Petition for Parents: Bringing Your Mother or Father Home

Petition for Parents: Bringing Your Mother or Father Home Only a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 can petition for a parent. Parents of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives, so they are not subject to an annual visa-number wait. Green card holders cannot petition for parents. You generally file Form I-130 with proof of U.S. citizenship and the parent-child relationship. For a father, additional documents may be required depending on your parents' marital status and your specific relationship. Who Can Petition for a Parent? You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. Lawful permanent residents cannot petition for their parents. What Documents Are Needed? For a mother, you generally provide your birth certificate showing your relationship and proof of U.S. citizenship. For a father, you may also need your parents' marriage certificate or other evidence establishing the legal parent-child relationship. Step-parent and adoptive-parent cases require additional documentation. How Does the Process Work? File Form I-130 with USCIS and the required supporting documents. If your parent lives abroad, the approved petition generally proceeds through the National Visa Center and U.S. consulate. If your parent is already in the United States and eligible, they may be able to apply for adjustment of status. Affidavit of Support and Fees The petitioner generally must submit an Affidavit of Support and meet the applicable financial requirements. A qualifying joint sponsor may be available if necessary. USCIS filing fees can change, so check the current fee before filing. Petitioning for a parent may be relatively straightforward, but the required evidence depends on your exact family relationship and your parent's circumstances. Lincoln-Goldfinch Law - Abogados de Inmigración 14150 Huffmeister Rd Ste 200, Cypress, TX 77429 (346) 585-2335 https://www.lincolngoldfinch.com/our-locations/cypress/