If you are a U.S. citizen age 21 or older and wish to bring your parent(s) to live permanently in the United States, you may file for a parent’s green card under the IR-5 visa category. At ILOLA, our experienced immigration attorneys guide families through every step of this process, from filing to approval.
Call now for a consultation: (213) 375-4084
Serving parents of U.S. citizens nationwide.
Who Is Eligible to Sponsor a Parent for a Green Card?
To bring a parent to the U.S. through the green card process:
- You must be a U.S. citizen, not just a permanent resident (green card holder).
- You must be at least 21 years old at the time of filing.
- You must have a valid legal parent-child relationship (biological or adoptive).
- You must be able to file Form I-130 and later meet the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) financial requirement.
Quick Green Card for Parents Facts
| Detail | Requirement |
| Sponsoring child’s status | U.S. citizen (age ≥ 21) |
| Parent’s age or location | Any age; either inside or outside U.S. |
| Relationship | Biological or legally adopted parent |
| Visas available | IR-5 category, unlimited quota for parent of U.S. citizen |
Green Card Process for Parents: Step by Step
Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
You begin by filing Form I-130 to establish your relationship to your parent and classify them in the IR category.
Step 2: Priority Date & Visa Availability
Although parents of U.S. citizens have immediate visa availability, the date USCIS receives your I-130 becomes the priority date. Processing times depend on your parent’s location and USCIS/Consular processing capacity.
Step 3: Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status
- Outside the U.S.: Parent applies at a U.S. embassy/consulate in their country (consular processing).
- Inside the U.S.: If eligible, parent files Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident.
Step 4: Green Card Interview & Decision
Both the U.S. citizen child and the parent may attend an interview. USCIS reviews documents, verifies the relationship, checks admissibility, and may address any complicating issues.
Step 5: Green Card Issuance
Upon approval, your parent becomes a lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”). They gain rights to live and work freely in the U.S.
Typical Timeline & Cost (2026)
- Average processing time: 12- 24 months (2026), though varies by consulate or USCIS field office. Check processing times at the USCIS.
- USCIS Filing fee: $675 for paper.
- Additional costs: Medical exam, translation of documents, travel for interview, etc.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Delays
| Issue | Why it occurs | How to prevent it |
| USC child Petitioner | Child must be ≥21 when filing; | File early; confirm age at submission |
| Criminal history or inadmissibility | Past offenses or immigration issues may block approval | Disclose issues upfront; consult attorney |
| Unsatisfied financial support (Form I-864) | Sponsor income below required threshold | Review finances ahead of time; consider joint sponsor |
| Missing / inconsistent documents | Missing birth/adoption certificates, translations, etc. | Gather all required docs; use attorney review |
| Choosing wrong pathway | Using adjustment when ineligible or vice-versa | Evaluate status (inside vs outside U.S.) and choose correctly |
To avoid issues, call ILOLA today to discuss your case at (213) 375-4084
Benefits of a Green Card for Parents of U.S. Citizens
- Permanent residency: Your parent can live in the U.S. indefinitely.
- Work authorization: No employer sponsorship needed, your parent may accept employment or volunteer.
- Access to services & benefits: Eligibility for education, healthcare, and social services.
- Travel flexibility: Green card holders can travel internationally and return with certain conditions.
- Pathway to citizenship: After 5 years (or less, in special cases), your parent may apply to naturalize.
- Family unity: Strengthen bonds and share life milestones together.
- Financial security: Green card status allows for property ownership, bank accounts, and long-term planning.
Why Choose ILOLA for Your Parent Green Card Case
At ILOLA, we’ve helped thousands of families successfully navigate the parent green card process. Here’s why our clients choose us:
- Dedicated attorney-lead consultation and case management.
- Full service representation from petition to green card issuance.
- Transparent pricing and realistic timelines.
- Highly rated with over 247 5.0-star reviews and hundreds of success stories.
- Free initial case review, call us today.
Call (213) 375-4084 or submit a contact form to start your parent’s immigration journey.
