Alexandria VA Parent Visa Lawyer — How Can You Bring Your Parents to the U.S.?
A U.S. citizen can petition for a parent to obtain a green card under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1151). As an Alexandria VA parent visa lawyer, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immigration help for family-based petitions. The process involves filing Form I-130 and handling either adjustment of status or consular processing.
Understanding Parent Visa Law
U.S. immigration law allows citizens (21 or older) to sponsor their parents for lawful permanent residence. This is a direct relative category, meaning there is no annual visa cap and no waiting list beyond processing times. The petitioning child must prove the parent-child relationship and demonstrate the ability to financially support the parent. The process is governed by federal statutes, not Virginia state law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | U.S. Code
Official Immigration Resources
For Alexandria residents, immigration applications are processed at federal offices. It is important to reference official government sources for the most current forms and procedures.
- USCIS Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- Executive Office for Immigration Review – Arlington Immigration Court
Procedural Steps for an Alexandria Parent Visa Case
The key local procedural fact for Alexandria residents is that affirmative applications are filed with the USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax, while any removal proceedings would be at the Arlington Immigration Court. An experienced Alexandria VA parent visa lawyer can guide you through the specific steps required for your family.
- Gather proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship and the parent-child relationship (birth certificates, adoption decrees).
- Complete and file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS along with the filing fee and supporting documents.
- Upon I-130 approval, wait for notification from the National Visa Center (NVC) to begin the immigrant visa application if the parent is abroad.
- If the parent is in the U.S. and eligible, file Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status. If abroad, complete consular processing at a U.S. embassy.
- Attend the final interview (with USCIS or at the consulate) and respond to any follow-up requests.
- Receive the decision. If approved, the parent obtains a green card.
Potential Challenges in Parent Visa Cases
While the parent category has no quota, cases can face hurdles. The petitioner must meet the income requirements of the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). If the parent has any history of unlawful presence in the U.S., immigration violations, or certain criminal records, they may be inadmissible and require a waiver. A visa lawyer can identify these issues early and develop a strategy.
Our Immigration Practice in Alexandria
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We provide immigration help for Alexandria families, including parent visa petitions, adjustment of status, and consular processing. Of Counsel attorney Bryan Block also assists with I-130 petitions and responses to Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Alexandria VA Parent Visa Lawyer Near Me
Our Arlington location serves clients in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. It is accessible for meetings regarding cases at the Alexandria courts and federal immigration offices.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a green card for a parent cost?
Yes, there are specific government fees. Filing Form I-130 costs $675. If adjusting status, Form I-485 is $1,440. Biometrics cost $85. Total government fees are approximately $2,200 before attorney fees. Fee waivers (Form I-912) are available for income-eligible applicants.
How long does it take to get a green card for a parent?
It depends. For immediate relative parents of U.S. citizens, processing typically takes 8 to 14 months from filing to approval, assuming no complications. Delays can occur due to background checks, requests for evidence, or consular backlogs if processing abroad.
Can I sponsor my parents if I have a green card?
No. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can petition for their parents. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot file petitions for parents.
What income do I need to sponsor my parent?
You must demonstrate income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, which includes the sponsor, dependents, and the intending immigrant. For 2026, the minimum for a household of two is roughly $25,550. If your income is insufficient, a joint sponsor may be used.
What if my parent is already in the U.S.?
If your parent entered the U.S. legally and maintained status, they may be eligible to file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) from within the country after the I-130 is approved. If they have any period of unlawful presence, they may be barred from adjusting and must process through a U.S. consulate abroad, which could trigger a re-entry bar.
Related Legal Help in Alexandria
If you need other legal services in Alexandria, our firm can assist. For criminal charges, see our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer. For family matters like divorce, visit our Alexandria family law attorney. For all Virginia immigration matters, our hub page is Virginia immigration lawyer.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your immigration case.