The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, serves as the first step for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a family relationship with certain foreign relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. This form is critical in the family-based immigration process, allowing individuals to sponsor their relatives for a green card. For those looking to reunite with family members, beginning the process by accurately completing and submitting this form is essential. Click the button below to start filling out your USCIS I-130 form.
Embarking on the journey toward family reunification in the United States unveils the crucial role played by the USCIS I-130 form, a testament to the government's structured approach in managing immigration and fostering family connections across borders. This form, formally known as the Petition for Alien Relative, stands as the foundational step for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) aiming to bring their family members to live permanently in the U.S. Comprehensive in nature, it meticulously collects detailed information about the petitioner and the beneficiary, ensuring a thorough assessment of their relationship and eligibility under U.S. immigration law. Understanding the complexities of the I-130 form is vital, as it navigates through various classifications of family-based visas, each with its unique qualifications and wait times, reflecting the government's effort to maintain an organized and fair immigration system. From its purpose to the specifics of its completion and submission, the I-130 form epitomizes the initial, yet significant, hurdle in achieving the dream of family reunification, setting the stage for what is often a prolonged and meticulously scrutinized immigration process.
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
Filling out the USCIS I-130 form, known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step toward helping a family member immigrate to the United States. This process can seem daunting at first, but with careful attention to detail, it can be completed successfully. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you fill it out correctly and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Remember, accuracy and honesty are paramount in this process.
After submitting the form, you can expect to receive a notice of receipt from the USCIS. Following that, you may be notified of the decision or requested to provide additional information. Patience is key, as processing times can vary based on numerous factors. By carefully following these steps, you can help support your family member's journey to becoming a United States resident.
The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, serves as the first step for a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor a family member for immigration to the United States. By filing this form, the sponsor can establish their relationship to the family member (beneficiary), who then may be eligible to apply for a green card.
U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who wish to sponsor a close family member for immigration must file the I-130 form. This includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings, although the specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the sponsor's immigration status.
Required documentation generally includes:
As of the last update, the filing fee for the I-130 form is $535. This fee is subject to change, so it's advisable to check the latest information on the USCIS website. Note that the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the petition's outcome.
The filing location depends on the petitioner's address and specific circumstances. Generally, the form can be submitted to USCIS either by mail or online. The USCIS website provides detailed instructions, including the correct address for mailing and guidelines for electronic submission.
Processing times for the I-130 form can vary widely based on several factors, including the petitioner's relationship to the beneficiary, the USCIS office handling the petition, and the overall volume of applications. As of the last update, it could take from 5 months to several years. For the most current estimates, it’s best to consult the USCIS website.
Yes, U.S. citizens residing abroad can file the I-130 form for a relative. In certain countries, the form can be filed directly with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, lawful permanent residents typically must reside in the United States to file.
Approval of the I-130 form is just the initial step. After approval, the beneficiary must wait for a visa number to become available, which depends on their preference category and country of origin. Next, they can apply for a green card either through adjustment of status (if legally present in the U.S.) or via consular processing (if outside the U.S.).
Yes, the I-130 can be denied for various reasons, including insufficient evidence of a qualifying relationship, ineligibility based on immigration or criminal violations, or application errors. If denied, the petitioner can file a motion to reopen or reconsider the case with USCIS, or possibly file a new I-130 form with additional evidence. Consulting with an immigration attorney for guidance on these options is often beneficial.
Filing the USCIS I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, marks a critical step for individuals aiming to establish familial relationships with non-citizen relatives to help them obtain permanent residency in the United States. However, the process is complex, and errors can delay or derail this crucial petition. Below are common mistakes made during the completion of the I-130 form.
Not providing complete information: One of the most common mistakes is leaving sections blank that require a response. Every question must be answered fully. If a question does not apply, filling it with "N/A" for not applicable, instead of leaving it blank, is essential to show that no information was overlooked.
Incorrect fee payment: The USCIS updates its fee schedule periodically, leading to confusion and errors in fee payment. Submitting the wrong amount can result in the rejection of the form. It is vital to verify the current fee structure on the official USCIS website before submission.
Failing to provide necessary evidence: Applicants must submit supporting documentation along with the I-130 form to prove the legitimacy of the familial relationship. This evidence can include marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other legal documents. Failing to provide sufficient evidence can result in delays or denials.
Not signing the form: An unsigned form is one of the most straightforward errors that can lead to the immediate rejection of the petition. Before submission, a thorough review to ensure that all required signatures are present is critical to avoid this oversight.
