Bringing parents to live in the United States as permanent residents (U.S Green Card). To petition for your parents (mother or father) to live in the United States as Green Card holders, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. Parents do not have to wait for a visa number to Immigrate to the United States, parents are considered a priority. Green Card holders (permanent residents) may not petition to bring parents to live permanently in the United States.