Sponsoring Parents for a Green Card
As a US citizen over the age of 21, you can petition for your parents to receive a green card. If you aren’t yet a citizen, learn more about the naturalization process here. Whether your parent is in the US or currently abroad, I hope you will find the following guide helpful!
Step 1: File an I-130 with Supporting Documents
The I-130 can be filed online through your myUSCIS account. You will also need to submit supporting documents establishing the relationship with your parent. Depending on the parent, these are some documents you will need to submit:
Your mother:
A copy of your birth certificate showing your name and your mother’s name
A copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. passport if you were not born in the United States
Your father:
A copy of your birth certificate showing your name and the names of both parents
A copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship or U.S. passport if you were not born in the United States
A copy of your parents’ civil marriage certificate
Your father- you were born out of wedlock and were not legitimated by your father before your 18th birthday:
A copy of your birth certificate showing your name and your father's name
A copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship or U.S. passport if you were not born in the United States
Evidence that an emotional or financial bond existed between you and your father before you were married or reached the age of 21, whichever came first
Your father- you were born out of wedlock and were legitimated by your father before your 18th birthday:
A copy of your birth certificate showing your name and your father's name
A copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship or U.S. passport if you were not born in the United States
Evidence that you were legitimated before your 18th birthday through the marriage of your natural parents, the laws of your state or country (of birth or residence), or the laws of your father’s state or country (of birth or residence)
Your step-parent:
A copy of your birth certificate showing the names of your birth parents
A copy of the civil marriage certificate of your birth parent to your step-parent showing that the marriage occurred before your 18th birthday
A copy of any divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees to show that any previous marriage entered into by your natural or step-parent ended legally
Your adoptive parent:
A copy of your birth certificate
A copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship if you were not born in the United States
A certified copy of the adoption certificate showing that the adoption took place before your 16th birthday
A statement showing the dates and places you have lived together with your parent
Note that if your name or your parent’s name has changed, you should also include proof of legal name change.
If your parent is currently outside of the United States:
You will be notified by USCIS if your Form I-130 petition is approved or denied. If it is approved, your parent will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete visa processing.
If your parent is currently inside the US:
They should submit an I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with accompanying supporting documents at the same time or shortly after submitting the I-130. The I-485 must be filed in paper by mail. Along with the I-485, it’s recommended to submit an I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and an I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole. ) You will also need to include an I-864, Affidavit of Support, with the I-485, and your parent must undergo a medical exam by a USCIS approved doctor and send the sealed results either with the I-485 or shortly after.
Note that if you are sponsoring both of your parents, they will each need to file a separate application.
If you hope to bring your parents to the United States, or if they are already here and you want to help them get a green card, we would love to help you! Book a consultation to speak with an attorney and have your questions answered or to inquire about representation.
Helpful Links: