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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

Bringing a parent to the United States as a lawful permanent resident is one of the most meaningful ways to reunite families. As a U.S. citizen, you can file a green card petition for your parent, but the process requires careful attention to detail to ensure a successful outcome. At Kasturi Law LLC, our Illinois immigration and naturalization attorney is here to guide you through every step of the journey.

Green Card Petition for a Parent

Step One: Determine Eligibility

Before filing a petition, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements:

  • You must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen.
  • Your parent must be your biological, adoptive, or stepparent. (For stepparents, the marriage to your biological parent must have occurred before your 18th birthday.)

Under U.S. immigration law, parents of U.S. citizens are considered “immediate relatives,” meaning there is no annual cap on the number of visas available.

Step Two: File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

The first step in the process is submitting Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the parent-child relationship.

Along with the form, include:

  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport).
  • Proof of your relationship with your parent (e.g., your birth certificate listing both parents, adoption decree, or marriage certificate for a stepparent).
  • Provide evidence of your parent’s identity (e.g., passport or birth certificate).
  • Filing fee (check the USCIS website for current fees).

Ensure that all documents are properly translated into English if necessary.

Step Three: Wait for USCIS Approval

Once the I-130 petition is submitted, USCIS will review it and issue a decision. Processing times vary, so check the USCIS website for updates. If additional evidence is required, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), which must be responded to promptly.

Step Four: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

The next steps depend on whether your parent is inside or outside the United States:

  • If outside the U.S.: Your parent will go through consular processing. USCIS will forward the approved I-130 petition to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will coordinate the next steps, including submitting Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and scheduling a consular interview.
  • If inside the U.S.: If your parent is lawfully present, they may file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) to obtain a green card without leaving the U.S.

Step Five: Attend the Interview

Whether through consular processing or adjustment of status, your parent will attend an interview where their eligibility and relationship to you will be verified. Be sure they bring all requested documents and evidence.

If all goes well, your parent will be approved for lawful permanent residence and issued a green card. For parents applying through consular processing, the green card will be mailed to their U.S. address after arrival. For those adjusting status, the green card will be sent following approval of Form I-485.

How Kasturi Law Can Help

Filing a green card petition for a parent is a rewarding but complex process. Mistakes or omissions can lead to delays or denials. At Kasturi Law LLC, we focus on family-based immigration and can guide you through every step, ensuring your petition is filed accurately and efficiently.

Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs. We’re here to meet you where it’s most convenient—whether in person, over the phone, or via Zoom. You can easily schedule a consultation through our online calendar, selecting a 30-minute or 60-minute session to fit your needs.