Bringing your parents to the U.S.: visits and green cards explained
Many immigrants hope to bring their parents to live near them. Whether you can, and how fast, depends mostly on one thing: whether you are a U.S. citizen.
General information only, not legal advice. Every family is different. Talk to a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative before you file, especially if your parent is already in the U.S.
Who can sponsor a parent
- U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can file a petition (Form I-130) for each parent.
- Green card holders cannot petition for parents. Many first become citizens; see our N-400 eligibility calculator.
No visa line for parents of citizens
Parents of adult U.S. citizens are immediate relatives. There is no yearly limit, so they do not wait for a priority date in the Visa Bulletin. Processing still takes time.
The steps, in general
- The citizen files Form I-130 for each parent.
- After approval, a parent living abroad usually completes an immigrant visa through the U.S. consulate. A parent already in the U.S. may in some cases apply there instead, depending on how they entered, which is a question for an attorney.
- The citizen signs an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), promising financial support. Check the income requirement with our I-864 calculator.
- The parent attends the interview and medical exam, then enters or receives the green card.
See the government filing fees in our USCIS fee calculator.
Just visiting?
Parents who want to visit, not move, usually apply for a visitor visa (B-2) at the U.S. embassy, or travel under the Visa Waiver Program if their country qualifies. A visitor must intend to return home.
Need help organizing your documents?
One Path Finder can help you gather and organize documents where permitted by law. We are not a law firm and can’t tell you what applies to your case. Contact us to start a conversation. For legal advice, ask us for a referral to our partner law firm.