The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, serves as the first step in the process for a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States to sponsor a family member for immigration. This essential document establishes the relationship between the sponsor and the beneficiary, laying the groundwork for the family member's potential immigration to the U.S. For detailed guidance on completing and submitting this form accurately, click the button below to begin the process.
Embarking on the journey toward achieving a family member's permanent residency in the United States requires navigating through the complexities of immigration law, a task that often begins with the completion of the USCIS I-130 form. Known officially as the Petition for Alien Relative, this form serves as the crucial first step in the legal process to establish a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their non-U.S. citizen relative, laying the groundwork for them to apply for a green card. The nuances of filling out the form accurately cannot be overstated, as even minor errors can lead to delays or denials, prolonging the emotional and sometimes arduous waiting period families endure. Understanding the eligibility requirements, the detailed documentation needed, and the sequential steps that follow after submission is essential. It's a pathway fraught with legal technicalities, from proving the legitimacy of the relationship to navigating the priority dates that dictate the timeline of the immigration process. Thus, diving into this process equipped with a comprehensive overview of the USCIS I-130 form’s significance, requirements, and potential hurdles is paramount for those hoping to reunite their families under the umbrella of permanent residency in the United States.
Petition for Alien Relative
USCIS
Department of Homeland Security
Form I-130
OMB No. 1615-0012
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Expires 02/28/2021
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 02/13/19
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
Person 4
37.a. Family Name
37.b. Given Name
37.c. Middle Name
38. Relationship
39. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
40.Country of Birth
Person 5
41.a. Family Name
41.b. Given Name
41.c. Middle Name
48.Travel Document Number
49.Country of Issuance for Passport or Travel Document
50.Expiration Date for Passport or Travel Document (mm/dd/yyyy)
Beneficiary's Employment Information
Provide the beneficiary's current employment information (if applicable), even if they are employed outside of the United States. If the beneficiary is currently unemployed, type or print "Unemployed" in Item Number 51.a.
51.a. Name of Current Employer (if applicable)
51.b. Street Number
51.c.
51.d. City or Town
42. Relationship
43. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
44.Country of Birth
51.e. State
51.g. Province
51.h. Postal Code 51.i. Country
51.f. ZIP Code
Beneficiary's Entry Information
45.Was the beneficiary EVER in the United States?
Yes No
If the beneficiary is currently in the United States, complete
Items Numbers 46.a. - 46.d.
46.a. He or she arrived as a (Class of Admission):
46.b. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number
46.c. Date of Arrival (mm/dd/yyyy)
46.d. Date authorized stay expired, or will expire, as shown on Form I-94 or Form I-95 (mm/dd/yyyy) or type or print "D/S" for Duration of Status
47.Passport Number
52.Date Employment Began (mm/dd/yyyy)
Additional Information About Beneficiary
53.Was the beneficiary EVER in immigration proceedings?
54.If you answered "Yes," select the type of proceedings and provide the location and date of the proceedings.
Removal
Exclusion/Deportation
Rescission
Other Judicial Proceedings
55.a. City or Town
55.b. State
56. Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 7 of 12
If the beneficiary's native written language does not use Roman letters, type or print his or her name and foreign address in their native written language.
57.a. Family Name
57.b. Given Name
57.c. Middle Name
58.a. Street Number
58.b.
58.c.
58.d.
58.e.
58.f.
If filing for your spouse, provide the last address at which you physically lived together. If you never lived together, type or print, "Never lived together" in Item Number 59.a.
59.a. Street Number
59.b.
59.c.
59.d.
59.e. ZIP Code
59.f.
59.g.
59.h.
60.a.
60.b.
The beneficiary is in the United States and will apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in:
61.a. City or Town
61.b. State
The beneficiary will not apply for adjustment of status in the United States, but he or she will apply for an immigrant visa abroad at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in:
62.a. City or Town
62.b. Province
62.c. Country
NOTE: Choosing a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate outside the country of the beneficiary's last residence does not guarantee that it will accept the beneficiary's case for processing. In these situations, the designated U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate has discretion over whether or not to accept the beneficiary's case.
