One of the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen is the ability to petition for your parents to immigrate legally. But what does the process involve, and how long does it take?
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen (green card holders cannot petition for parents)
- You must file separate petitions for each parent
Steps to Petition for Your Parents:
- File Form I-130
- One I-130 per parent (mother and father)
- Include proof of your citizenship and your relationship
- Submit Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- You must prove you can support your parents financially
- Process Depends on Parent’s Location:
- Inside U.S.: File I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Outside U.S.: Wait for consular processing at U.S. embassy
Timeline:
- Since parents of U.S. citizens are classified as immediate relatives, there’s no visa cap
- Entire process can take 12–18 months, depending on USCIS and consular backlogs
Additional Notes:
- Parents become eligible for work authorization and green cards
- They cannot bring derivative relatives (e.g., your siblings) under this petition
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