Key Takeaways
• Only U.S. citizens 21+ can sponsor parents; permanent residents cannot do this.
• File separate Form I-130 for each parent; processing takes about 14.8 months.
• Parents apply via Adjustment of Status (I-485) or consular processing after I-130 approval.
Bringing your parents to the United States 🇺🇸 as permanent residents is a major step for many families. The process is detailed and can take time, but with careful planning and attention to each step, you can help your parents join you in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents. This guide explains every stage of the journey, what you need to do, what your parents should expect, and how U.S. immigration authorities handle each part of the process. By following these steps, you can avoid common mistakes and delays, and make the experience as smooth as possible for your family.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility as a U.S. Citizen Sponsor
The first thing you need to check is whether you qualify to sponsor your parents. Only a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can start this process. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you cannot sponsor your parents for a green card. This rule is strict, and there are no exceptions. Your parents are considered “immediate relatives” under U.S. immigration law, which means there is no yearly limit on the number of green cards available for them. This is different from other family members, like siblings or adult children, who may have to wait for a visa number to become available.
Step 2: Prepare and File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
Once you confirm your eligibility, the next step is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for each parent. You must file a separate Form I-130 for your mother and another for your father, even if you are sponsoring both at the same time. This form tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you want your parent to become a permanent resident and shows proof of your relationship.
- Use the latest edition: As of 2025, you must use the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-130. Using an old version can lead to rejection.
- Filing fee: The fee is about $535 for each parent, but always check the USCIS fee schedule for the most current amount.
- Supporting documents: You’ll need to include proof of your U.S. citizenship (like a passport or naturalization certificate) and documents showing your relationship to your parent (such as your birth certificate).
- Processing time: The median time for USCIS to process Form I-130 for U.S. citizen sponsors is about 14.8 months as of mid-2025.
Step 3: Wait for USCIS Approval of I-130 Petition
After you submit Form I-130, USCIS will review your petition and the documents you provided. They will check that you are a U.S. citizen, that the relationship is real, and that all forms are complete. If anything is missing or unclear, USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE), which can delay the process. Once approved, USCIS recognizes your parent as an immediate relative who can apply for a green card.
Step 4: Decide Between Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
The next step depends on where your parent is living:
- If your parent is already in the U.S. legally: They may be able to apply for a green card without leaving the country. This is called “Adjustment of Status.” Your parent will need to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
- If your parent is outside the U.S.: They will go through “consular processing.” After USCIS approves the I-130, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. consulate in your parent’s home country.
Important: Starting April 3, 2025, you must use the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-485 for adjustment of status. Using the wrong edition can cause delays or rejection.
Step 5: Submit Form I-485 or Complete Consular Processing
- For Adjustment of Status (inside the U.S.):
- File Form I-485 once the I-130 is approved.
- Include a medical exam report, proof of financial support (Form I-864, Affidavit of Support), and other supporting documents.
- Pay the required fees (check the USCIS fee page for the latest amounts).
- Median processing time for I-485 is about 9.2 months.
- For Consular Processing (outside the U.S.):
- After I-130 approval, the NVC will contact you with instructions.
- Pay the visa application and processing fees.
- Submit civil documents (like birth and marriage certificates) and complete Form DS-260 online.
- Your parent will attend an interview at the U.S. consulate in their country.
Step 6: Attend Biometrics Appointment
If your parent is adjusting status in the U.S., USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, your parent will provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature. This information is used for background checks. The wait for biometrics is included in the overall I-485 processing time, which is about 9 months on average.
Step 7: Prepare for and Attend the Interview
Whether your parent is applying from inside or outside the U.S., an interview is usually required. USCIS or the consulate will schedule this interview to confirm the information in the application and to check that the relationship is real. In 2025, authorities have increased their focus on fraud detection, so expect detailed questions and requests for original documents. There are no interview waivers for family-based green cards at this time, so your parent should be prepared to attend in person.
What to bring to the interview:
– Original documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports)
– Proof of your U.S. citizenship
– Any other documents requested in the interview notice
Step 8: Receive Decision on Green Card Application
After the interview, USCIS or the consulate will decide whether to approve or deny the green card application. If approved:
- Inside the U.S.: USCIS will mail the green card to your parent’s U.S. address.
- Outside the U.S.: The consulate will issue an immigrant visa, which your parent will use to enter the United States 🇺🇸. After arrival, the green card will be mailed to their new U.S. address.
If the application is denied, the decision letter will explain the reasons and whether you can appeal or reapply.
Step 9: Parents Enter the U.S. (If Immigrant Visa Was Issued Abroad)
If your parent received an immigrant visa through consular processing, they must enter the United States 🇺🇸 before the visa expires (usually within six months of the medical exam). At the port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review their documents and admit them as a lawful permanent resident. The green card will arrive by mail a few weeks after entry.
