The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign relative. This form is the first step in the immigration process, allowing family members to reunite in the United States. If you're ready to begin this journey, fill out the form by clicking the button below.
The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, plays a crucial role in the immigration process for families seeking to reunite in the United States. This form is primarily used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign relative. By submitting the I-130, petitioners initiate the process of obtaining a family-based visa for their loved ones. Key aspects of the form include the necessary documentation required to prove the familial relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, or adoption papers. Additionally, the form must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee, which is subject to change. Once filed, the I-130 serves as a gateway to further immigration processes, including adjustment of status or consular processing, depending on the relative's location. Understanding the intricacies of this form is essential for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law effectively.
Petition for Alien Relative
USCIS
Department of Homeland Security
Form I-130
OMB No. 1615-0012
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Expires 02/28/2027
For USCIS Use Only
Fee Stamp
Action Stamp
A-Number
A-
Initial Receipt
Resubmitted
Relocated
Section of Law/Visa Category
Received
201(b) Spouse - IR-1/CR-1
203(a)(1) Unm. S/D - F1-1
203(a)(2)(B) Unm. S/D - F2-4
201(b) Child - IR-2/CR-2
203(a)(2)(A) Spouse - F2-1
203(a)(3) Married S/D - F3-1
Sent
201(b) Parent - IR-5
203(a)(2)(A) Child - F2-2
203(a)(4) Brother/Sister - F4-1
Completed
Approved
Petition was filed on (Priority Date mm/dd/yyyy):
Field Investigation
Personal Interview
204(a)(2)(A) Resolved
Previously Forwarded
Pet. A-File Reviewed
I-485 Filed Simultaneously
Returned
PDR request granted/denied - New priority date (mm/dd/yyyy):
203(g) Resolved
Ben. A-File Reviewed
204(g) Resolved
Remarks
At which USCIS office (e.g., NBC, VSC, LOS, CRO) was Form I-130 adjudicated?
To be completed by an attorney or accredited representative (if any).
Select this box if
Volag Number
Attorney State Bar Number
Attorney or Accredited Representative
Form G-28 is
(if any)
(if applicable)
USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
attached.
► START HERE - Type or print in black ink.
If you need extra space to complete any section of this petition, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information.
Complete and submit as many copies of Part 9., as necessary, with your petition.
Part 1. Relationship (You are the Petitioner. Your relative is the Beneficiary)
1.I am filing this petition for my (Select only one box):
Spouse
Parent
Brother/Sister
Child
2.If you are filing this petition for your child or parent, select the box that describes your relationship (Select only one box):
Child was born to parents who were married to each other at the time of the child's birth
Part 2. Information About You (Petitioner)
1.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
► A-
2.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
►
3.U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
Stepchild/Stepparent
Child was born to parents who were not married to each other at the time of the child's birth
Child was adopted (not an Orphan or Hague Convention adoptee)
3.If the beneficiary is your brother/sister, are you related by
adoption?
Yes
No
4.Did you gain lawful permanent resident status or
citizenship through adoption?
Your Full Name
4.a. Family Name
(Last Name)
4.b. Given Name
(First Name)
4.c. Middle Name
Form I-130 Edition 04/01/24
Page 1 of 12
(continued)
Other Names Used (if any)
Provide all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames.
5.a. Family Name (Last Name)
5.b. Given Name (First Name)
5.c. Middle Name
Other Information
6.City/Town/Village of Birth
7.Country of Birth
8.
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
9.
Sex
Male
Female
Mailing Address
(USPS ZIP Code Lookup)
10.a. In Care Of Name
10.b.
Street Number
10.c.
and Name
Apt.
Ste.
Flr.
10.d.
City or Town
10.e.
10.f.
State
ZIP Code
10.g.
Province
10.h.
Postal Code
10.i.
Country
11.Is your current mailing address the same as your physical
address?
If you answered "No" to Item Number 11., provide information on your physical address in Item Numbers 12.a. - 13.b.