Part 5. Other Information
1.Have you EVER previously filed a petition for this
beneficiary or any other alien?
If you answered "Yes," provide the name, place, date of filing, and the result.
2.a. Family Name (Last Name)
2.b. Given Name (First Name)
2.c. Middle Name
3.a. City or Town
3.b. State
4. Date Filed (mm/dd/yyyy)
5.Result (for example, approved, denied, withdrawn)
If you are also submitting separate petitions for other relatives, provide the names of and your relationship to each relative.
Relative 1
6.a. Family Name
6.b. Given Name
6.c. Middle Name
7. Relationship
Page 8 of 12
Part 5. Other Information (continued)
Relative 2
8.a. Family Name
8.b. Given Name
8.c. Middle Name
9. Relationship
WARNING: USCIS investigates the claimed relationships and verifies the validity of documents you submit. If you falsify a family relationship to obtain a visa, USCIS may seek to have you criminally prosecuted.
PENALTIES: By law, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years or fined $250,000, or both, for entering into a marriage contract in order to evade any U.S. immigration law. In addition, you may be fined up to $10,000 and imprisoned for up to 5 years, or both, for knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact or using any false document in submitting this petition.
Part 6. Petitioner's Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature
NOTE: Read the Penalties section of the Form I-130 Instructions before completing this part.
Petitioner's Statement
NOTE: Select the box for either Item Number 1.a. or 1.b. If applicable, select the box for Item Number 2.
1.a.
I can read and understand English, and I have read
and understand every question and instruction on this
petition and my answer to every question.
1.b.
The interpreter named in Part 7. read to me every
question and instruction on this petition and my
answer to every question in
,
a language in which I am fluent. I understood all of
this information as interpreted.
2.
At my request, the preparer named in Part 8.,
prepared this petition for me based only upon
information I provided or authorized.
Petitioner's Contact Information
3.Petitioner's Daytime Telephone Number
4.Petitioner's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
5.Petitioner's Email Address (if any)
Petitioner's Declaration and Certification
Copies of any documents I have submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered, original documents, and I understand that USCIS may require that I submit original documents to USCIS at a later date. Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information from any of my records that USCIS may need to determine my eligibility for the immigration benefit I seek.
I further authorize release of information contained in this petition, in supporting documents, and in my USCIS records to other entities and persons where necessary for the administration and enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
I understand that USCIS may require me to appear for an appointment to take my biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) and, at that time, if I am required to provide biometrics, I will be required to sign an oath reaffirming that:
1)I provided or authorized all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my petition;
2)I reviewed and understood all of the information in, and submitted with, my petition; and
3)All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in my petition and any document submitted with it were provided or authorized by me, that I reviewed and understand all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my petition, and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct.
Petitioner's Signature
6.a. Petitioner's Signature (sign in ink)
6.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
NOTE TO ALL PETITIONERS: If you do not completely fill out this petition or fail to submit required documents listed in the Instructions, USCIS may deny your petition.
Page 9 of 12
Part 7. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Provide the following information about the interpreter if you used one.
Interpreter's Full Name
1.a. Interpreter's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Interpreter's Given Name (First Name)
2.Interpreter's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Interpreter's Mailing Address
3.a.
3.b.
3.c.
Interpreter's Certification
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that:
I am fluent in English and
which is the same language provided in Part 6., Item Number 1.b., and I have read to this petitioner in the identified language every question and instruction on this petition and his or her answer to every question. The petitioner informed me that he or she understands every instruction, question, and answer on the petition, including the Petitioner's Declaration and Certification, and has verified the accuracy of every answer.
Interpreter's Signature
7.a. Interpreter's Signature (sign in ink)
7.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Part 8. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Petition, if Other Than the Petitioner
Provide the following information about the preparer.
