Family Green Card Lawyer Guide: Requirements and Application Process

If you are a U.S. citizen and want to sponsor your parent for a green card, understanding the process from the start is essential. This Parent Green Card Lawyer Guide explains how U.S. citizens can petition for their parents to become lawful permanent residents, what eligibility requirements apply, and what to expect at each stage of the process. Because parent green card cases involve detailed documentation, financial sponsorship requirements, and coordination with USCIS and U.S. embassies or consulates, working with an experienced parent green card lawyer can help ensure the case is prepared correctly and avoid unnecessary delays.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Parent of US Citizen living outside the United States

If you are a U.S. citizen and your parent is living outside the United States, the process of obtaining a green card is called consular processing. This means your parent will apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, rather than filing for adjustment of status inside the U.S. Understanding how consular processing works can help you prepare for timelines, documentation, and potential challenges along the way.

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Step 1: Family Petition

The consular processing journey begins by filing a family petition with USCIS, using Form I-130. This step is designed to establish that a valid, bona fide family relationship exists between the U.S. citizen petitioner and the foreign national parent. At this stage, USCIS is not evaluating finances, prior immigration history, or admissibility. The sole focus is whether the family relationship is real.​ To support the petition, we submit identification documents such as birth certificates and passports, along with evidence showing an ongoing family relationship. ​​​​

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Attorney Fee: $1500

✓ Processing Time: 6–13 months.

✓ Payment plans available in up to three installments, with a 3% processing fee.

✓ Government filing fees are not included in the service fees.

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Step 2: Immigrant Visa and Consular Interview

Once USCIS approves the family petition, the case moves forward to the immigrant visa stage, commonly referred to as consular processing. For parents of U.S. citizens, immigrant visas are immediately available, meaning there is no waiting period after approval. 

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At this stage, the government’s focus shifts from the family relationship itself to the admissibility of the applicant. The U.S. government reviews prior immigration history, any criminal background, and other factors to determine whether the applicant is eligible to enter the United States. Another major component of this step is the Affidavit of Support, which addresses public charge concerns. The U.S. citizen child must show the ability to financially support the immigrant, typically through tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification. If the U.S. citizen child is not currently employed or does not earn sufficient income, a joint sponsor may be used. The joint sponsor does not need to be a family member, but must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

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After the immigrant visa application and Affidavit of Support are submitted, the case is reviewed by the National Visa Center (NVC). Once the NVC confirms that all required documents are complete, the case is forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country to schedule a visa interview. Prior to the interview, the applicant must complete a medical examination and bring the results to the appointment.

If the consular officer approves the case, the immigrant visa is issued, allowing the applicant to enter the United States within the authorized time period. Upon entry, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident, and USCIS will automatically mail the green card to the U.S. address listed in the application.

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Attorney Fee: $2000

✓ Processing Time: 2–6 months, subject to variation by country.

✓ Payment plans available in up to three installments, with a 3% processing fee.

✓ Government filing fees are not included in the service fees.

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Total Attorney Fee: $3500

✓ You may retain our firm on a step-by-step basis as the case progresses.

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At Dream Immigration Law, we’ve helped countless families reunite and start their lives together in the U.S. Whether your parent is abroad or already here, we’re here to make the process clear, honest, and stress-free — every step of the way.

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