Green Card Petition for Parents
As a U.S citizen, you can petition your parents (mother and father) to live and work in the United States as permanent residents. The process starts with a family petition (Form I-130). This Form I-130 Petition for parents must be submitted with proof of the family relationship and payment of the government fees.
Petitioners must be U.S. citizens and at least 21 years old. A petitioner can also submit a green card petition for stepparents. Green card holders cannot petition their parents. Green card holders must apply for and be granted U.S. citizenship before applying for a green card for parents. You can read more about applying for United States citizenship by clicking here.
Process of a Green Card Petition for Parents
In order to apply for a green card for your parents, you must submit evidence of the family relationship, disclose whether they were married at the time of your birth, and show evidence of a parent-child relationship between you and your parents while growing up. The Form I-130 petition for parents must be properly completed and the correct USCIS fees must be included.
Once the petition is submitted, you will receive a receipt showing that USCSI accepted your petition. However, USCIS will still have a final decision on the petition. Once the petition is decided, USCIS will send you a notice informing you of their decision in writing.
If your parents are in the United States, they can apply for a green card (adjustment of status) while in the U.S. Otherwise, the petition will be sent to the Department of State, National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing.