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Sponsoring parents to the United States is one of the most common immigration pathways and is of great interest to many Vietnamese families. If you are a U.S. citizen and wish to bring your parents to live and settle permanently in the U.S., this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the process, required procedures, and important considerations.
Before starting the sponsorship process, it is essential to understand the basic conditions:
Must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age
Must have sufficient financial ability to support the relatives (minimum income of 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Must be residing and living in the United States
Meeting the requirements to sponsor parents for U.S. permanent residency
Biological parents of a U.S. citizen
Stepparents (if the legal relationship was established before the U.S. citizen turned 18)
Important note: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot directly sponsor their parents to the United States. You must become a U.S. citizen before filing a sponsorship petition.
The sponsorship process for parents includes the following main steps:
This is the first and most crucial step in the process. You must submit Form I-130 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Required documents:
Completed Form I-130
Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship (passport or naturalization certificate)
Proof of the parent-child relationship (sponsor’s birth certificate)
Filing fee: $670 (as of May 2025)
Passport-style photos of both the sponsor and the parent being sponsored
Processing time: Typically 7–12 months, depending on the USCIS service center handling the case.
You need to file Form I-130 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
After the I-130 petition is approved, you must submit an affidavit of support (Form I-864) to demonstrate your ability to financially support your parents when they arrive in the U.S.
Financial requirements:
Annual income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
For a household of three in 2025, the minimum income is approximately $30,135 per year
If your income is insufficient, assets or a joint sponsor may be used
Once the I-130 petition is approved, your parents will need to:
Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
Submit the application and fees to the National Visa Center (NVC)
Prepare and submit supporting documents
Attend a medical examination for immigration purposes
Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
After the visa is issued, your parents have six months to enter the United States. The green card will be mailed to the registered address within 45–60 days after entry.
One of the major advantages of the parent sponsorship category is that it is not subject to annual visa limits. Parents of U.S. citizens fall under the “Immediate Relatives” (IR-5) category, so they do not face long waiting periods like other sponsorship categories.
However, processing can take 12–18 months from filing to visa issuance, depending on:
The workload at USCIS
The USCIS service center handling the petition
Processing time at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Pandemic conditions and other factors affecting processing
Parent sponsorship category is not subject to annual visa limits
Since 2023, immigrants under the parent sponsorship category must demonstrate the ability to enroll in health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States. As of 2025, this requirement remains in effect and has become even stricter.
USCIS has strengthened background checks and security screening for all immigrants, including parents of U.S. citizens.
Although COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted, health and vaccination requirements still apply to immigrants.
A common reason for delays or denials is incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Ensure that all documents are complete, accurate, and translated into English by a certified translator.
Parents must meet health requirements to obtain a visa. Certain serious medical conditions may affect eligibility.
If parents have a history of U.S. immigration violations (e.g., overstaying a visa), this could complicate the visa application process.
The interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is a crucial step. Parents need to clearly understand the purpose of their trip, their relationship with the sponsor, and their plans in the U.S.
Upon receiving the green card, parents will have most of the rights of lawful permanent residents but must comply with U.S. laws regarding taxes, residency, and other legal obligations.
Parents will have most of the rights of U.S. lawful permanent residents
Yes, you can sponsor a stepparent if the legal relationship was established before you turned 18.
Yes, as lawful permanent residents, your parents have the right to work in the U.S.
Under current law, new permanent residents must wait five years before becoming eligible for most federal benefits. In addition, the sponsor remains financially responsible for the sponsored parents.
Parents may apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of residing in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents.
Live and work legally in the U.S. indefinitely
Access most healthcare and social benefits (after the required period)
Travel freely (note: avoid staying outside the U.S. for more than six months)
Be protected under U.S. law
Eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years
Sponsoring parents to the U.S. is a worthwhile journey, but it requires careful preparation and patience. With professional support from Quoc Tich Thu Hai, your family reunification process will be smoother and more efficient.
If you are planning to sponsor your parents for U.S. permanent residency, contact us today for free consultation and support from the expert team at Quoc Tich Thu Hai. We are committed to accompanying you on your journey to reunite your family in the United States.
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