Summary
The process of petitioning for your parents can be complex, time-sensitive, and filled with legal nuances. As a family-based immigration attorney serving all 50 states, I’ve helped hundreds of families reunite across borders. In this post, I’ll break down the process, timeline, and key requirements—and explain why hiring an immigration attorney can make all the difference.
Petitioning for your parents can be complex, time-sensitive, and filled with legal nuances. As a family-based immigration attorney serving in all 50 states, I’ve helped hundreds of families reunite across borders. In this post, I’ll break down the process, timeline, and key requirements—and explain why hiring an immigration attorney can make all the difference.
Who Can Petition for Their Parents?
Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can petition for their parents (biological or adoptive). Green card holders (
permanent residents) are not eligible to sponsor their parents until they become citizens.
Step-by-Step Process to Petition Your Parents
File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- You’ll need to submit:
- Form I-130 for each parent (file separately)
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate)
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate showing your parent’s name, adoption documents if applicable)
- Tip: Make sure all documents are accurate and translated if not in English.
USCIS Processing
Once submitted, USCIS reviews the petition and sends a Receipt Notice (I-797C). After several months, they’ll either:
Approve the petition and send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) if the parent is abroad
Or move forward with Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if the parent is already in the U.S. legally
Current processing times can range from 8 to 16 months depending on the case and location. (This is one reason many clients choose legal help—to avoid delays or rejections due to missing details.)
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
You’ll also need to show that you can financially support your parents to prevent them from becoming a public charge. This form requires:
Tax returns
Employment letter or pay stubs
Proof of income above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Medical Exam and Interview
If your parent is outside the U.S., they’ll attend an interview at the U.S. consulate in their home country. They must also undergo a medical exam by an approved physician.
If they are inside the U.S., the interview may be scheduled at a local USCIS field office (e.g., in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City).
Can My Parents Stay While the Petition Is Pending?
If your parent is already in the U.S. legally (on a visa like B-2), they may be eligible to adjust status without leaving the country. But if they entered without inspection or overstayed a visa, consult an attorney immediately—your case could involve legal risks like inadmissibility or waivers.
Easy Mistakes to Make
- Filing incorrect or incomplete documents
- Not translating foreign documents properly
- Submitting a joint petition (each parent requires their own I-130)
- Misunderstanding public charge rules or affidavit requirements
- Missing visa appointment deadlines from the NVC
- Even a small error can cause months of delay or a denial—especially under today’s immigration scrutiny.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney?
As immigration policies continue to shift in 2025, working with an attorney ensures:
- Your documents are accurate and complete
- You don’t miss deadlines or legal nuances
- You get professional guidance for any unexpected issues (inadmissibility, missing documents, criminal records)
- At our Las Vegas-based firm, we’ve helped families from Mexico, the Philippines, India, and beyond navigate the parent petition process smoothly. Whether your parents are in Utah, Nevada, or abroad—we’re here to help you reunite safely and legally.
2025 Update: Processing Times and Trends
USCIS is working through COVID-19 backlogs, and certain petitions are moving faster than expected. However, interview backlogs at U.S. consulates still affect timelines—especially in countries with high demand. We monitor these updates daily to guide our clients more effectively.
Pro tip: File sooner rather than later, especially if a parent is aging or has health conditions. Priority dates can change.
Ready to Bring Your Parents to the U.S.?
Family means everything—and your parents deserve to be with you. Don’t risk delays, denials, or costly mistakes by navigating this process alone.
📞 Call our Las Vegas immigration office today! for a free case evaluation. We proudly serve families across all 50 States —and we’re ready to help yours.
👉 Schedule Your Consultation Now
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