How to Apply for Adjustment of Status for Parents

Parents of U.S. citizens face complex immigration procedures when seeking permanent residency. The adjustment of status for parents process allows eligible individuals to obtain their green card without leaving the United States.

At Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Thompson, we guide families through each step of this life-changing legal process. Understanding the requirements and timeline helps parents make informed decisions about their immigration future.

Who Can Apply for Parent Adjustment of Status

The adjustment of status pathway for parents operates under strict federal requirements that eliminate guesswork from the application process. Your eligibility depends on three non-negotiable factors that immigration officers verify during every case review.

Age and Citizenship Requirements for Children Who Petition

The child who petitions must be a U.S. citizen who has reached age 21 or older. Green card holders cannot petition for their parents under any circumstances. This age threshold exists because federal immigration law classifies parents as immediate relatives only when the child reaches majority age plus additional maturity. The 21-year minimum applies regardless of marriage status, military service, or other life circumstances. USCIS processes approximately 114,000 parent-based adjustment applications annually (according to Department of Homeland Security statistics), with most approvals going to applicants whose children are between ages 25-45.

Physical Presence and Legal Entry Documentation

Parents must currently reside within U.S. borders and demonstrate lawful entry through inspection by immigration officials. This means they crossed at designated ports of entry with valid documentation, not through unauthorized border crossings. Parents who overstay a visa do not face disqualification from adjustment, but unlawful entry creates significant barriers that require waiver applications. USCIS adjudicates waiver requests for refugee applicants under section 207(c)(3) of the INA, with entry-related issues comprising a significant portion of inadmissibility cases. Parents who entered on tourist visas, work permits, or other temporary status generally meet this requirement.

Complex Legal Hurdles for Unlawful Entry Cases

Those who entered without inspection face complex legal obstacles that require experienced immigration counsel to navigate successfully. These cases demand careful preparation of waiver applications and extensive documentation to overcome inadmissibility grounds.

You can expect detailed questions about family members during the USCIS interview process. The next step involves gathering the specific forms and supporting documents that transform eligibility into a complete application package.

What Documents Must Parents Submit for Adjustment of Status

The adjustment of status application demands precise documentation that USCIS officers examine for completeness and authenticity. Form I-485 serves as the primary application, but officers base approval or denial decisions on the quality of your evidence. USCIS denial rates for green card applications hover around 10% for both employment- and family-based categories in recent years. Parents must submit two passport-style photographs taken within 30 days of their application, a certified copy of their birth certificate, and proof of lawful entry such as Form I-94 arrival records or passport stamps.

Primary Forms and Identity Documentation

Form I-485 requires careful completion with accurate information that matches all other documents in your package. You must include the Form I-130 petition approval notice from your U.S. citizen child, along with evidence of the parent-child relationship through official birth certificates or adoption documents. USCIS officers verify every detail against government databases, so inconsistencies trigger automatic delays or denials. Parents who changed their names after marriage or divorce must provide court orders or marriage certificates that document these changes.

Financial Support Documentation Requirements

Form I-864 Affidavit of Support represents the most complex documentation requirement and demands detailed financial evidence from your child. The sponsor must demonstrate income at 125% above federal poverty guidelines (which equals $21,775 for a two-person household in 2024). Tax returns from the past three years, current employment verification letters, and bank statements that span six months provide the foundation for financial qualification. Parents who cannot meet income requirements through their child’s earnings may combine household income from joint sponsors or household members who qualify. USCIS carefully reviews financial support documentation to ensure compliance with requirements.

Medical Examination and Health Record Compliance

Form I-693 medical examination must come from USCIS-designated civil surgeons, with examinations completed after November 1, 2023 that remain valid indefinitely. The medical exam costs range from $200 to $500 depending on your geographic location and required vaccinations. Parents must provide vaccination records for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis A and B, varicella, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, and seasonal influenza. Civil surgeons cannot complete examinations more than 60 days before Form I-485 submission, which makes coordination essential for application success.

Once you gather all required documents, the next phase involves the actual submission process and what parents can expect during USCIS review and interview procedures.

How Long Does Parent Adjustment of Status Take

USCIS processes Form I-485 parent applications in 8 to 13 months on average from initial submission to final decision, according to the agency’s current processing time data. Parents must submit their complete application package to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility based on their state of residence. Texas Service Center handles applications from residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. National Benefits Center processes cases from all other states. We recommend parents file their application via certified mail with return receipt to establish a clear submission date and provide a tracking number.

Interview Scheduling and Preparation Requirements

USCIS schedules adjustment of status interviews for approximately 60% of parent applications. Interview notices typically arrive 30 to 90 days before the scheduled date. Parents must bring original documents including their passport, Form I-94 arrival record, birth certificate, and any police certificates from countries where they lived for six months or longer since age 16. The interview focuses on verification of the authentic parent-child relationship and review of financial support documentation. Officers ask direct questions about family history, the sponsor’s employment, and current living arrangements. Interview preparation should include review of all submitted forms for accuracy and practice with responses to common questions about entry dates, previous immigration history, and current address information.

Common Processing Delays and Response Requirements

Request for Evidence notices arrive in parent adjustment cases when USCIS requires additional documentation. USCIS most commonly requests updated financial documentation, additional proof of the parent-child relationship, or clarification of immigration history. Parents have exactly 87 days from the RFE notice date to submit their response (with no extensions granted except in extraordinary circumstances). Medical examination delays represent the most frequent cause of application holdups, particularly when civil surgeons fail to complete Form I-693 properly or parents need additional vaccinations.

Case Inquiry Options for Extended Delays

Parents can submit case inquiry requests through the USCIS website only after processing times exceed the posted estimates for their service center. This provides leverage for cases that experience unusual delays beyond normal timeframes. The inquiry system allows parents to request status updates and explanations for extended processing periods that fall outside published guidelines.

Final Thoughts

The adjustment of status for parents process demands precise attention to documentation, timeline adherence, and legal requirements. Success hinges on three core eligibility criteria: your U.S. citizen child must be 21 or older, you must demonstrate lawful entry into the United States, and you must maintain physical presence throughout the application period. Parents who submit Form I-485 with comprehensive evidence typically receive approval within 8 to 13 months.

The medical examination, financial documentation, and interview preparation represent the most challenging aspects of this immigration pathway. Professional legal guidance proves invaluable when parents face complex situations such as unlawful entry, previous immigration violations, or incomplete documentation. We at Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Thompson help families navigate immigration challenges and overcome legal hurdles that could derail applications.

USCIS approves your adjustment of status application and delivers your green card within 30 days (in most cases). This permanent residency status allows parents to live and work in the United States indefinitely while maintaining the option to apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence. Your new status opens doors to family reunification opportunities and long-term stability in America.