How to Legally Get a US Green Card for Grandparents Through Family

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Key Takeaways

• Grandchildren cannot sponsor grandparents directly for U.S. green cards under current immigration law.
• Parents must first get green cards, naturalize, then sponsor grandparents using Form I-130.
• The full process takes 7–10 years, including USCIS petition, naturalization, and visa steps.

If you want your grandparents to live with you in the United States 🇺🇸 as permanent residents, you might wonder if you can sponsor them for a U.S. green card. Many families hope to reunite across generations, but U.S. immigration law has strict rules about who can be sponsored and how. This guide explains, step by step, the only legal way to help your grandparents get a green card through family sponsorship, what to expect at each stage, and how to avoid common mistakes.

How to Legally Get a US Green Card for Grandparents Through Family

Introduction: Why Grandparent Sponsorship Is Complicated

Many people are surprised to learn that grandchildren cannot sponsor their grandparents directly for a U.S. green card. The law only allows certain family members—like spouses, children, and parents—to be sponsored directly by a U.S. citizen. Grandparents are not included in these categories. However, there is a legal, multi-step process that can eventually help your grandparents become permanent residents. This process takes time, patience, and careful planning.

1.1 Who Can Start This Process?

You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.
Only U.S. citizens (not green card holders) can sponsor their parents as “immediate relatives.”

1.2 What Form Do You File?

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is the official form to start the sponsorship. You can find the latest version and instructions on the USCIS Form I-130 page.

1.3 What Documents Do You Need?

Proof of your U.S. citizenship (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
Proof of your relationship to your parent (such as your birth certificate showing your parent’s name)
Your parent’s identification documents (passport, birth certificate)

1.4 What Happens Next?

USCIS reviews your petition. If approved, your parent can apply for a green card.
- If your parent is already in the United States 🇺🇸, they file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (official link).
- If your parent is outside the United States 🇺🇸, they apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate in their country.

1.5 How Long Does This Take?

Processing time: Usually 1–2 years, but it can vary.
Immediate relatives do not have to wait for a visa number, so there is no annual cap.

1.6 Common Pitfalls

Mistake: Filing for a parent if you are not yet 21 or not a U.S. citizen.
Mistake: Missing documents or incorrect forms.
Mistake: Not checking the latest instructions on the official USCIS website.

Step 2: Parents Become U.S. Citizens

2.1 Why Is This Step Needed?

Only U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents. Your parents, once they become green card holders, must naturalize (become citizens) before they can sponsor your grandparents.

2.2 How Do Parents Become Citizens?

Wait at least 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Meet other requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Show good moral character
- Pass English and civics tests
- Be physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least half of the 5 years
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization is required. Find the official form and instructions on the USCIS Form N-400 page.

2.3 How Long Does This Take?

Minimum 5 years as a green card holder before applying.
Processing time: 6–18 months after filing Form N-400, depending on the location and case.

2.4 Common Pitfalls

Mistake: Applying for citizenship before meeting the 5-year residency requirement.
Mistake: Failing the English or civics test (study materials are available on the USCIS website).
Mistake: Not maintaining continuous residence in the United States 🇺🇸.

Your parent must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.
Only then can they file a petition for their parents (your grandparents).

3.2 What Form Is Needed?

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (same as in Step 1, but now your parent is the petitioner and your grandparent is the beneficiary).

3.3 What Documents Are Needed?

Proof of your parent’s U.S. citizenship
Proof of relationship to their parent (your grandparent)
Your grandparent’s identification documents

3.4 What Happens Next?

USCIS reviews the petition. If approved, your grandparent can apply for a green card.
- If in the United States 🇺🇸, file Form I-485 (official link).
- If outside the United States 🇺🇸, apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate.

3.5 How Long Does This Take?

Processing time: Usually 1–2 years, but can vary by country and case.

3.6 Common Pitfalls

Mistake: Trying to file before your parent becomes a U.S. citizen.
Mistake: Missing or incorrect documents.
Mistake: Not checking for the latest requirements on the USCIS website.

Step 4: Grandparents Become Lawful Permanent Residents

4.1 What Happens After Approval?

Your grandparents receive their immigrant visas (if abroad) or adjust status (if in the United States 🇺🇸).
They enter the United States 🇺🇸 as lawful permanent residents and receive their green cards.

4.2 How Long Does This Take?

Visa processing: 6–12 months after petition approval, but can be longer in some countries.

4.3 Common Pitfalls

Mistake: Grandparents entering the United States 🇺🇸 on a visitor visa with the intent to stay permanently (this can be considered visa fraud).
Mistake: Not completing required medical exams or missing interviews.