3.d. State
3.f. Province
3.g. Postal Code 3.h. Country
3.e. ZIP Code
Preparer's Full Name
1.a. Preparer's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Preparer's Given Name (First Name)
Interpreter's Contact Information
4.Interpreter's Daytime Telephone Number
5.Interpreter's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
6.Interpreter's Email Address (if any)
2.Preparer's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Preparer's Mailing Address
Page 10 of 12
After a person completes the USCIS I-130 form, it initiates the process of reuniting family members by establishing a recognized relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. It is crucial to fill out this form accurately to avoid delays or rejections. The following steps guide you through completing the form. Remember, once submitted, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review the form, and you will receive notification regarding the next steps, which may include providing additional evidence or attending an interview.
Accurately and thoroughly completing the USCIS I-130 form is the first vital step in helping a family member immigrate to the United States. The process might seem lengthy, but paying attention to detail can eliminate unnecessary delays. Once USCIS receives your form, they will process it and contact you if additional information or documentation is needed, so ensure your contact information is current and check your mail regularly for correspondence from USCIS.
What is the USCIS I-130 form used for?
The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a document used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish a relationship with a foreign relative they wish to bring to the United States. By filling out and submitting this form, the petitioner can initiate the process for their relative to eventually obtain a green card, which grants permanent residency in the U.S.
Who can file a USCIS I-130 form?
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) are eligible to file a USCIS I-130 form. U.S. citizens may file petitions for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings, while lawful permanent residents can file petitions for their spouses and unmarried children. It is important for the petitioner to provide evidence of their status in the U.S. and prove their relationship to the beneficiary through documentation.
What documents are needed to accompany the I-130 form?
When submitting the I-130 form, petitioners must include proof of their U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, legal documentation of the relationship to the beneficiary (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption documents), and evidence of any legal name changes for both the petitioner and the beneficiary. Depending on the case, additional documents, such as financial records or prior marital termination documentation, may also be required.
How long does the processing of the I-130 form take?
The processing time for the I-130 form can vary significantly based on several factors, including the petitioner's relationship to the beneficiary, the current workload of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the accuracy and completeness of the submitted application. Generally, processing times range from a few months to several years. Petitioners can check current processing times on the USCIS website using their receipt number.
Filling out the USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a pivotal step for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who wish to help a family member immigrate to the United States. Unfortunately, mistakes during this process are common. These errors can result in delays or the outright denial of the application. To help guide you through this crucial process, here is a detailed look at six common mistakes to avoid:
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve the likelihood of a smooth and successful application process for your relative. Precision, attention to detail, and adherence to the USCIS guidelines are key components of a correctly filled out I-130 form.
Filing the USCIS I-130 form, which is officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a significant step in the process of helping a family member immigrate to the United States. This form establishes a valid family relationship between the petitioner (a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) and the person seeking to immigrate. However, the I-130 form is just a part of the journey. Along the way, several other forms and documents are typically required to successfully navigate the complexities of the immigration process. Each plays a vital role in ensuring the application is complete, accurate, and processed efficiently.
Each of these forms and documents is critical to ensuring a smooth progression through the family immigration process. From establishing eligibility and proving financial stability to adjusting status and obtaining employment authorization, they collectively pave the way for family members to legally live and work in the U.S. It's important for petitioners and beneficiaries to carefully review the requirements for each form, prepare their submissions meticulously, and stay informed about any changes to immigration laws and policies that might affect their case.
USCIS Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: This form is quite similar to the I-130 because it's another vital step in the process of establishing legal residency in the United States. While the I-130 is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish their relationship with an immigrant relative, the I-485 is the next step for that relative to apply for lawful permanent residency itself. Both forms are integral parts of the family-based immigration process and require detailed information about the applicant's personal history, family relationships, and eligibility for immigration benefits.
USCIS Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e): This form bears similarity to the I-130 in its function of bringing family members to the United States. Instead of a spouse or other relative, however, the I-129F is specifically for U.S. citizens who want to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. Both forms require the petitioner to prove a bona fide relationship with the person they're seeking to bring to the U.S., along with submitting proof of the ability to financially support the immigrant, making them closely related in purpose and content.