In conclusion, meticulous attention to detail is crucial when completing the USCIS I-130 form. Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly impact the success of the petition. Individuals are encouraged to review all instructions provided by USCIS carefully and consult with legal professionals if uncertainties arise during the application process.
When someone in the United States wants to help a relative become a lawful permanent resident, filing the USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is often the first step. This form establishes the valid family relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Yet, it’s rarely the only document required in the immigration process. Several other forms and documents typically accompany the I-130 to support the application. Here's a brief look at some of these essential forms and documents.
Filing the I-130 form is just the beginning of a multifaceted immigration process. Each accompanying document serves a unique purpose, helping to ensure the applicant meets all requirements for becoming a lawful permanent resident. By understanding each form's role in this procedure, petitioners and beneficiaries can better navigate the path toward achieving their immigration goals.
The USCIS I-485 form, otherwise known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, shares a similar intent with the I-130 form; both aim at establishing eligibility for immigration benefits within the United States. While the I-130 form is specifically used to establish a valid family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and an applicant, the I-485 is the next step that allows the applicant to apply for lawful permanent residency based on that established relationship.
The USCIS I-129F form, the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), has a striking resemblance in purpose to the I-130 as it is used to establish a relationship, but specifically for the purpose of bringing a fiancé(e) to the United States. Both forms are critical in the process of uniting families, albeit the I-129F focuses on couples not yet married, while the I-130 pertains to already established family connections.
The USCIS I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is akin to the I-130 form in its objective to establish a basis for someone's eligibility to migrate to the U.S. While the I-130 focuses on family relationships, the I-140 is used by employers to petition for foreign workers to become permanent residents based on employment.
The USCIS I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, parallels the I-130 in its relation to adjusting an individual's immigration status. The I-751 specifically applies to conditional residents who obtained status through marriage and need to apply to remove the conditions on their residency after two years. Both forms are essential steps in the journey toward long-term residency in the U.S.
The USCIS I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, complements the I-130 by requiring the petitioner to prove they can financially support the family member looking to immigrate to the U.S. It's a commitment to the U.S. government that the immigrant will not become a public charge, directly supporting the relationship established by the I-130 form.
DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is similar to the I-130 in its role in the immigration process, albeit at a later stage and handled by the Department of State. After an I-130 is approved, beneficiaries outside the U.S. must often complete the DS-260 to apply for an immigrant visa for entry into the United States. Both forms are crucial for family-based immigration.
The USCIS I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, resembles the I-130 in its fundamental purpose to provide a pathway for immigration based on specific qualifications; in this case, investments that contribute to the U.S. economy. Unlike the I-130, which is based on family ties, the I-526 facilitates immigration for those investing a significant amount in U.S. ventures.
The USCIS I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, shares its foundational goal with the I-130: providing eligibility for immigration benefits. The I-360 includes a broader range of applicants, including special immigrants like religious workers, abused spouses, or children under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), whereas the I-130 is specifically for family-related immigration.
When filling out the USCIS I-130 form, which is essential for sponsoring a relative for a U.S. green card, attention to detail and accuracy can significantly influence the application's success. The following guidelines can help applicants navigate the process more efficiently:
Do's:
Don'ts:
Understanding the USCIS I-130 form is crucial for those seeking to reunite with family members. However, misconceptions can create confusion and lead to unnecessary obstacles. Here are four common misconceptions about the I-130 form:
Only US Citizens Can File the I-130 Form: While it's true that U.S. citizens can file this form to sponsor relatives, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can also file to sponsor their spouse and unmarried children. This distinction is important for families seeking to maintain unity during the immigration process.
Approval Guarantees a Visa: An approved I-130 form is a necessary step in the process, but it does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. Approval signifies the familial relationship's recognition by USCIS. Applicants must still undergo further processing, including interviews and background checks.
Filing I-130 Automatically Grants Legal Status: Filing the I-130 form starts the process of bringing a relative to the United States, but it does not grant any immediate legal status to the beneficiary. Beneficiaries residing outside the U.S. must wait for visa processing, while those in the U.S. need to adjust their status.
There's No Need to Update Personal Information After Filing: It's essential to inform USCIS of any changes in personal information, such as addresses, marital status, or births, for both the petitioner and the beneficiary. Such updates can affect the processing of the I-130 form and subsequent stages of immigration procedures.
By dispelling these misconceptions, petitioners can navigate the process more effectively and enhance their chances of success.
Filling out the USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial step for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to help a family member immigrate to the United States. Understanding the proper way to complete and submit this form can help ensure a smoother process for your family. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
Approaching the I-130 form with careful attention to detail and preparedness can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful petition for your relative's immigration to the United States.
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