Only a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can petition for a parent to live in the United States permanently. A green card holder cannot, according to USCIS. That rule is the first question to settle.
Why parents of citizens are treated differently
Parents of adult U.S. citizens are Immediate relativeSpouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. These categories are not subject to annual numerical limits.See it in the glossary. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, immediate relatives are not subject to the annual numerical limits that apply to family preference categories. That is why there is no visa queue by category and country, though processing still takes time. See our comparison of immediate relatives and family preference.
How the process works
It is a two-step process. First, the citizen files Form I-130Petition for Alien Relative, filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with an intending immigrant.See it in the glossary for the parent and USCIS decides whether the relationship is proven. Second, a parent outside the United States goes to a U.S. consulate to complete Immigrant visaA visa issued at a consulate to a person intending to live permanently in the United States. On admission the holder becomes a permanent resident.See it in the glossary processing. A parent who is in the United States and eligible may apply to adjust status on Form I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the form used to apply for a green card from inside the United States.See it in the glossary, and in some cases can file at the same time as the petition.
The petitioner’s obligations
Family-based immigrants generally need a financial sponsor. The PetitionerThe person or employer who files a petition on behalf of a beneficiary, such as a relative filing an I-130 or an employer filing an I-140.See it in the glossary submits an Affidavit of supportForm I-864, in which a sponsor promises to financially support an intending immigrant so that the immigrant is not likely to rely on public benefits.See it in the glossary, promising to support the parent at the required level. The parent must also meet health, security and Public chargeA ground of inadmissibility for applicants an officer finds likely at any time to become a public charge. For Form I-485 filings on or after September 18, 2026, USCIS guidance lets officers weigh a wider range of means-tested public benefits, not only cash assistance.See it in the glossary requirements. A new public charge standard began on September 18, as we explain in our report.
Why a visit is not the same
Visiting on a tourist visa is temporary. Entering with a plan to stay permanently raises an intent problem, described in our intent explainer. Do not treat a visitor visa as a shortcut to a green card.
What to check now
State Department operations can change scheduling. It paused immigrant visa interviews worldwide on August 25, 2026, per our coverage, so confirm the current status with the consulate handling the case. For the process choices when a parent is already in the country, see adjusting status versus consular processing.