Green Card for Parents — Immigration Attorney in Chicago
U.S. citizens who are 21 years or older can sponsor their parents for permanent residence (green cards) as immediate relatives, meaning there is no visa number waiting period. At Liberum Law, our immigration attorneys in Chicago help families reunite by preparing and filing I-130 petitions for parents.
The parent green card process involves filing an I-130 petition establishing the parent-child relationship, adjustment of status (I-485) if the parent is in the U.S. or consular processing if abroad, gathering evidence including birth certificates, citizenship proof, and financial support documentation (I-864 Affidavit of Support), and attending a USCIS interview or consular interview.
Our attorneys handle cases involving both married and unmarried parents, step-parents (if the marriage creating the step-relationship occurred before the child turned 18), and adoptive parents (if the adoption was finalized before the child turned 16). We also address complications such as prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, and inadmissibility grounds.
Contact our immigration attorneys at Liberum Law for a free consultation about sponsoring your parents for green cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sponsor a parent for a green card?
Only U.S. citizens age 21 or older can petition for their parents. Parents qualify as immediate relatives — no quota, no wait. LPR (green card holder) children cannot petition for parents.
How long does a parent green card take?
Typically 12–18 months from filing Form I-130 to the parent receiving a green card (either through consular processing abroad or adjustment of status if already lawfully present in the U.S.).
Do I need to show income to sponsor my parent?
Yes. The petitioning child must file Form I-864 Affidavit of Support showing household income at least 125% of the federal poverty line for the household size. If income falls short, a joint sponsor or substantial assets can help meet the requirement.
Can stepparents and adoptive parents qualify?
Yes — stepparents qualify if the marriage creating the relationship occurred before the petitioner's 18th birthday. Adoptive parents qualify if the adoption occurred before the petitioner's 16th birthday and certain residency requirements were met.
Can both parents come together?
Yes — file separate I-130 petitions for each parent. Both parents are immediate relatives if the petitioner is a U.S. citizen age 21+. They can apply together at the consulate or adjust status together if both are in the U.S.
