The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, serves as a crucial step for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents seeking to establish a family relationship with a foreign national. This form initiates the process of bringing a relative to the United States for immigration purposes. Understanding its requirements and implications is essential for a smooth application process, so consider filling 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 wishing 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, you are essentially starting the journey for your loved one to obtain a visa or green card. The form requires you to provide essential information about both yourself and your relative, including details like names, dates of birth, and proof of your relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates. Additionally, supporting documents are necessary to demonstrate your eligibility and the legitimacy of your relationship. Understanding the nuances of the I-130 process can significantly impact the outcome, making it vital to approach it with care and attention to detail. This article will guide you through the key aspects of the I-130 form, ensuring you feel equipped to navigate this important step in bringing your family together.
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
Once you have gathered all necessary documents and information, you can proceed to fill out the USCIS I-130 form. This form is crucial for initiating the process of family-based immigration. Ensure that you follow each step carefully to avoid any delays in processing your application.
After submitting the form, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. This notice will confirm that your application has been received and is being processed. Keep this notice safe, as it contains important information regarding your case.
What is the USCIS I-130 form?
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a document that U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents use to establish a relationship with certain foreign relatives. By submitting this form, you are requesting that the U.S. government recognize your family member's eligibility for a visa to live in the United States.
Who can file the I-130 form?
U.S. citizens can file the I-130 for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can file for their spouses and unmarried children. It’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before filing.
What documents are needed to support the I-130 form?
When submitting the I-130 form, you need to include various supporting documents. These may include:
Gathering these documents in advance can help streamline the process.
How much does it cost to file the I-130 form?
The filing fee for the I-130 form is currently $535. Payment can be made via check or money order, or online if filing electronically. Always check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date fee information.
How long does it take to process the I-130 form?
Processing times for the I-130 form can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of relationship and the service center handling your case. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. You can check the USCIS website for estimated processing times specific to your situation.
Can I check the status of my I-130 petition?
Yes, you can check the status of your I-130 petition online through the USCIS website. You will need your receipt number, which is provided after your petition is filed. This allows you to track the progress of your case easily.
What happens after my I-130 is approved?
Once your I-130 petition is approved, the next steps depend on whether your relative is in the U.S. or abroad. If they are in the U.S., they may be able to adjust their status to become a permanent resident. If they are outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing to obtain their immigrant visa. Detailed instructions will be provided after approval.
Can I appeal if my I-130 is denied?
If your I-130 petition is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. You must file the appeal within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. It's crucial to understand the reasons for the denial and to address those issues in your appeal.
Is legal assistance recommended when filing the I-130?
While it is not required to have legal assistance when filing the I-130 form, many people find it helpful. An immigration attorney can provide guidance on the process, help ensure that all necessary documents are included, and assist with any complications that may arise.
Filling out the USCIS I-130 form can be a daunting task. Many individuals make mistakes that can delay the processing of their petitions. Understanding these common pitfalls is crucial for a smooth application process.
One frequent mistake is failing to provide accurate personal information. This includes names, dates of birth, and addresses. Even minor errors can lead to significant delays or even denials. It’s essential to double-check all entries for accuracy before submitting.
Another common error is not including all required documentation. The I-130 form requires specific supporting documents, such as proof of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Omitting these documents can result in a request for additional evidence, prolonging the process.
Some applicants forget to sign the form. A signature is not just a formality; it is a necessary part of the application. Without a signature, the form is considered incomplete, and the application will not be processed.
Many people also overlook the importance of using the most current version of the form. USCIS updates forms periodically, and using an outdated version can lead to complications. Always check the USCIS website for the latest version before filling out the form.
Another mistake involves incorrect payment of fees. Each application has a specific fee associated with it, and using the wrong payment method or amount can cause delays. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully regarding payment.
In addition, some applicants fail to provide a complete address for the beneficiary. This may seem trivial, but it is critical for communication purposes. Without a proper address, USCIS may struggle to reach the beneficiary for further information or updates.
Finally, many individuals do not keep copies of their submitted forms and documents. This can be a significant issue if there are questions about the application later. Keeping a complete record ensures that you have all necessary information on hand if needed.
The USCIS I-130 form is an important document used to establish a relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a foreign relative. Along with the I-130, several other forms and documents are typically required to support the application process. Below is a list of some common forms and documents that may be needed.
Gathering the necessary forms and documents is essential for a smooth application process. Each document plays a specific role in supporting the I-130 petition and ensuring compliance with immigration requirements.
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, serves as a crucial document in the immigration process. It establishes a relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a foreign relative. Several other forms and documents share similarities with the I-130 in terms of purpose, process, or the information they require. Here’s a list of nine such documents:
Each of these forms plays a unique role in the immigration process, yet they all share common threads with the I-130, emphasizing the importance of relationships, financial support, or residency status. Understanding these connections can help navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration.
When filling out the USCIS I-130 form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid.
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is an important document for individuals seeking to bring family members to the United States. However, several misconceptions surround this form. Below is a list of eight common misconceptions and clarifications regarding the I-130 form.
Submitting the I-130 form does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. It is only the first step in the immigration process, and approval does not ensure that the family member will receive a visa.
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can also file an I-130 for certain family members, though the categories of eligible relatives are more limited compared to U.S. citizens.
As of now, the I-130 form must be filed by mail. While some forms can be submitted online, the I-130 requires a physical submission to the appropriate USCIS address.
A filing fee is required when submitting the I-130 form. This fee varies based on the petitioner's status and should be confirmed on the USCIS website.
The I-130 is just one part of the immigration process. After approval, additional forms and documentation may be necessary for the family member to obtain a visa or adjust status.
Approval of the I-130 form is only the beginning. The relative must still go through consular processing or adjustment of status, which involves additional steps and potential waiting periods.
If an I-130 petition is denied, there may be options for appeal or motion to reopen the case. It is essential to understand the reasons for denial and the available remedies.
While the I-130 is commonly used for immediate relatives, it can also be filed for other family members, such as siblings or married children, although these categories may have longer waiting times.
Filling out the USCIS I-130 form can be straightforward if you keep a few key points in mind. Here are some important takeaways: