U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may sponsor their parents for permanent residency. Parents of U.S. citizens are classified as immediate relatives, meaning there is no annual visa limit and no waiting period for visa availability. This makes parent sponsorship one of the fastest family-based immigration categories.
Eligibility
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (not a permanent resident — LPRs cannot petition for parents)
- The petitioner must be at least 21 years old
- The parent-child relationship must be documented
Step-by-Step Process
- File Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative, with evidence of the parent-child relationship (birth certificate, citizenship documents)
- File Form I-485 (if parent is in the U.S.) — Adjustment of status application, filed concurrently with I-130
- File Form I-864 — Affidavit of Support demonstrating income at 125% of poverty guidelines
- Biometrics and background check
- Interview — At USCIS field office (AOS) or U.S. consulate (if parent is abroad)
- Green card approval
Sponsoring Parents Who Entered Without Inspection
If a parent entered the United States without inspection (crossed the border without being admitted), they are generally not eligible for adjustment of status and must process through a consulate abroad. However, departing the U.S. after accumulating unlawful presence triggers a 3-year or 10-year bar on reentry. In these cases, a waiver (Form I-601A or I-601) may be necessary.
Processing Times
- Adjustment of status: 12-24 months (varies by field office)
- Consular processing: 12-18 months from I-130 filing to visa issuance
Sponsoring Both Parents
You must file a separate I-130 petition for each parent. If your parents are married, you may petition for one parent and the other may be included as a derivative beneficiary — but filing separate petitions for each parent is generally faster and avoids complications if the parents later divorce.
Request a free case evaluation to begin sponsoring your parents.