Green Card for Parents: Know Everything about Petition Process

The U.S. immigration process can be confusing, especially when you’re looking to reunite with your loved ones. If you’re a Green Card holder (lawful permanent resident) wondering, “Can I petition my parents to come to the United States?” this blog will clarify your options, outline key requirements, and guide you through every step of the parent immigration lawyer irvine process.

Family is at the heart of the immigration story for millions. For many Green Card holders and their adult children, the hope of bringing parents to the United States raises urgent questions about eligibility, forms, wait times, and best next steps. If you’re considering a family-based petition for your parents, this guide explains who can sponsor, which forms to file (including Form I-130), and what alternatives exist for lawful permanent residents.

Parent Green Card Petition: Who Can Sponsor Parents for U.S. Immigration?

The first and most important fact to know:

Green Card Holders Cannot Petition for Their Parents

If you are a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you cannot petition for your parents to immigrate as permanent residents. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old have the right to sponsor their parents for a Green Card.

Who can Green Card holders sponsor?

• • Spouse (husband or wife)

• • Unmarried children under 21

• • Unmarried adult children of any age

Parents, married adult children, and siblings are not eligible under your status as a permanent resident. If your ultimate goal is to help your parents immigrate, you’ll need to become a naturalised U.S. citizen first.

You can also read: How Much Do You Need to Earn to Sponsor Your Child?

Sponsoring Parents to the USA: Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. Citizens

Once you are a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old, follow these steps to petition for your parents:

File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

Purpose: Establishes the qualifying relationship with your parent.

• • A completed Form I-130 for each parent (separate forms are required)

• • Copy of your birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship

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

• • For biological father, a copy of your parents’ civil marriage certificate

• • If step-parent or adoptive parent, additional proof of the relationship (e.g. marriage or adoption records)

If names have changed, include legal proof (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).

Choose the Processing Pathway

• • If your parent is outside the United States: The approved I-130 is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then forwards it to the relevant U.S. consulate. Your parent will attend a visa interview abroad (Consular Processing).

• • If your parent is already in the U.S. (entered legally): They may be eligible to adjust status by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status together with Form I-130 (Concurrent Filing).

Submit Required Supporting Documents

• • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), showing you can support your parent financially

• • Civil documents (marriage certificates, if required)

• • Passport photos (as specified by USCIS)

• • Medical examination records

Attend the Visa Interview

• • If abroad: Your parent will be notified to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

• • If adjusting status: Your parent will be called for an interview at a USCIS office in the United States.

After Approval

• • If consular processing is successful, your parent receives an immigrant visa, travels to the U.S., and is admitted as a permanent resident, receiving their Green Card by mail.

• • If adjusting status is approved, the Green Card is mailed to your parent at their U.S. address.

Family Immigration for Parents: Key Points to Remember

• • Only U.S. citizens age 21 or older can sponsor their parents for lawful permanent residency.

• • Green Card holders can petition only for spouses and unmarried children—not for their parents.

• • Each parent must have a separate petition (Form I-130).

• • After approval, parents receive a Green Card, making them lawful permanent residents, with the potential to apply for citizenship after five years.

• • Siblings and other relatives cannot be included in a parent petition.

• • Financial sponsorship is required; you must prove the ability to support your parent(s).

• • If your parent is in the U.S., adjustment of status may allow them to stay while their application is pending (as long as they entered legally).

• • If your parent is abroad, approval happens through consular processing.

Pathways Forward for Green Card Holders

If you’re a permanent resident hoping to reunite with your parents, the direct route through sponsorship is not yet open to you. The most effective strategy is to

1. 1. Work toward naturalization as soon as eligible.

1. 1. Explore the possibility of short-term visits on tourist visas, though these do not provide a pathway to permanent status and come with strict time limits.

1. 1. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney if your circumstances are unique or involve humanitarian considerations.