The journey to bringing your parents to the United States is one of the most significant steps a family can take. U.S. immigration law allows adult citizens to petition for their parents to obtain lawful permanent residence (Green Card). Since parents are considered “Immediate Relatives,” they are exempt from numerical visa quotas, making the pathway relatively straightforward—if handled correctly.
Critical Requirements for Sponsorship
To act as a sponsor for your mother or father, the following criteria must be met:
- U.S. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) do not have the legal standing to petition for parents.
- The 21-Year Age Rule: You must be at least 21 years of age before you can file the petition.
- Financial Responsibility: You must demonstrate the ability to support your parents financially. This requires filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, proving your income meets or exceeds 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Understanding the Procedure
- Step 1: Establishing the Relationship: Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to prove the parent-child link.
- Step 2: Choosing the Pathway: If the parent is legally in the U.S., they may apply via Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). If they are abroad, they will undergo Consular Processing.
- Step 3: Medical Exam & Interview: All applicants must pass a medical examination and attend an interview with a government officer to confirm eligibility.
Yellow Law: Your Partner in Family Reunification Navigating USCIS regulations can be overwhelming. At Yellow Law, we specialize in simplifying the complex immigration landscape for our clients. We ensure your application is robust, legally sound, and optimized for success. Contact us today to bring your family together:
📧 Email: contact@yellow.law





