Green Card for Parents: How U.S. Citizens Petition for Mom or Dad
Updated October 31, 2026. Sources: USCIS.gov.
Not legal advice. GreenCardBlog.com is an independent information site, not a law firm and not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Immigration rules, fees and timelines change. Always confirm details on USCIS.gov and consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney about your situation.
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 can petition for a parent to get a green card. Parents of adult U.S. citizens are "immediate relatives", so there is no annual quota line. Green card holders cannot petition for parents. Source: USCIS: Bringing Parents to Live in the United States.
Who can petition
- You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.
- File a separate Form I-130 for each parent.
- Permanent residents (green card holders) may not petition for parents.
Documents USCIS lists
| Your situation | What USCIS asks for (with Form I-130) |
|---|---|
| Petitioning for your mother | Your birth certificate showing your name and your mother's name; naturalization certificate or U.S. passport if you were not born in the U.S. |
| Petitioning for your father | Your birth certificate showing both parents' names; your parents' civil marriage certificate; proof of citizenship if not born in the U.S. |
| Father, born out of wedlock, not legitimated before 18 | Birth certificate with your father's name, plus evidence an emotional or financial bond existed before you married or turned 21 |
| Step-parent or adoptive parent | Extra evidence applies (for example, when the marriage creating the step-relationship or the adoption took place); check the USCIS table |
Affidavit of support
You will generally need to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support and show income at or above the level in the HHS poverty guidelines (Form I-864P) for your household size, or use a joint sponsor.
Two paths after the I-130
| Where your parent is | Usual path |
|---|---|
| In the U.S. after a lawful admission or parole | May file Form I-485 to adjust status, often together with the I-130 |
| Outside the U.S. | After approval, the case goes to the National Visa Center and a U.S. consulate (consular processing) |
A parent who entered without inspection, overstayed for long periods, or has past removals or criminal history may face bars to a green card. That is when to talk to a lawyer before filing.
Costs
Check current filing fees for the I-130, I-485 and related forms on the USCIS fee schedule. See also what an immigration lawyer costs and our I-485 document checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Who can petition for a parent's green card?
You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old; File a separate Form I-130 for each parent; Permanent residents (green card holders) may not petition for parents.
What documents does USCIS ask for to sponsor a parent?
Petitioning for your mother: Your birth certificate showing your name and your mother's name; naturalization certificate or U.S. passport if you were not born in the U.S. Petitioning for your father: Your birth certificate showing both parents' names; your parents' civil marriage certificate; proof of citizenship if not born in the U.S.
Do I need an affidavit of support for my parent?
You will generally need to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support and show income at or above the level in the HHS poverty guidelines (Form I-864P) for your household size, or use a joint sponsor.
Can my parent adjust status in the U.S. or must they go through a consulate?
In the U.S. after a lawful admission or parole: May file Form I-485 to adjust status, often together with the I-130. Outside the U.S.: After approval, the case goes to the National Visa Center and a U.S. consulate (consular processing).
How much does it cost to sponsor a parent?
Check current filing fees for the I-130, I-485 and related forms on the USCIS fee schedule. See also what an immigration lawyer costs and our I-485 document checklist.
More green card guides
- How to Renew Your Green Card (Form I-90), Step by Step
- Green Card Renewal Fee: What Form I-90 Costs
- Green Card Replacement: Lost, Stolen or Damaged Card
- Green Card Through Marriage: The Process Explained
- I-751 Removal of Conditions: When and How to File
Request a free consultation with an immigration attorney
- Free
- No obligation
- Takes about a minute
- Independent attorneys
Tell us a little about your case and an independent immigration attorney may contact you about a free initial consultation.