Green Card for Parents

Bringing your parents to live permanently in the United States is one of the most meaningful ways to reunite your family.

At Global Hearts United, we help U.S. citizens throughout Arizona navigate the process of applying for a green card for their parents with clarity, care, and confidence. From filing the initial petition to preparing for consular processing or adjustment of status, we guide you every step of the way.

Who Can Apply for a Green Card for Parents?

U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their parents for lawful permanent residence.

Parents of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives, which means:

• There are no annual visa limits
• Processing is generally faster than other family categories

This makes the process one of the most direct paths to obtaining a green card for eligible parents.

How to Apply for a Green Card for Parents

The process begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.

From there, the path depends on where your parent is located:

If Your Parent Is Outside the United States (Consular Processing)

• I-130 approval
• Case transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC)
• Submission of financial and civil documents
• Immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate
• Entry to the U.S. with an immigrant visa
• Green card mailed after arrival

If Your Parent Is Inside the United States (Adjustment of Status)

• File I-130 and I-485 together (in most cases)
• Attend biometrics appointment
• Complete medical exam
• Attend green card interview (if required)
• Receive green card approval

We help determine the best path for your family and ensure everything is filed correctly.

What Documents Are Needed to Sponsor Your Parents?

Applying for a green card for your parents requires strong documentation, including:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport or birth certificate)
• Parent’s birth certificate
• Proof of relationship (such as your birth certificate listing your parents)
• Marriage certificates (if applicable)
• Financial documents for the Affidavit of Support (I-864)
• Civil documents (police certificates, passports, etc.)

Our team ensures your documentation is complete, accurate, and properly submitted to avoid delays.

Understanding the Affidavit of Support (I-864)

When you sponsor a parent, you must show that you have sufficient income to support them financially.

This is done through Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which requires:

• Income at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines
• Recent tax returns and proof of employment
• Evidence of assets (if needed)

If your income does not meet the requirement, a joint sponsor may be used. We help structure your financial evidence to meet USCIS requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card for Parents?

Processing times can vary, but most cases take 10 to 18 months from start to finish.

Factors that affect timing include:

• USCIS processing times
• National Visa Center review
• Consulate interview availability
• Case complexity

We help keep your case on track and minimize unnecessary delays.

Why Hire a Lawyer to Apply for a Green Card for Parents?

While the process may seem straightforward, even small mistakes can lead to delays or denials.

At Global Hearts United, we:

• Prepare and file your application on your behalf
• Ensure all supporting documents are accurate and complete
• Guide you through consular processing or adjustment of status
• Help you meet Affidavit of Support requirements
• Prepare you for any interviews

We understand that this process is about more than paperwork—it’s about bringing your family together.

Common Challenges When Sponsoring Parents

Some cases may face complications such as:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Financial eligibility issues
• Prior immigration history concerns
• Delays at the National Visa Center or consulate

We proactively address these issues to help avoid disruptions in your case.

Serving Families Across Arizona

Our office is based in Scottsdale, and we proudly serve clients throughout Arizona, including Phoenix and surrounding communities.

No matter where your parents are located, we can guide you through the process with care and clarity.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are looking to apply for a green card for your parents, we are here to help.

Let Global Hearts United guide you through the process and help reunite your family.

Schedule your consultation today to get started.

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