Can a green card holder sponsor their parents?
Key Takeaways
- Only U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can sponsor their parents for a green card.
- Green card holders can sponsor certain family members—but not parents.
- Sponsoring requires meeting income, documentation, and residency requirements.
- Alternative immigration options include employment, diversity visas, or investment programs.
How do U.S. citizens sponsor their parents?
If you're a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old, you can petition for your parents to become lawful permanent residents. The process starts with filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to establish the family relationship. If your parent is already in the U.S., you can file for adjustment of status using Form I-485. The case will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy if they're abroad.
This process applies only to biological or legally adoptive parents—not stepparents unless the relationship meets specific legal conditions.
Basic requirements for green card holders to sponsor a family member
As a green card holder, you can sponsor certain relatives—but parents aren’t one of them. For those family members you are eligible to sponsor (such as spouses or unmarried children), you must meet several criteria:
- Prove permanent resident status: Show your valid green card and evidence of continuous residence in the U.S.
- Meet income requirement level: Have a household income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size.
- Submit family relationship documentation: Include birth certificates, marriage records, or adoption documents that confirm the relationship.
- File complete sponsorship forms: Accurately complete Form I-130 and Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with all necessary documentation.
- Maintain primary U.S. residence: Prove that you live in the U.S. and haven't abandoned your status by spending extended periods abroad.
Alternatives to family-based sponsorship
If you're a green card holder who wants to help your parents immigrate—but can’t sponsor them yet—there are other legal pathways they may qualify for:
- Pursue employment-based immigration: If your parent has valuable skills and a job offer from a U.S. employer, they may qualify for a work-based green card.
- Seek a diversity visa program: If your parents' country has low U.S. immigration numbers, they may be eligible for the annual Diversity Visa Lottery.
- Consider special immigration categories: Certain programs offer green cards to religious workers, crime victims, or people who have helped the U.S. government.
- Review investment visa options: The EB-5 visa allows people who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business to apply for permanent residence.
- Apply through educational pathways: If your parent qualifies as a student, they might enter the U.S. on a student visa and explore legal options from there.
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How long can green card holders sponsor their parents?
Unfortunately, green card holders cannot sponsor their parents for permanent residence. This right is reserved only for U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old.
If your goal is bringing your parents to live with you in the U.S., your best path forward is first applying for U.S. citizenship. Once naturalized, you can petition for your parents immediately—as they’re considered “immediate relatives,” there’s no annual visa cap or long waiting list.
In the meantime, you could explore temporary solutions, such as tourist visas, if your parents only want to visit. In some cases, humanitarian or medical-based immigration options may also be available.
Why you should consider a lawyer for family sponsorship
Family immigration rules can be confusing—especially when trying to help a loved one come to the U.S. If you’re a green card holder unsure of your options, or a U.S. citizen ready to petition for a parent, an immigration lawyer can guide you through each step. Marble Law’s team can help you understand timelines, gather proper documentation, and avoid costly errors. Whether you’re applying for a parent’s green card or navigating alternatives, having the right legal support can make all the difference.
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