Parent Green Card · Adjustment of Status
Help your parent build their life in America.
As a U.S. citizen, you have the power to sponsor one of the most meaningful Green Cards there is. CitizenKit makes the process clear, guided, and done right.
- Built on official USCIS.gov guidance
- Plain-language, step-by-step
- Full 10-year Green Card — no conditions
- No attorney fees required
About This Kit
Sponsoring your parent for a Green Card — in plain English
If your parent is living inside the United States right now, you — as a U.S. citizen — can file the paperwork to make them a permanent resident without them ever having to leave the country. This is called Adjustment of Status (AOS).
It means your parent's immigration status shifts from temporary to permanent — the right to live and work in the U.S. for good. Parents of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives, so there is no waiting list and no annual cap. And unlike spousal Green Cards, there is no conditional period — your parent receives a full 10-year Green Card upon approval.
Eligibility
Is this the right path?
This case type is the right fit when all of the following are true:
- ✓
You (the child) are a U.S. citizen
Only U.S. citizens — not Green Card holders — can sponsor a parent as an immediate relative. You must have U.S. citizenship at the time of filing.
- ✓
You are at least 21 years old
U.S. citizens under 21 cannot petition for a parent. You must be at least 21 at the time you file.
- ✓
Your parent is currently inside the United States
Adjustment of Status is for parents who are already in the US. If your parent is abroad, they would need to go through consular processing instead.
- ✓
Your parent entered the US legally
They must have been inspected and admitted or paroled by a border officer. If your parent entered without inspection, AOS may not be available to them.
- ✓
You can meet the financial sponsorship requirement
Your income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. A joint sponsor can help if your income falls short.
The Process
What happens from start to finish
- 1
You File the Sponsorship Petition (I-130)
You — the U.S. citizen child — file Form I-130 to establish the parent-child relationship and confirm your US citizenship as the petitioner. Because parents are immediate relatives, you can file this at the same time as the Green Card application.
- 2
Your Parent Files for Their Green Card (I-485)
Your parent submits Form I-485 to formally request permanent resident status. This is the core application — covering their background, immigration history, and basis for filing. It is filed together with your I-130 in the same packet.
- 3
You File the Financial Support Promise (I-864)
You sign Form I-864 — a legally binding commitment to financially support your parent so they will not rely on government assistance. Your income must meet at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size.
- 4
Biometrics Appointment for Your Parent
After filing, USCIS will schedule your parent for a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints and a photo for background checks. This happens at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
- 5
Medical Exam (I-693)
Your parent must visit a USCIS-approved civil surgeon for a required health screening. CitizenKit provides step-by-step guidance on finding a civil surgeon using the official USCIS locator at uscis.gov. The sealed results are included in the filing packet.
- 6
Interview at Your Local USCIS Field Office
Most parent AOS cases include an in-person interview. Your parent attends, and you may be asked to come as well. USCIS will verify the parent-child relationship and review the application.
- 7
Approval & Full 10-Year Green Card by Mail
Once approved, your parent receives their Green Card in the mail. Unlike the spousal process, there is no conditional period — parents of U.S. citizens receive a full 10-year Green Card right away. No second filing needed.
Forms & Documents
Every form you need — already in your kit
Petition for Alien Relative
Your formal sponsorship of your parent. Establishes the parent-child relationship and confirms your US citizenship. Filed concurrently with the I-485.
Green Card Application
Your parent's formal request to become a Lawful Permanent Resident. The most detailed form in the package — covering background, history, and admissibility.
Affidavit of Support
Your legally binding financial promise to support your parent. Must show 125%+ of federal poverty guidelines for your household.
Work Permit Application
Allows your parent to work legally while the Green Card is pending. Free when filed with the I-485. Optional but most applicants include it.
Medical Exam & Vaccination Record
Required health screening by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. CitizenKit guides you to find one nearby using the official USCIS locator.
The CitizenKit
Two people. One organized packet. Done right.
Guides Parent & Child Separately
Your questionnaire has a dedicated section for the sponsoring child and a separate section for the parent applicant. Each person only sees questions relevant to their role.
All 4 Required Forms, Pre-Filled
I-130, I-485, I-864, and I-765 — all populated from your answers, correctly formatted, and ready to print and sign.
Personalized Document Checklist
A tailored list of every supporting document both of you need to gather, based on your specific situation.
Organized, Mail-Ready Packet
Cover sheet, forms in USCIS order, sign-here guide, correct mailing address, and complete filing instructions.
Civil Surgeon Guidance
Step-by-step instructions for finding a USCIS-approved civil surgeon and completing the required medical exam.
Case Support Specialist Included
Every kit includes access to a Case Support Specialist who can answer questions about your specific case.
FAQ
Common questions about parent AOS
- Does my parent need to leave the US to get their Green Card?
- No. Adjustment of Status allows your parent to apply for their Green Card without leaving the country, as long as they are currently inside the United States and entered legally. This is the entire purpose of the AOS process.
- What if my parent entered as a tourist and overstayed their visa?
- Unlike some other immigrant categories, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — including parents — can often still adjust status even after a visa overstay. However, individual circumstances vary. CitizenKit is designed for straightforward cases. If your parent has prior removal orders or other complex history, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
- Will my parent get a 2-year or 10-year Green Card?
- Parents of U.S. citizens always receive a full 10-year Green Card upon approval. The conditional 2-year card only applies to spouses. There is no second filing required for parents.
- Do I need to be at the interview with my parent?
- Most parent AOS cases include an in-person interview at the local USCIS field office. Your parent will attend, and USCIS may ask you — the U.S. citizen child — to attend as well to verify the parent-child relationship. CitizenKit prepares you both for what to expect.
- What is the income requirement for the Affidavit of Support (I-864)?
- As the petitioner, your income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size (including the parent you are sponsoring). If your income falls short, you can use a joint sponsor — another person who meets the income requirement and agrees to co-sign the I-864.
Ready to help your parent build their life here?
Take the free Kit Finder Quiz to confirm this is the right kit for your situation.