Estimated Timeline for the Entire Process

Step 1: Sponsor parents – 1–2 years
Step 2: Parents become citizens – 5+ years
Step 3: Parents sponsor grandparents – 1–2 years
Step 4: Grandparents receive green cards – 6–12 months

Total time: Usually 7–10 years or more, depending on processing times and individual circumstances.

Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions

What if my parents never become U.S. citizens?

Only U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents. If your parents remain green card holders, they cannot sponsor your grandparents for a green card.

No. U.S. immigration law does not allow grandchildren to sponsor grandparents directly for a green card.

Are there any shortcuts or exceptions?

No. As of June 2025, there are no legal shortcuts or exceptions for sponsoring grandparents.

Can my grandparents visit while waiting?

Yes, they can apply for a visitor visa (B-2) to visit the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily. However, they must show they intend to return home after their visit. Overstaying or misusing a visitor visa can harm future immigration chances.

What if my grandparents need to come urgently?

In rare cases, humanitarian parole may be available for urgent situations, but this is not a path to a green card and is only granted for emergencies.

Checklist Summary: Bringing Grandparents to the U.S. Legally

Are you a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old?
Have you filed Form I-130 for your parent(s)?
Have your parents become green card holders?
Have your parents lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as permanent residents for at least 5 years?
Have your parents applied for and received U.S. citizenship (naturalization)?
Have your parents filed Form I-130 for your grandparents?
Have your grandparents completed the visa or adjustment of status process?
Have your grandparents received their green cards?

If you answer “yes” to each step, your grandparents can legally become permanent residents.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Trying to file a green card petition for grandparents directly: This is not allowed.
Skipping the naturalization step for your parents: Only U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents.
Using visitor visas for permanent stays: This can lead to visa denial or bans.
Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete forms: Always check the latest instructions and requirements on the official USCIS website.
Not keeping copies of all forms and documents: Always keep records for your files.

Official Resources for Each Step

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: USCIS Form I-130
Form I-485, Adjustment of Status: USCIS Form I-485
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization: USCIS Form N-400
USCIS Green Card for Immediate Relatives: USCIS Immediate Relatives Page
U.S. Department of State Family Immigration: DOS Family Immigration

Expert Tips and Practical Guidance

Plan ahead: This process takes many years. Start as soon as possible if you hope to bring your grandparents to the United States 🇺🇸.
Stay organized: Keep a folder with all forms, receipts, and notices.
Check official sources: Immigration rules can change. Always use the latest forms and instructions from the USCIS website.
Consult a licensed immigration attorney: If you have questions or run into problems, professional help can save time and prevent mistakes.
Be honest: Never misrepresent facts or use visitor visas for permanent stays.

What the Law Says and Why

U.S. immigration law is designed to keep nuclear families together first. That means spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens get the highest priority. Grandparents are not included in these categories. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the only legal way to help your grandparents get a green card is through this multi-step family sponsorship process. No new laws or policies have changed this rule as of June 2025.

Looking Ahead: Will the Law Change?

No current proposals: There are no bills or policy changes in Congress that would allow direct sponsorship of grandparents.
Possible future changes: Sometimes, lawmakers talk about expanding family categories, but nothing has become law.
Stay informed: Watch for updates from USCIS and Congress, but for now, the multi-step process is the only option.

Final Takeaways

You cannot sponsor your grandparents directly for a U.S. green card.
The only legal way is to sponsor your parents, wait for them to become U.S. citizens, and then have them sponsor their parents.
This process takes at least 7–10 years and requires careful planning.
Avoid common mistakes by following each step, using official forms, and checking the latest requirements.
For more information, always refer to the USCIS Immediate Relatives page or speak with a licensed immigration attorney.

By understanding these steps and planning ahead, families can set realistic expectations and work toward reuniting with their grandparents in the United States 🇺🇸 through the only legal path available.

Learn Today

Green Card → A document granting lawful permanent residence in the United States.
Form I-130 → Petition filed by a U.S. citizen to sponsor a family member’s immigration.
Naturalization → The legal process by which a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen.
Adjustment of Status → Application process for an immigrant inside the U.S. to gain permanent residence.
Parole → Temporary permission to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons without visa.

This Article in a Nutshell

Sponsoring grandparents for a U.S. green card is a multi-step, years-long process requiring parents to first naturalize. No direct sponsorship for grandchildren exists. Patience and careful planning are essential to reunite families legally within current U.S. immigration laws.
— By VisaVerge.com