As a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, bringing your parents to live in the United States may be one of your biggest wishes. As immediate relatives, parents of U.S. citizens have a streamlined path to permanent residency, but it still requires careful preparation. However, bringing family members into the U.S. is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of paperwork, eligibility requirements, and processing delays; even minor mistakes can result in setbacks.

Having a good knowledge of which visa options are available for parents and how U.S. immigration law applies to your situation is the first step. More importantly, having the right legal guidance from a family immigration lawyer can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful process. In this guide, we’ll cover how to guide your parents through the travel visa application, help them prepare for the visa interview, and more.

How to Bring a Parent to the US

1. Confirm Eligibility

For you to bring a parent into the U.S. as a sponsor, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. A green card holder is not eligible to sponsor a parent.

You’ll need official documents proving your relationship with the parent; e.g., birth certificate, adoption decree, marriage certificate, and other important official documents must be submitted. No document must be missing or incorrect. This can lead to delays or denial.

2. Gather Supporting Documentation

Before submitting your application, it’s essential to collect all necessary documents that establish a valid parent-child relationship. These supporting materials will vary depending on your family situation and your parent’s location, but generally include:

i. A copy of your birth certificate, showing your name and your parents’ names
ii. A copy of your U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization (if you were not born in the U.S.)
iii. If you are petitioning for your father, you must also include your parents’ civil marriage certificate

Additional documents may be required depending on whether your parent is a stepparent, adoptive parent, or if name changes have occurred.

3. Submit Your Petition and Affidavit of Support

Once your documentation is prepared, the next step is to file Form I‑130, the Petition for Alien Relative. This form officially begins the immigration process by requesting that the U.S. government recognize your parent as eligible for a green card.

In addition to Form I‑130, you will need to submit Form I‑864, the Affidavit of Support. This legally binding document demonstrates that you (or a joint sponsor) have sufficient financial means to support your parent once they arrive in the U.S., ensuring they won’t become dependent on government assistance.

Required financial documents for the I‑864 include your most recent federal tax return, W‑2s or 1099s, recent pay stubs, and proof of current employment.

Whether your parent is inside or outside the United States will determine the next step. There are two main pathways to permanent residence:

Option 1: Adjustment of Status (If Your Parent Is Already in the U.S.)

If your parent is currently in the U.S. and entered lawfully (typically on a tourist or other nonimmigrant visa), you may file for Adjustment of Status using Form I‑485.

Supporting documents required include:

1. Passport and I‑94 record (proof of lawful entry)
2. Copy of your I‑130 receipt or approval notice
3. Parent’s address and employment history for the past five years
4. Details of previous marriages (if applicable)

You should also submit:

1. Form I‑765, Application for Employment Authorization
2. Form I‑131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)

These applications allow your parent to work legally and travel in emergencies while their green card is pending. Be advised that travel should be avoided unless urgent, to prevent abandonment of the application.

Option 2: Consular Processing (If Your Parent Is Abroad)

If your parent is still living in their home country, you will pursue consular processing. After USCIS approves the I‑130 petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), which coordinates with the U.S. consulate or embassy in your parent’s country.

Once a visa becomes available, the NVC will request:

1. Form DS‑260, the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application
2. An updated Affidavit of Support (I‑864) with current supporting documents

Your parent will then attend a visa interview at the U.S. consulate, where they will present medical examination results and any remaining civil documents.

4. Medical and Immigration Eligibility

Before parents can be approved for a green card, they must pass a medical exam and be deemed eligible under U.S. immigration law.

Medical Exam: Required for all applicants, includes physical exam, vaccinations, TB screening, and disease testing. It must be conducted by an approved physician and submitted sealed to USCIS or the consulate.

Health-Related Inadmissibility: Conditions like active TB, mental disorders with harmful behavior, or drug abuse may make a parent inadmissible. Legal waivers may be available in qualifying cases.

Immigration Violations: Past overstays, visa fraud, or unlawful entry can trigger 3- or 10-year bars. A waiver may be possible if denying the green card would cause extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen sponsor.

Criminal History: Certain criminal convictions can complicate or block the application. Legal strategies include presenting rehabilitation evidence, expungements, or requesting discretionary waivers.

5. The Visa Interview and Entry to the U.S.

Whether applying through adjustment of status or consular processing, your parent will be required to attend an immigration interview. This takes place either at a local USCIS field office (for applicants already in the U.S.) or at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

If the interview is successful, for consular processing, your parent will receive an immigrant visa and a sealed visa packet.

Upon arrival in the U.S., your parent must present this packet to a Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry, and once admitted, the green card will be mailed to your parent’s U.S. address within a few weeks. At that point, your parent will become a lawful permanent resident, authorized to live, work, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

Common Mistakes You May Face in Bringing a Parent to the U.S.

– Weak or inconsistent documentation: Ensure every document (e.g., birth and marriage records) is thorough and properly translated.
– Insufficient income or joint sponsor needed: Evaluate assets, household income, and prepare your affidavit meticulously.
– Processing delays & RFEs: Have a good legal representative to help you manage deadlines, preemptively address potential issues, and prepare solid responses to Requests for Evidence.
– Medical and background ineligibility: Be advised on waived conditions and next steps for minor health or criminal concerns.

FAQ: Common Questions From Clients On How to Bring a Parent to the U.S.

Final Thought On How to Bring a Parent to the US

Many families attempt to handle the process on their own, only to face unexpected delays, denials, or complications. U.S. immigration law is complex, and even a small mistake can result in rejection, denial, or the need to start over. Reuniting with your parent should be rewarding, not overwhelming. At The Law Office of John Nwosu, we understand the emotional significance of reuniting families. We will help you to prepare complete and accurate petitions to avoid delays, and also navigate issues related to financial sponsorship, documentation, and embassy interviews.

Contact us for a consultation, and let us help bring your parent home to you.