Welcome to Wogwu Law, where we're passionate about reuniting families through the U.S. immigration system. If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident looking to bring your parents to live with you in the United States, you're in the right place. Obtaining a Green Card for parents can seem overwhelming, but with our guidance, it’s a journey we'll overcome together, making it as smooth and understandable as possible.

What is a Green Card for Parents?

A Green Card, or Permanent Resident Card, is the key to unlocking a life in the United States for your parents. It grants them the legal right to live, work, and enjoy life in the U.S. alongside their family. We understand the emotional value behind this process and are here to ensure that your dream of having your parents close becomes a reality.

Who Can Apply for a Parental Green Card?

The process of applying for a Parental Green Card in the United States is exclusively available to U.S. citizens who wish to bring their parents to live permanently in the U.S. This pathway to family reunification is not an option for permanent residents (Green Card holders). Let's delve into the specifics of who can apply and the requirements they must meet:

1. Age Requirement for the U.S. Citizen Sponsor: To be eligible to sponsor a parent for a Green Card, the U.S. citizen must be at least 21. This age requirement ensures that the sponsor is legally considered an adult and capable of sponsoring a family member for permanent residency.
2. Proof of Relationship Between the U.S. Citizen and the Parents: 
   1. The U.S. citizen sponsor must provide documentary evidence to establish their relationship with the parent(s) they are sponsoring. This is typically done through birth certificates.
   2. The birth certificate of the U.S. citizen should clearly show the parents' names. In cases where the names on the birth certificate do not match the current names of the parents (due to reasons like name changes, adoption, etc.), additional legal documentation may be required to prove the relationship.
   3. In situations involving step-parents or adoptive parents, additional documents like marriage certificates, adoption decrees, or court documents may be necessary to establish the parental relationship.
3. Financial Stability of the U.S. Citizen Sponsor:
   1. The sponsor must demonstrate their financial capacity to support their parents. This is a critical requirement to ensure that the sponsored parents will not become a public charge, which means dependent on government assistance for their livelihood.
   2. To prove financial stability, the U.S. citizen must file an Affidavit of Support, typically using Form I-864. This form legally obligates the sponsor to support their parents financially.
   3. The sponsor must show that their income is at least 125% above the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, including the sponsored parent(s). This requirement ensures the sponsor has sufficient resources to support their family and the additional members they are sponsoring.
   4. In cases where the sponsor’s income does not meet the required threshold, they may use the assets or a joint sponsor to meet the requirement.
4. Sponsor’s Legal Status and Residence:
   1. The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen living in the United States or a U.S. territory. If the U.S. citizen is living abroad, they must prove that they will establish a residence in the U.S. when their parents arrive.
   2. The sponsor must hold a valid U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad as proof of their U.S. citizenship.