Address History
Provide your physical addresses for the last five years, whether inside or outside the United States. Provide your current address first if it is different from your mailing address in Item
Numbers 10.a. - 10.i.
Physical Address 1
12.a. Street Number
12.b.
12.c.
12.d.
12.e. ZIP Code
12.f.
12.g.
12.h.
13.a. Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)
13.b. Date To (mm/dd/yyyy)
PRESENT
Physical Address 2
14.a. Street Number
14.b.
14.c.
14.d.
14.e. ZIP Code
14.f.
14.g.
14.h.
15.a. Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)
15.b. Date To (mm/dd/yyyy)
Your Marital Information
16. How many times have you been married? ►
17.Current Marital Status
Single, Never Married
Married
Divorced
Widowed
Separated
Annulled
Page 2 of 12
18.Date of Current Marriage (if currently married)
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Place of Your Current Marriage (if married)
19.a. City or Town
19.b. State
19.c. Province
19.d. Country
Names of All Your Spouses (if any)
Provide information on your current spouse (if currently married) first and then list all your prior spouses (if any).
Spouse 1
20.a. Family Name
20.b. Given Name
20.c. Middle Name
21. Date Marriage Ended (mm/dd/yyyy)
Spouse 2
22.a. Family Name
22.b. Given Name
22.c. Middle Name
23. Date Marriage Ended (mm/dd/yyyy)
27.Country of Birth
28.City/Town/Village of Residence
29.Country of Residence
Parent 2's Information
Full Name of Parent 2
30.a. Family Name
30.b. Given Name
30.c. Middle Name
31. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
32. Sex
33.Country of Birth
34.City/Town/Village of Residence
35.Country of Residence
Additional Information About You (Petitioner)
36.I am a (Select only one box):
U.S. Citizen
Lawful Permanent Resident
If you are a U.S. citizen, complete Item Number 37.
37.My citizenship was acquired through (Select only one box):
Birth in the United States
Information About Your Parents
Parent 1's Information
Full Name of Parent 1
24.a. Family Name
24.b. Given Name
24.c. Middle Name
25.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
26. Sex
Naturalization
Parents
38.Have you obtained a Certificate of Naturalization or a
Certificate of Citizenship?
If you answered "Yes" to Item Number 38., complete the following:
39.a. Certificate Number
39.b. Place of Issuance
39.c. Date of Issuance (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 3 of 12
If you are a lawful permanent resident, complete Item
Numbers 40.a. - 41.
40.a. Class of Admission
40.b. Date of Admission (mm/dd/yyyy)
Place of Admission 40.c. City or Town
40.d State
41.Did you gain lawful permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident?
Employment History
Provide your employment history for the last five years, whether inside or outside the United States. Provide your current employment first. If you are currently unemployed, type or print "Unemployed" in Item Number 42.
Employer 1
42.Name of Employer/Company
43.a. Street Number
43.b.
43.c.
43.d.
43.e. ZIP Code
43.f.
43.g.
Employer 2
46.Name of Employer/Company
47.a. Street Number
47.b.
47.c.
47.d.
47.e. ZIP Code
47.f.
47.g.
47.h.
48.Your Occupation
49.a. Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)
49.b. Date To (mm/dd/yyyy)
Part 3. Biographic Information
NOTE: Provide the biographic information about you, the petitioner.
1.Ethnicity (Select only one box)
Hispanic or Latino
Not Hispanic or Latino
2.Race (Select all applicable boxes)
White
Asian
Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
43.h. Country
44.
Your Occupation
45.a.
Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)
45.b.
Date To (mm/dd/yyyy)
3.
Height
Feet
4.Weight
5.Eye Color (Select only one box)
Black
Blue
Gray
Green
Maroon
Pink
Inches
Pounds
Brown
Hazel
Unknown/Other
Page 4 of 12
Part 3. Biographic Information (continued)
6.Hair Color (Select only one box)
Bald (No hair)
Blond
Red
Sandy
Part 4. Information About Beneficiary
Beneficiary's Physical Address
If the beneficiary lives outside the United States in a home without a street number or name, leave Item Numbers 11.a. and 11.b. blank.
