Green Card for Parents: How to Handle Timing, Health, and Travel Issues for Elderly Relatives

Bringing your parents to the United States through a family-based green card is an important and emotional step. For many U.S. citizens, this petition represents an opportunity to care for aging loved ones and ensure their well-being. However, timing concerns, medical conditions, and travel limitations often make the process more complicated than it first appears.

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our New York immigration attorneys help families address the unique challenges of sponsoring elderly parents. We guide clients through every phase of the process with practical, compassionate legal support.

Eligibility and Filing Options

U.S. citizens age 21 and older can petition for their biological or adoptive parents as “immediate relatives.” This category is not subject to annual caps or visa backlogs, which allows for faster processing compared to other family-based petitions.

The two main application paths are:

· Adjustment of Status for parents already in the U.S. lawfully.

· Consular Processing for parents applying from abroad.

The right choice depends on several factors, including your parents’ current location, immigration history, and ability to travel.

Medical Concerns and the Immigration Exam

Elderly parents often face health-related obstacles when applying for a green card. All applicants must complete a medical exam by a USCIS-authorized doctor, either in the U.S. or abroad. Chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, or incomplete vaccination records can create complications during this stage.

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we help families prepare for these challenges by:

· Guiding the process to follow with civil surgeons or overseas panel physicians.

· Advising on acceptable medical documentation.

· Planning for potential delays related to health or caregiving needs.

These steps help prevent common issues that could delay or disrupt your parent’s application.

Timing and Travel Considerations

One of the most critical decisions in a parent-based petition is when and where to file. If your parent is visiting the U.S. on a temporary visa, you may be tempted to file for adjustment of status. However, filing too soon after arrival can raise concerns about immigrant intent.

For parents living abroad, consular processing requires international travel for a visa interview.

This can be difficult if your parent:

· Has significant mobility or health issues.

· Needs help traveling.

· Is nervous about entering a foreign medical or interview environment.

We work closely with clients to create timelines that respect both legal rules and personal realities. In some cases, we may advise waiting to file until your parent is physically able to complete the necessary steps. In others, we build a strategy to minimize travel-related risks and delays.

After Arrival in the U.S.

Once your parent enters the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, they can remain here permanently and may qualify for naturalization in the future. However, elderly green card holders must still comply with rules about residence, reentry, and taxes.

We help families understand how to:

· Avoid unintentionally abandoning permanent resident status.

· Apply for re-entry permits if extended travel is expected.

· Plan for long-term goals, including citizenship.

Even after approval, legal guidance remains essential to protect your parents’ status and avoid future problems.

Compassionate, Strategic Immigration Guidance

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we understand that sponsoring a parent is not just a legal action; it’s an act of love and care. Our New York immigration attorneys offer thoughtful, individualized representation for families navigating this complex process. From planning around health concerns to preparing for travel or timing issues, we are here to help.

If you’re ready to explore a green card for your parent, contact Sharma Law Associates, LLC at 646-374-3480, reach out online, or schedule a personalized consultation. We’ll help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.