Step 10: Maintain Permanent Resident Status
Once your parent becomes a permanent resident, they must follow certain rules to keep their green card:
- Residency: They should not stay outside the United States 🇺🇸 for long periods (generally, trips longer than six months can cause problems).
- Address updates: They must report any change of address to USCIS within 10 days.
- Obey the law: Any criminal activity can put their status at risk.
- Naturalization: After five years as a permanent resident, your parent can apply to become a U.S. citizen if they meet all requirements.
Step 11: Monitor Processing Times and Policy Updates
Processing times for immigration forms can change. As of July 2025, the median wait for Form I-130 is about 14.8 months, and for Form I-485, about 9.2 months. Consular processing times can vary by country. It’s important to:
- Check the USCIS processing times page regularly
- Use the latest form editions to avoid rejection (for example, Form I-485 must be the 01/20/25 edition starting April 3, 2025)
- Review the Visa Bulletin each month for updates, even though immediate relatives are not subject to visa caps
Key Points About the Current Policy Environment (2025)
- Increased scrutiny: USCIS has made family-based green card applications, including those for parents, subject to more detailed checks in 2025. This means more questions at interviews and closer review of documents.
- No major legislative changes: There have been no big changes to the law for parent petitions, but USCIS has updated forms and tightened procedures.
- Form editions: Always use the latest versions of all forms. Using an old edition can cause your application to be rejected or delayed.
- Expert advice: Many immigration lawyers recommend double-checking all documents and forms before submitting. If you are unsure about any part of the process, consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney.
Estimated Timeline for the Entire Process
While each case is different, here’s a general idea of how long each step might take:
- Form I-130 processing: 14.8 months (median)
- Form I-485 (if adjusting status): 9.2 months (median)
- Consular processing: Varies by country, but usually several months after I-130 approval
- Total time from start to finish: About 18–24 months for most families, but delays can happen if documents are missing or if more information is needed
What Applicants and Parents Should Do at Each Stage
- U.S. Citizen Sponsor:
- Gather all required documents before starting
- Use the correct form editions and pay the right fees
- Respond quickly to any requests for more information from USCIS or the NVC
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Parent (Applicant):
- Attend all appointments (biometrics, interview) as scheduled
- Bring original documents to the interview
- Follow instructions from the consulate or USCIS carefully
- Update your address with USCIS after moving to the U.S.
What to Expect from Authorities
- USCIS: Careful review of all forms and documents, background checks, and a required interview for most applicants
- NVC: Collection of fees and documents for consular processing, scheduling of the consular interview
- U.S. Consulate: Interview to confirm eligibility, review of original documents, and issuance of the immigrant visa if approved
- CBP: Final check at the port of entry for those arriving from abroad
Common Reasons for Delays or Denials
- Missing or incorrect documents
- Using outdated form editions
- Not responding to requests for more information
- Incomplete or unclear proof of relationship
- Issues found during background checks
Practical Tips for a Smoother Process
- Double-check all forms and documents before submitting
- Keep all receipts and notices from USCIS and the NVC
- Stay informed about policy changes and new form editions
- Consult an immigration attorney if you have any doubts or if your case is complicated
Official Resources for More Information
- USCIS Green Card for Immediate Relatives: Official guide to eligibility and process
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Download the latest form and instructions
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Latest form and instructions
- Visa Bulletin: Updates on visa availability
- USCIS Processing Times: Check current wait times for each form
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Bringing your parents to the United States 🇺🇸 as permanent residents is a detailed process, but it is possible with careful planning and patience. Start by confirming your eligibility as a U.S. citizen sponsor, then follow each step closely, making sure to use the correct forms and provide all required documents. Stay up to date with any changes in policy or form editions, and don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you have questions. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, families who prepare their applications carefully and respond quickly to requests from authorities are more likely to avoid delays and achieve a successful outcome.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can help your parents join you in the United States 🇺🇸 and start their new lives as permanent residents. Remember, the process takes time, but each stage brings your family closer together. Keep track of your progress, stay organized, and use official resources to answer any questions along the way.
Learn Today
Form I-130 → A petition filed by U.S. citizens to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign relative.
Adjustment of Status → Process allowing applicants in the U.S. to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country.
Consular Processing → Procedure for obtaining an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate abroad after petition approval.
Immediate Relatives → Close family members exempt from visa limits, including parents of U.S. citizens.
Biometrics Appointment → USCIS procedure collecting fingerprints, photos, and signatures for background checks.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bringing parents to the U.S. as permanent residents requires a detailed, multi-step process. U.S. citizens 21 or older must file separate I-130 petitions. After approval, parents apply through adjustment of status or consular processing. Careful adherence to paperwork and timelines ensures a smoother immigration journey.
— By VisaVerge.com
