How U.S. Citizens Bring Parents to the U.S.: Parent Green Card (IR5) —Forms, Proof, and Pitfalls (Updated 2025)

Becoming a U.S. citizen unlocks a powerful benefit: the ability to sponsor your parent(s) for permanent residence as immediate relatives. This guide covers eligibility, required forms and evidence, the two processing paths (adjustment vs. consular), realistic timelines, and the mistakes that slow cases down—using only official rules and terms.

Who can sponsor a parent green card (IR5)?

Only U.S. citizens age 21 or older can petition for a parent. Green card holders (also called Legal Permanent Residents or LPR’s)  cannot sponsor parents.. When a US citizen sponsors a parent, the parent is considered an “Immediate Relative” (IR). There are always visas available for IR’s, meaning that they do not have to wait years in a backlog to receive their green cards.

Please note that each parent requires a separate Relative Petition.

Step 1: Prove the relationship (Form I-130)

File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for each parent and include evidence of your U.S. citizenship and the parent-child relationship. Evidence varies by scenario (mother, married father, or father where the parents were never married). If your parents were not married and you’re petitioning for your father, USCIS may require proof of legitimation or evidence of a bona fide father–child relationship (showing emotional/financial ties) consistent with USCIS guidance and the I-130 Instructions. USCIS+1

Pathway A - Applying for the Green Card Inside the U.S.: Adjustment of Status (AOS)

If your parent is in the United States and was inspected and admitted or paroled, they may be eligible to file Form I-485 to adjust status—often together with the I-130 (“concurrent filing”) because visas are always available to immediate relatives. USCIS+2USCIS+2

Typical IR5 AOS packet includes:

• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). USCIS

• Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) from the petitioning U.S. citizen; a joint sponsor may add an I-864 if the petitioner’s income is insufficient. USCIS+1

• Form I-765 (EAD) so your parent may work after approval of the EAD (often filed under the pending-AOS category). Until the EAD is issued, they are not authorized to work. USCIS+1

• Form I-693 (medical exam): Effective Dec. 2, 2024, USCIS requires submitting Form I-693 (or the vaccination record portion) with the I-485 when the medical is required; otherwise, the I-485 may be rejected. USCIS+1

Important forgiveness rules for immediate relatives:

If your parent overstayed or worked without authorization, those bars generally do not apply to immediate relatives seeking AOS. However, a parent who last entered without inspection (EWI) typically cannot adjust under INA 245(a) unless they later receive parole or qualify under INA 245(i). Strategy here is case-specific and merits legal review. USCIS+2USCIS+2

Pathway B - Applying for the Green Card Outside the U.S.: Consular processing

If your parent is abroad, USCIS first adjudicates the I-130. After approval, the case is routed to the National Visa Center (NVC) for fee collection and document review, then to a U.S. embassy/consulate for the medical exam and immigrant visa interview. Follow the step-by-step process outlined by USCIS and the Department of State. USCISTravel.gov

Timelines: how to set accurate expectations

There’s no visa backlog for IR-category parents, but total time varies by USCIS office, NVC workload, consulate capacity, security checks, and case completeness. For the most accurate, current picture, use USCIS’s Check Case Processing Times tool for your form and office, and monitor your case notices. Avoid fixed promises—times move. USCISUSCIS

Because IR5 is an immediate relative category, there’s no quota wait for a parent green card (IR5), but total timing still depends on USCIS/NVC workload and case completeness, and may vary from 1 year on the faster side to 2years+ on the longer side.

Reunite or Legalize sooner—Start with a Free Consultation

Sponsoring a parent is both personal and procedural. With a clean, complete filing and the right strategy, this is one of the most direct paths in family immigration. If you’d like help assessing eligibility (including complex travel/status history), please schedule a consultation.

Global Talent Immigration offers free consultations for IR5 parent cases. In your consultation, we’ll confirm eligibility (including overstay/EWI nuances, 245(i), and parole options), map your filing strategy, and outline a realistic timeline.

→ Book my Free Consultation

This page is general information, not legal advice. A consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship.

FAQ: How U.S. Citizens Bring Parents to the U.S. (Updated 2025)

1) Who can sponsor a parent for a green card?

Only U.S. citizens age 21+ may petition parents; permanent residents cannot.

2) Is there a waiting list for parent visas?

No. Parents are “immediate relatives,” so visas are always available (no annual cap).

3) Do I need a separate petition for each parent?

Yes. File a separate Form I-130 for each parent. Immediate relatives don’t have derivative beneficiaries.

4) What if my parent is already in the U.S.?

If they were inspected and admitted or paroled, they may be eligible to file Form I-485 (often together with the I-130).

5) What if my parent entered without inspection (EWI)?

AOS generally isn’t available unless they qualify under INA 245(i) or later receive parole. It is imperative that you seek guidance from an experienced immigration attorney in this situation.

6) What evidence do I submit with the I-130?

Proof of your U.S. citizenship and the parent-child relationship. Father cases where parents weren’t married may need legitimation or proof of a bona fide father-child relationship.

7) Can my parent work while the I-485 is pending?

Yes—after USCIS approves the work permit. They cannot work until the card is issued.

8) Can my parent travel while the I-485 is pending?

Not without Advance Parole. Departing the U.S. without it generally abandons the I-485. It is not always advisable to travel based on immigration history. Speak with an attorney before traveling internationally.

9) Is the Affidavit of Support required?

Yes. File Form I-864; use a joint sponsor if income is insufficient.

10) Do we need a medical exam and when is it filed?

Yes. Submit Form I-693 with the I-485 per current USCIS filing guidance to avoid delays or rejection.

11) How long does this take?

There’s no quota wait, but processing varies. Check USCIS “Case Processing Times” for current estimates.

Official resources:

• USCIS — Bringing Parents to Live in the United States (IR5 overview). USCIS

• USCIS — Green Card for Immediate Relatives (visa always available; concurrent filing). USCIS

• USCIS — Concurrent Filing of Form I-485. USCIS

• USCIS Policy Manual — AOS eligibility (“inspected and admitted or paroled”). USCIS

• USCIS Policy Manual — Exceptions to status/unauthorized-employment bars for immediate relatives. USCIS+1

• USCIS — I-130 (file & instructions). USCIS+1

• USCIS — I-485 (adjustment) & Case Processing Times tool. USCISUSCIS

• USCIS — I-864 (Affidavit of Support) & overview. USCIS+1

• USCIS — Employment Authorization (EAD) & optional (c)(9) checklist. USCIS+1

• USCIS — I-693 Medical Exam (Dec. 2, 2024 filing policy). USCIS+1

• USCIS — Consular Processing (steps) & State Dept. NVC flow. USCISTravel.gov