Father & Mother
Immediate Relative
Processing Time
Immediate
The fastest way for U.S. citizens to bring their parents to America
The IR-5 visa is an immigrant visa for the parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. As an "immediate relative" category, IR-5 has no annual quota or waiting period, making it one of the fastest family-based immigration options. Parents receive immediate permanent residency (green card) upon entry to the United States.
You can petition for both your father and mother separately (two I-130 petitions). Each parent receives their own green card. There's no limit on the number of parents you can sponsor as long as you're their biological or adopted child.
File separate I-130 petition for your biological or adoptive father
File separate I-130 petition for your biological or adoptive mother
Four essential criteria to sponsor your parents
The petitioning child must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. Green card holders (permanent residents) cannot sponsor parents for IR-5 visas.
Must prove biological or legal adoptive parent-child relationship. Step-parents qualify only if marriage to biological parent occurred before child's 18th birthday.
U.S. citizen child must meet minimum income requirements (125% of federal poverty guidelines). Income increases based on household size including sponsored parents.
Both petitioner and parents must provide complete civil documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, and police certificates from countries of residence.
Good News: IR-5 has no age restrictions! Parents of any age can immigrate. No maximum age limit for beneficiary parents.
Six straightforward steps to bring your parents to the U.S.
U.S. citizen child files separate Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for each parent with USCIS. Each parent needs their own petition.
File two separate I-130 petitions - one for father, one for mother. Total fees: $535 × 2 = $1,070
USCIS reviews each petition, may request additional evidence (RFE), and issues approval notice (Form I-797) for each parent.
Processing Time: Typically 8-12 months per petition, varies by USCIS service center
Check status online with receipt number
Separate approval for each parent
After I-130 approval for each parent, petitions forwarded to National Visa Center. NVC assigns case numbers and invoice IDs.
NVC sends welcome letter per parent
Create CEAC account for each
Pay immigrant visa fee ($325 each)
Pay Affidavit of Support fee ($120 each)
Both Parents: Each parent has separate case number and fees. Total NVC fees for both: ($325 + $120) × 2 = $890
Complete and submit all required forms and documents through NVC's CEAC portal for each parent.
Timeline: NVC reviews documents (2-8 weeks). Once "Documentarily Qualified," cases forwarded to embassy.
Each parent attends visa interview at U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country. Complete medical examination before interview.
Parents enter United States with immigrant visas. Upon admission, become lawful permanent residents immediately. Green cards mailed within 2-4 weeks.
8-12 months
I-130 approval
4-6 months
NVC + Interview
12-18 months
Total to Green Card
One Parent: ~$1,180
Total fees
Both Parents: ~$2,360
Total fees
Complete documentation checklist for petitioner and parents
Important: Each parent needs their own set of documents. Prepare two complete packages if sponsoring both parents.
Translation Requirement: All documents in foreign languages must have certified English translations. Bring both originals and copies to interview.
| Form I-130 Filing Fee | $535 |
| Immigrant Visa Fee (DS-260) | $325 |
| Affidavit of Support Fee | $120 |
| Medical Examination | $200-400 |
| TOTAL (One Parent) | ~$1,180-1,380 |
| Form I-130 (×2 parents) | $1,070 |
| Immigrant Visa Fee (×2) | $650 |
| Affidavit of Support (×2) | $240 |
| Medical Examination (×2) | $400-800 |
| TOTAL (Both Parents) | ~$2,360-2,760 |
Note: Medical examination costs vary by country and panel physician. Check USCIS website for approved physicians.
Income requirements for sponsoring your parents
As sponsor, you must show income at 125% of federal poverty guidelines for your household size. Household size includes you, your dependents, and the parent(s) you're sponsoring.
| Household Size | For Sponsors in 48 Contiguous States | For Sponsors in Alaska | For Sponsors in Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (You + 1 parent) | $25,000 | $31,225 | $28,750 |
| 3 (You + both parents) | $31,550 | $39,438 | $36,283 |
| 4 (You + spouse + both parents) | $38,100 | $47,625 | $43,815 |
| 5 (Family of 4 + 1 child) | $44,650 | $55,813 | $51,348 |
| 6 (Family of 4 + 2 children) | $51,200 | $64,000 | $58,880 |
How to Calculate: Count yourself, your spouse (if any), unmarried children under 21, other dependents, and the parent(s) you're sponsoring. Add up total household size and check the minimum income required.
