Reuniting with family after you’ve moved abroad is one of life’s most meaningful moments. If you’re a US citizen hoping to bring your parents to live with you permanently, the IR-5 visa is the most direct immigration route available. But navigating the US immigration system can be more than a bit complicated. That’s where we come in.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the parent sponsorship visa, from who’s eligible to how long applications take. Whether you’re a US citizen looking to sponsor your parents or a parent hoping to immigrate to the US, Remitly is here to help simplify the process, just like we do with sending money across borders.
The IR-5 visa: Family-based immigration for parents
The IR-5 visa is a US family immigration visa designed for immediate relatives—specifically, the parents of US citizens. It allows them to become lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green card holders.
As the IR-5 falls under the immediate relatives category, it isn’t subject to annual visa quotas. This means that eligible parents can always apply for this family-sponsored visa and typically don’t have to endure long wait times.
Only US citizens who are at least 21 years old can petition for their parents to obtain an IR-5 visa. It’s not possible to sponsor your parents via this category if you’re on a visa or are a green card holder yourself. If you’re not yet a citizen, you’ll have to follow another route to bring your parents to the US.
Once granted, the IR-5 visa allows your parents to live in the US permanently. After five years of continuous residence, and if they meet other eligibility requirements as set out by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they may be able to apply for US citizenship through naturalization.
Benefits of the IR-5 visa
The IR-5 visa offers a straightforward path for parents of US citizens to reunite with their children. Here are some of its main advantages:
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- Permanent residency: You or your parents can live in the US indefinitely without the stress of having to reapply for visas at regular intervals.
- No work or travel restrictions: Green card holders can work, switch employers, and travel in and out of the US without the need for additional visas or permits.
- A pathway to citizenship: After five years of permanent residency and meeting other criteria like passing a civics and language test, parents can apply for naturalization.
- No ongoing sponsorship obligations: Unlike some work or temporary visas (e.g., the H2-B), the IR-5 doesn’t require sponsorship or recurring income proof beyond the initial petition. Once the green card is granted, your parents are free to live and work without further conditions.
Sponsoring parents for a US green card
When you sponsor a parent through the IR-5 visa, you’re making more than just a kind gesture; you’re entering into a legally binding financial agreement with the US government.
As part of the process, you’ll be required to complete Form 1-864, Affidavit of Support. This document confirms that you agree to financially support your parents once they arrive in the United States.
By signing it, you promise to maintain your parents’ income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and support them until they either become a US citizen, work for 40 quarters (10 years), permanently leave the country, or pass away.
This obligation doesn’t end if your circumstances change. Even if you retire, change jobs, face financial hardship, or even if you file for bankruptcy, you’re still legally responsible for your parents.
Also, if you’re sponsoring in-laws (such as your spouse’s parents), this obligation continues even in the case of divorce.
Understanding the financial responsibility
The financial pledge tied to the IR-5 visa is serious. If your parents receive certain government benefits, such as Medicaid or long-term care, government agencies may seek repayment from you as the sponsor.
This doesn’t mean they can claim any public benefit used by your parents, but some means-tested programs could result in financial liability. That’s why it’s important to review your own financial situation and be realistic about your ability to support your parents.
IR-5 visa eligibility criteria
To qualify for the IR-5 visa, the applicant or beneficiary must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the adult US citizen who is sponsoring them (also known as the petitioner). They must also be able to prove the parent-child relationship.
Step-parents must have been married to the petitioner’s biological parent before the petitioner turned 18, and adoptive parents must have completed the legal adoption before the child turned 16.
Documentation required for an IR-5 petition
To file an IR‑5 visa petition, the petitioner will need to provide proof of US citizenship (e.g., a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) and evidence of the parent–child relationship.
While the proof of US citizenship is always the same, the type of parent-child relationship evidence you’ll provide will vary depending on the nature of the parental relationship:
| Relationship type | Documents for proving parental relationship |
| Biological mother | Child’s birth certificate listing the mother’s name |
| Biological father (married) | Child’s birth certificate naming both parents and a copy of the parents’ civil marriage certificate |
| Biological father (unmarried, legitimated) | Birth certificate naming the father, plus evidence of legitimation (marriage of biological parents or laws in the relevant country) |
| Biological father (unmarried, not legitimated) | Birth certificate naming father, plus evidence of a financial or emotional bond before age 21 |
| Step-parent | Sponsor’s birth certificate, plus marriage certificate showing the step-parent married the sponsor’s biological parent before the sponsor turned 18 |
| Adoptive parent | Certified adoption decree (finalized before the child turned 16) and proof of cohabitation (shared address records) |
Pro tip: Submit official translations if your documents are in a language other than English, and be sure to include certified copies rather than originals unless otherwise instructed by USCIS or the National Visa Center.
IR-5 visa application process
There are several steps you’ll have to follow when applying for the IR-5 visa. Below is a quick breakdown of what to expect—from filing the initial petition to attending the consular interview—so you and your parents can navigate the process with confidence.
1. File Form I‑130
The US citizen files Form I‑130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to establish the parent–child relationship. Be sure to include all required supporting documents, such as birth certificates and proof of citizenship.
