Family visas

Do I Have To Live In The US To Sponsor My Parents?

Even if you don't currently reside in the US, you can sponsor your parents for a green card if you have one. There will be more requirements.

VisaApplications Editorial Team 28 Apr 2023Updated 11 May 20262 min read

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Immigration rules, fees and processing times change. This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official United States government website before you apply.

If you're curious about sponsoring your parents, you are in the right place. Many people worry if they must reside in the US to sponsor their parents. This post will look at the answer to that question and provide you some extra details that might be useful.

Do You Need To Be A US Citizen To Be A Sponsor?

Let's start by discussing if being a US citizen is required to sponsor your parents. Yes. To sponsor your parents for a green card you must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for their parents.

Second, even if you currently live abroad, as a U.S. citizen you can still sponsor your parents, but you must show that you have, or will re-establish, a domicile (principal residence) in the United States by the time they immigrate.

Lastly, you must satisfy conditions before applying to sponsor your parents for a green card. You must be 21 years old at least, in good financial standing, and able to show documentation of your parental relationship.

How would you go about getting your parents a green card?

You must take a few steps when you are prepared to start sponsoring your parents for a green card. They consist of going to a US immigration officer interview, supporting your parents financially, and completing an immigrant petition for them.

What is the duration of the procedure?

Finishing sponsoring your parents for a green card can take a while. However, it often requires 12 to 18 months.

Do you have to pay anything to sponsor your parents?

There are costs involved with applying for a green card on your parents' behalf. There is a filing fee for the immigration petition and additional costs for things like the biometrics appointment and the medical test.

To conclude, you are not required to live in the United States to sponsor your parents for a green card. Even if you don't currently reside in the US, you can still sponsor your parents with a green card. You must, however, meet a few standards, and there are costs involved in the procedure.

FAQ

If I'm not a citizen of the United States, may I sponsor my parents?

You cannot sponsor your parents unless you are a U.S. citizen; lawful permanent residents cannot petition for their parents.