If you don't meet income requirements, use a joint sponsor:
Combine income with household members:
Supplement income with assets:
The Affidavit of Support is a legally binding contract where you agree to financially support your parent(s) and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
Legal Obligation: The I-864 is enforceable in court. If your parent receives means-tested public benefits, government can sue you to recover costs. This is a serious commitment!
Common questions about IR-5 parent visa
Yes! You can sponsor both your mother and father. Here's how it works:
Together or Separately: Your parents can attend the same interview, travel together, and enter the U.S. at the same time. Or they can do everything separately if they prefer!
Total processing time from I-130 filing to visa issuance is typically 12-18 months. Here's the detailed breakdown:
| Stage | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 Filing | 2-4 weeks | Receipt notice issued by USCIS |
| I-130 Approval | 8-12 months | Varies by service center (California, Nebraska, etc.) |
| NVC Processing | 2-4 weeks | Case number assignment, welcome letter |
| Document Collection | 1-2 months | Your responsibility to gather and submit |
| Interview Scheduling | 1-3 months | Depends on embassy backlog |
| Visa Issuance | 5-10 days | After interview approval |
| TOTAL TIMELINE | 12-18 months average | |
Important: IR-5 has NO quota or waiting period because it's an "immediate relative" category. You can file as soon as you turn 21 and become a U.S. citizen!
Your parents receive 10-year permanent green cards with full permanent resident benefits:
Best Benefit: Your parents can live with you permanently, be close to grandchildren, and enjoy their retirement years in the United States!
If you don't meet the 125% poverty guideline income requirement, you have three options:
What is a Joint Sponsor?
Combine Income with Household Members:
Supplement Income with Assets:
Example: If you're $10,000 short of income requirement, you need $50,000 in assets (10,000 × 5 = 50,000)
Important: You cannot proceed with IR-5 petition without meeting financial requirements through one of these three options. USCIS and NVC will deny the case if insufficient support is demonstrated.
No, green card holders (permanent residents) CANNOT sponsor parents for IR-5 visas. Here's what you need to know:
Recommendation: If you're a green card holder and want to bring your parents permanently, start your citizenship process NOW. The sooner you become a U.S. citizen, the sooner you can file for your parents!
This is a common and important question. Here's the complete answer:
Eligibility Requirements:
Reality: Most immigrant parents don't qualify for free Medicare Part A because they haven't worked 40 quarters. They can purchase Medicare coverage by paying monthly premiums (~$500/month for Part A + Part B in 2025).
Eligibility Requirements:
Reality: Most parents immigrating in their 60s-70s won't work enough quarters to qualify for Social Security benefits. However, if they do work in the U.S., every quarter counts toward eligibility.
Critical Planning: Before sponsoring your parents, understand that you will likely be their primary source of financial support and health insurance. Budget for health insurance costs ($500-1,500/month per person) and ensure you can support them long-term. This is why the I-864 Affidavit of Support is a serious legal commitment!
Schedule a free consultation with our IR-5 specialists to get personalized guidance for bringing your parents to the United States.
The IR-5 visa process has no quota or waiting period—it's the fastest way to reunite with your parents permanently. Our experienced immigration consultants guide you through every step: I-130 petition, financial support documentation, NVC processing, and interview preparation. We ensure your case is complete and positioned for approval so your parents can join you in the U.S. as permanent residents.
Family reunification experts • No quota • Immediate relative
Bringing parents and children together
Immediate relative category
Permanent residency immediately
IR-5 specialists
Other visa options for family members
For U.S. citizens to bring their foreign spouses to the United States with immediate green card.
For couples not yet married who want to marry in the United States within 90 days.
Temporary visitor visa for parents to visit U.S. for tourism or family visits (up to 6 months).
Important Consideration: Remember that sponsoring parents is a serious financial commitment (Form I-864). Make sure you can support them long-term, including health insurance costs.
Discuss Your Parents' IR-5 Case