The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document used to establish a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their foreign relative. This form initiates the process for family-based immigration, allowing the relative to apply for a visa. To begin your application, 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 family-based immigration process in the United States. Designed to establish a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their foreign relative, this form serves as the first step in helping loved ones obtain permanent residency. Applicants must provide essential information, including their personal details and those of the relative they wish to sponsor. Supporting documentation, such as proof of citizenship or residency and evidence of the familial relationship, is also required. The processing of the I-130 can take several months, depending on various factors, including the service center handling the case and the applicant's specific circumstances. Understanding the intricacies of the form and the accompanying requirements is vital for ensuring a smooth application process and avoiding potential delays or denials.
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 submit it along with the required documents and fees. This process is essential for establishing your relationship with a family member who is seeking immigration benefits.
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is 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 helping that relative apply for a family-based immigration visa. By filing the I-130, the petitioner demonstrates their relationship to the relative and initiates the immigration process.
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’s important to ensure that the relationship qualifies under U.S. immigration laws before filing.
When submitting the I-130 form, you will need to include various supporting documents. Commonly required documents include:
Make sure to review the USCIS guidelines for any additional documents that may be required based on your specific situation.
As of October 2023, the filing fee for the I-130 form is $535. This fee must be paid at the time of submission. Payment can typically be made via check, money order, or credit card, depending on the method of filing. It’s advisable to check the USCIS website for any updates on fees before filing.
Processing times for the I-130 form can vary significantly based on several factors, including the relationship type and the service center handling the petition. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Checking the USCIS website for the latest processing times can provide a more accurate estimate for your specific case.
Yes, you can track the status of your I-130 form online. After you file, you will receive a receipt notice with a unique receipt number. By entering this number on the USCIS website, you can check the current status of your petition. This tool allows you to stay informed about any updates or requests for additional information.
Once the I-130 form is approved, the next steps depend on whether the relative is in the U.S. or abroad. If they are in the U.S., they may be eligible to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident. If they are outside the U.S., the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing, including the visa application process.
If your I-130 form is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. The denial notice will include information on how to file an appeal, including the timeframe and the necessary forms. It is crucial to understand the reasons for the denial and to provide any additional evidence or clarification required during the appeal process.
Yes, the I-130 form can be filed online through the USCIS website if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Online filing can streamline the process and allow for quicker communication with USCIS. If you prefer, you can also file a paper application by mailing the completed form to the appropriate USCIS address.
Not providing complete information. Every section of the form must be filled out accurately.
Failing to sign the form. An unsigned form will be rejected by USCIS.
Using outdated versions of the form. Always check for the latest version on the USCIS website.
Inaccurate personal information. Double-check names, dates of birth, and addresses for correctness.
Not including required supporting documents. Ensure all necessary evidence is attached.
Submitting incorrect fees. Verify the current fee schedule and include the right amount.
Not providing translations. Any documents in a foreign language must be translated and certified.
Ignoring the instructions. Carefully read the instructions for each section of the form.
Failing to keep copies. Always make copies of your completed form and all documents submitted.
Missing deadlines. Be aware of any time limits for submitting the form and related documents.
When filing the USCIS I-130 form, which is a petition for an alien relative, several other forms and documents may be required to support your application. These additional documents help provide a clearer picture of your relationship with the relative you are petitioning for and ensure that your application is complete. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that accompany the I-130.
Gathering these documents can seem overwhelming, but each plays a vital role in the application process. Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner to avoid delays in processing your I-130 petition.
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is often compared to the I-485 form, which is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. While the I-130 establishes a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a foreign relative, the I-485 is the next step in the immigration process for that relative. The I-485 is used to apply for a green card, allowing the individual to become a lawful permanent resident in the United States. Both forms are essential in the family-based immigration process, but they serve different purposes at different stages.
Another document similar to the I-130 is the I-864 form, known as the Affidavit of Support. This form is required when a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsors a family member for a green card. The I-864 demonstrates that the sponsor has sufficient income or financial resources to support the immigrant, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. Like the I-130, the I-864 is part of the family-based immigration process, but it focuses specifically on the financial aspects of the sponsorship.
The I-131 form, or Application for Travel Document, also shares similarities with the I-130 in that it is used by individuals seeking to navigate the U.S. immigration system. While the I-130 is about establishing a familial relationship, the I-131 allows individuals to apply for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole. This form is particularly important for those who may need to travel outside the United States while their immigration status is pending. Both forms are integral to maintaining legal status and facilitating the immigration journey.
The I-765 form, known as the Application for Employment Authorization, is another document that relates to the I-130 process. Once a foreign relative has a pending I-130 petition, they may apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) using the I-765. This allows them to work legally in the U.S. while their immigration case is being processed. Like the I-130, the I-765 plays a role in the overall immigration process, but it specifically addresses the ability to work while awaiting a decision on residency status.
Lastly, the I-140 form, or Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is similar to the I-130 in that both forms are petitions for individuals seeking to immigrate to the U.S. However, the I-140 is typically used by employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency based on employment. While the I-130 focuses on family relationships, the I-140 emphasizes professional qualifications and job offers. Both forms are crucial in their respective categories of immigration, highlighting the diverse pathways available for individuals seeking to live in the United States.
When filling out the USCIS I-130 form, follow these guidelines to ensure accuracy and efficiency in your application process.
The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial step for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to bring family members to the United States. However, several misconceptions surround this form. Here are nine common misunderstandings:
Filing the I-130 does not automatically grant a green card. It only establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. After approval, the beneficiary must go through additional steps to obtain permanent residency.
Only certain relatives can be petitioned. U.S. citizens can file for parents, spouses, children, and siblings, while lawful permanent residents can only petition for spouses and unmarried children.
While USCIS has made strides in digitizing applications, not all I-130 petitions can be filed online. Some cases may still require paper submissions.
The I-130 process can take several months or even years, depending on the relationship type and the service center's workload. Patience is essential.
Both the petitioner and the beneficiary must submit various documents to support the petition. This includes proof of the relationship and identity for both parties.
An interview may still be required after the I-130 is approved, especially for spousal petitions. This helps verify the authenticity of the relationship.
Timing is important. Petitions should be filed when the petitioner is eligible to do so and when the beneficiary is ready to apply for a visa or adjustment of status.
Petitioners can request changes or withdraw the petition if necessary. However, it’s important to understand the implications of doing so.
Even after approval, the beneficiary must wait for a visa to become available and go through consular processing or adjustment of status before entering the U.S.
Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the I-130 process more effectively. Always consult with a qualified professional if you have specific questions or concerns regarding your situation.
When filling out and using the USCIS I-130 form, it's important to keep several key points in mind. Here are some essential takeaways:
By following these takeaways, you can navigate the I-130 form process more smoothly and increase your chances of a successful application.