2. USCIS approval & National Visa Center transfer
Once USCIS approves Form I‑130, they will forward your case to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will assign a case number to your application and send you instructions about the fees you’ll need to pay and documents you’ll need to submit.
3. Submit Affidavit of Support & financial documents
Next, the sponsor submits Form I‑864 (Affidavit of Support) and proves their income and/or assets are sufficient to meet parent immigrant visa requirements. Remember that you’ll need to maintain your parent at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. As of 2025, for a single sponsor inviting one parent, this means earning at least $26,437.50 USD annually (based on a threshold of $21,150 × 1.25).
4. Submit your visa application and civil documents
Next, your parents will need to complete the DS‑260 online. They will also need to upload civil documents (e.g., birth, marriage, and police certificates, and passport copies) to the NVC alongside the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application.
5. Medical examination & vaccinations
Once all the paperwork is submitted, your parents will need to schedule a medical exam with an embassy-approved doctor to receive vaccinations and undergo a standard physical (e.g., X-ray, blood tests) before their interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.
6. Attend the consular interview
Finally, your parents will attend an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. They’ll need to take their passport, appointment letter, civil documents, medical results, and financial forms along with them. If approved, the visa is issued shortly after this interview.
IR-5 visa processing times and fees
You can expect the full IR-5 visa process to take 12 to 24 months.
USCIS usually takes around 10 to 14 months to approve the I-130 petition, while National Visa Center processing and other consular steps take another 4 to 9 months, depending on how easily you can get an appointment at the embassy or consulate.
As the IR-5 visa isn’t subject to any annual caps, there generally aren’t any long waiting periods involved in the application process. However, you might be delayed if your documents are missing, incomplete, or if there are interview backlogs at the consulate.
You and your parent will also have to pay a range of fees when applying for the IR-5 visa, including:
- $675 Form I-30 filing fee
- $325 DS-260 visa application fee
- $235 for the USCIS immigrant fee, if approved
Besides these fees, you or your parents will have to cover the costs of the medical examination as well as any document translations that might be needed.
What happens after your parents get an IR-5 visa?
Once your parents enter the US on an IR-5 visa, they’re officially a lawful permanent resident and will receive their green card shortly after arrival. This means that they can work and travel freely within the US and abroad.
To maintain permanent resident status, parents renew their green card every 10 years and should avoid staying outside of the US for extended periods, generally more than six months at a time. Longer absences could trigger questions with USCIS about whether they’ve abandoned their permanent resident status.
With time, your parents may become eligible to apply for US citizenship through naturalization. This usually happens after five years of continuous residence.
Common challenges when applying for the IR-5 visa
While the IR-5 visa offers a clear path for parents and children to reunite in the US, the application process can come with a few hurdles.
Many families run into challenges such as:
- Meeting financial sponsorship requirements. It can be confusing to calculate whether your income meets the 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines, especially if your income fluctuates or if you’re self-employed.
- Missing or incomplete documents. Even small paperwork errors can lead to delays. Submitting incomplete applications is one of the most common reasons IR-5 cases are held up.
- Stress around the consular interview. The visa interview can be intimidating, particularly for older parents who may be nervous or unfamiliar with the process.
How to overcome these challenges
Fortunately, there are ways to make the process smoother:
- Use up-to-date online tools and resources to check that your income meets the current sponsorship threshold.
- Create a clear, itemized checklist of required documents.
- Help your parents prepare by reviewing potential questions before the interview.
A little planning goes a long way. Plus, it’s good to keep in mind that you can contact an immigration attorney to help you through the process if you’re unsure of anything.
A clear path to reuniting with your parents
The IR-5 visa is a clear and reliable way for US citizens to bring their parents to live permanently in the United States. From establishing eligibility to submitting the right forms and attending the consular interview, every step matters in making family reunification a reality.
While the process can seem overwhelming at first, thoughtful preparation and accurate documentation can help keep everything on track. With patience, attention to detail, and a bit of planning, families can navigate the system more confidently and take meaningful steps toward building a life together in the US.
FAQs
How long does the IR-5 visa process typically take?
Processing for the IR-5 visa usually takes 12 to 24 months from the date of filing Form I-130 through to issuance. USCIS usually takes around 10 to 14 months to process petitions, while the NVC review and consular steps add another 4 to 9 months.
Can I sponsor my step-parent for an IR-5 visa?
Yes, you can sponsor your step-parent. All you need to do is prove that your step-parent was legally married to your biological parent before you turned 18. You’ll have to submit a valid, dated marriage certificate to prove this.
What financial requirements must I meet to sponsor my parents?
You’ll have to prove that your household income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, based on the number of people who would be living in your household once your parents arrive. If your income falls short, you can supplement it with assets that are convertible within a year. You can also add a joint sponsor.
Are there any age restrictions for parents applying for the IR-5 visa?
No, there are no age limits for parent applicants. Parents of any age can apply, provided they meet the other criteria for this visa. The only age-related requirement is that the sponsoring child must be older than 21.
What happens if my parents cannot attend their consular interview?
If your parents can’t make their scheduled interview, you or they should contact the US Consulate or Embassy immediately to reschedule. This can typically be done via the relevant authority’s online portal.