document requirements, interviews, background checks, and other factors.
Can I petition for my parents if I am a naturalized U.S. citizen?
Yes. Naturalized U.S. citizens can generally petition for qualifying parents if they meet the applicable requirements.
Parent immigration guidance
Bring Your Parents Closer to Home
If you are a U.S. citizen and want your parents to live with you in the United States, the parent immigration process may provide a path toward permanent residence.
Whether your parents are currently living abroad or already in the United States, E-Z Immigration can help you understand the appropriate petition and immigration process.
Immigration laws and procedures can change. This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.