11.a. Street Number
11.b.
11.c.
11.d. State
11.f. Province
11.g. Postal Code 11.h. Country
11.e. ZIP Code
Beneficiary's Full Name
Provide all other names the beneficiary has ever used, including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames.
Other Information About Beneficiary
10.Has anyone else ever filed a petition for the beneficiary?
Unknown
NOTE: Select "Unknown" only if you do not know, and the beneficiary also does not know, if anyone else has ever filed a petition for the beneficiary.
Other Address and Contact Information
Provide the address in the United States where the beneficiary intends to live, if different from Item Numbers 11.a. - 11.h. If the address is the same, type or print "SAME" in Item Number 12.a.
12.a Street Number
Provide the beneficiary's address outside the United States, if different from Item Numbers 11.a. - 11.h. If the address is the same, type or print "SAME" in Item Number 13.a.
13.a. Street Number
13.b.
13.c. City or Town
13.d. Province
13.e. Postal Code
13.f. Country
14.Daytime Telephone Number (if any)
Page 5 of 12
15.Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
16.Email Address (if any)
Beneficiary's Marital Information
17.How many times has the beneficiary been married?
18.Current Marital Status
19.Date of Current Marriage (if currently married)
24. Date Marriage Ended (mm/dd/yyyy)
Information About Beneficiary's Family
Provide information about the beneficiary's spouse and children.
Person 1
25.a. Family Name
25.b. Given Name
25.c. Middle Name
26. Relationship
27. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
28.Country of Birth
Place of Beneficiary's Current Marriage (if married)
20.a. City or Town
20.b. State
20.c. Province
20.d. Country
Names of Beneficiary's Spouses (if any)
Provide information on the beneficiary's current spouse (if currently married) first and then list all the beneficiary's prior spouses (if any).
21.a. Family Name
21.b. Given Name
21.c. Middle Name
22. Date Marriage Ended (mm/dd/yyyy)
Person 2
29.a. Family Name
29.b. Given Name
29.c. Middle Name
30.Relationship
31.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
32.Country of Birth
Person 3
33.a. Family Name
33.b. Given Name
33.c. Middle Name
34.Relationship
35.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
36.Country of Birth
23.a. Family Name
23.b. Given Name
23.c. Middle Name
Page 6 of 12
After completing the USCIS I-130 form, you will need to gather additional documents and submit your application to the appropriate USCIS address. This process is essential for establishing the relationship between you and your relative. Ensure that you keep copies of everything you send.
What is the USCIS I-130 form?
The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a document used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign relative who wishes to immigrate to the United States. By filing this form, the petitioner seeks to demonstrate their relationship to the relative and request that they be granted a visa or green card.
Who can file the I-130 form?
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file the I-130 form. Citizens can petition for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can only petition for their spouses and unmarried children. It is important to ensure that the relationship meets the criteria set by USCIS for the petition to be valid.
What documents are needed to support the I-130 form?
When filing the I-130 form, it is necessary to include various supporting documents. These typically include proof of the petitioner's status (such as a copy of a U.S. passport or green card), evidence of the qualifying relationship (like marriage certificates or birth certificates), and any other relevant documents that may help establish the relationship. Always check the USCIS website for the most current list of required documents.
How much does it cost to file the I-130 form?
The filing fee for the I-130 form is subject to change, so it is essential to verify the current fee on the USCIS website before submitting your application. As of now, the fee is typically a few hundred dollars. Payment can be made via check or money order, and it is crucial to follow the payment instructions provided by USCIS.
How long does it take to process the I-130 form?
Processing times for the I-130 form can vary significantly based on several factors, including the petitioner's relationship to the relative and the service center handling the application. Generally, it may take several months to over a year for the petition to be processed. USCIS provides estimated processing times on their website, which can give a better idea of what to expect.
What happens after the I-130 form is approved?