USCIS Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: Similar to the I-130, the I-140 is a petition form but is used in employment-based cases. It's filed by U.S. employers who are looking to hire foreign workers on a permanent basis. Both forms are essential for their respective paths to legal residency in the U.S., and they require detailed information about the petitioner (either a family member or an employer) and the beneficiary (the person seeking to immigrate), although the I-140 focuses more on professional qualifications and employment plans.
USCIS Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant: This form is somewhat similar to the I-130 in that it's also a petition for specific categories of immigrants seeking to establish lawful residency in the U.S. The I-360 can be filed for several different classes of individuals, including certain religious workers, abused spouses or children of U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent residents. Like the I-130, it involves submitting detailed personal information and evidence to establish eligibility for immigration benefits, although it caters to more specialized categories of applicants.
Filling out the USCIS I-130 form, known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial step in helping a family member immigrate to the United States. The process demands accuracy and attention to detail. Below are essential dos and don'ts to guide you through the completion of the form, ensuring a smoother petition process.
Following these guidelines can significantly enhance the clarity and accuracy of your submission, ultimately assisting in the efficient processing of your I-130 petition. Remember, the process is intricate, and attention to detail is paramount. For complex cases or if you encounter challenges, consulting with an immigration attorney or accredited representative is advisable.
The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the "Petition for Alien Relative," is a crucial document for individuals seeking to establish familial relationships with non-U.S. citizens for immigration purposes. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding the I-130 form. Understanding these misconceptions can provide clearer insights into the immigration process.
Submitting the I-130 guarantees your relative's visa or green card. Many believe that once the I-130 is submitted and approved, the relative is guaranteed to receive a visa or green card. The approval of an I-130 petition simply recognizes the familial relationship. The relative must still undergo a separate application process for a visa or green card, which includes eligibility screening and may be subject to annual caps and wait times.
The I-130 process is quick. This process can vary significantly in duration, depending on the petitioner's relationship with the beneficiary and the current workload of USCIS. Some may wait several months to years for their petition to be processed, contrary to the expectation of a quick turnaround.
Once filed, the I-130 form cannot be updated or corrected. If errors are detected after submission, USCIS permits petitioners to correct or update information on the I-130 form. This may require formal communication and, in some cases, submission of additional documentation to support the corrections.
Biological or legal documents aren't important for the I-130 form. Document proof of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary is critical for the I-130 process. Without adequate documentation, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers, USCIS may deny the petition.
All family members need separate I-130 forms. This is partially true but needs clarification. A separate I-130 form is required for each eligible relative one intends to sponsor for immigration. However, derivative beneficiaries, such as the children of a spouse being sponsored, do not each require a separate I-130 if they are included in the original petition.
Filing an I-130 form automatically grants the beneficiary permission to stay in the U.S. Filing or approval of an I-130 does not confer any immediate right to live or work in the United States. The beneficiary must obtain a visa or adjust status through other means and may need to wait outside the U.S. during the processing period.
Only U.S. citizens can file an I-130 form for relatives. While it's true that U.S. citizens can file the I-130 for more distant relatives like siblings and married children, lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can also file to sponsor their spouses and unmarried children.
The government fees for filing an I-130 are refundable if the petition is denied or withdrawn. USCIS filing fees are generally non-refundable, regardless of the petition's outcome. This includes cases where the petition is withdrawn or denied.
The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial step in the family-based immigration process. It is used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish a relationship with certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. The process can be complex, but understanding these key takeaways will help in accurately completing and utilizing the form.
Completing the USCIS I-130 form is the initial step in reuniting families in the United States. While the process is detailed and can seem daunting, careful attention to detail and adherence to the instructions can lead to a successful petition. Consider seeking assistance from legal professionals if the process seems overwhelming.
Simple Absent Letter for School Because of Sick by Parents - Allows for the detailed specification of the medical reason for absence, with a checkbox for the type of healthcare provider seen.
Form 1099nec - Serves as a proof of income for independent contractors for loan or leasing applications.