Once the I-130 form is approved, the next steps depend on whether the relative is already in the U.S. or is applying from abroad. If the relative is in the U.S., they may be eligible to adjust their status to become a permanent resident. If they are outside the U.S., the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing, which includes applying for an immigrant visa. It is important to follow all instructions provided by USCIS and the NVC to ensure a smooth process.
Filling out the USCIS I-130 form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can delay their application. One frequent error is failing to provide accurate information. Each section of the form requires specific details, and inaccuracies can lead to rejection. Always double-check names, dates, and addresses.
Another common mistake is not signing the form. The I-130 must be signed by the petitioner. An unsigned form will be considered incomplete, which can halt the processing of your application. Remember to sign and date the form before submission.
Many applicants forget to include the necessary supporting documents. The I-130 requires proof of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. This can include marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other relevant documents. Ensure that all required evidence is included to avoid delays.
Some people also overlook the importance of using the most recent version of the form. USCIS updates forms periodically, and using an outdated version can result in rejection. Always check the USCIS website for the latest version before filling out the form.
Another mistake involves not paying the correct filing fee. The fee amount can change, so it’s essential to verify the current fee on the USCIS website. Submitting the wrong amount can lead to processing delays or a return of your application.
Inadequate translations of documents can also pose a problem. If any documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation. Failing to provide proper translations can lead to complications in processing.
Many applicants do not keep copies of their submitted forms and documents. It’s important to retain copies for your records. If any issues arise, having this information readily available can help resolve them quickly.
Some individuals neglect to check their contact information. If USCIS needs to reach you for any reason, outdated or incorrect contact details can lead to missed communications. Always ensure your phone number and address are current.
Finally, many people fail to read the instructions thoroughly. Each section of the I-130 has specific requirements. Taking the time to understand these instructions can prevent many of the common mistakes mentioned above.
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to sponsor a family member for immigration. Along with the I-130, several other forms and documents may be required to support the petition and ensure a smooth application process. Below is a list of common forms and documents often used in conjunction with the I-130.
Gathering these documents can streamline the process and help avoid delays. Each form serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall application. By ensuring all necessary paperwork is complete and accurate, applicants can enhance their chances of a successful outcome in their immigration journey.
Form I-485: This form is used to apply for a Green Card while in the United States. Like the I-130, it is a part of the family-based immigration process. Both forms require supporting documentation to establish eligibility for immigration benefits.
Form I-864: Known as the Affidavit of Support, this document is necessary for family-based immigration cases. It ensures that the immigrant has adequate financial support. Similar to the I-130, it is filed by a sponsor who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Form I-131: This is the Application for Travel Document. It allows individuals to apply for permission to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad. The I-131 is related to the I-130 in that both forms are used during the immigration process and require specific eligibility criteria to be met.
Form I-765: The Application for Employment Authorization allows individuals to request the right to work in the U.S. This form can be filed concurrently with the I-130 in certain situations, as both pertain to the immigration status of the applicant.
When filling out the USCIS I-130 form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here are some things you should and shouldn't do:
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your I-130 form is filled out correctly and submitted without issues.
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is an important document for those seeking to bring family members to the United States. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding this form. Below are nine common misunderstandings, along with clarifications.
This is not true. Both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can file an I-130 form for certain eligible relatives.
Filing an I-130 does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. It is merely the first step in the immigration process.
There is a filing fee associated with the I-130 form. It is important to check the USCIS website for the most current fee information.
Approval of the I-130 is just one step. The relative must still go through consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on their situation.
This is a misconception. While immediate relatives have a faster process, I-130 can also be filed for other family members, such as siblings and married children, although the wait times may be longer.
As of now, the I-130 form must be filed via mail. However, USCIS is working on expanding online filing options.
While some individuals may choose to file on their own, seeking legal assistance can help navigate complexities and avoid mistakes.
After filing, applicants should monitor their case status and respond promptly to any requests from USCIS.
Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals better navigate the immigration process. It is always advisable to stay informed and seek assistance when necessary.
When filling out and using the USCIS I-130 form, it is essential to understand the following key points:
Understanding these points can help ensure a smoother application process for your I-130 form.