Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish the qualifying relationship with a family member who wishes to immigrate to the United States.
Here are general Form I-130 instructions:
Download the Form:
You can download the most recent version of Form I-130 from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Read the Instructions:
Before you start filling out the form, carefully read the instructions provided with Form I-130. The instructions will guide you through the completion process and provide important information.
Complete the Form:
Type or print in black ink. Fill out all the required fields accurately. If a question does not apply to you, write “N/A” (not applicable) in the space provided.
Part 1: Relationship Information:
Provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details.
If you are a U.S. citizen petitioning for a family member, indicate your citizenship status.
Specify the relationship with the beneficiary (the person you are petitioning for) and provide their information.
Part 2: Information About You (Petitioner):
Provide details about your citizenship, immigration status (if applicable), and other personal information.
Part 3: Additional Information About You (Petitioner):
Answer the questions related to your criminal history, if any. If you have a criminal record, provide the necessary details.
Part 4: Information About Beneficiary:
Provide details about the beneficiary, including their full name, address, and other required information.
Part 5: Other Information:
Answer the questions related to previous filings, if applicable.
Part 6: Petitioner’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature:
Sign and date the form. If someone helped you fill out the form, they must also sign and provide their contact information.
Filing Fee:
Include the required filing fee with your application. Check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Supporting Documents:
Include supporting documents as evidence of the qualifying relationship. This may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. Ensure that all documents are clear and legible.
Mail the Form:
Mail the completed Form I-130 along with supporting documents and the filing fee to the appropriate USCIS address. Check the USCIS website or the form instructions for the correct address.
Check Application Status:
After submitting the form, you can check the status of your application online through the USCIS website.
Form I-130 checklist of required documents
The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is used by U.S. citizens or permanent residents to petition for a family member to immigrate to the United States. The specific required documents may vary based on individual circumstances and the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. However, here is a general checklist of commonly required documents for filing Form I-130:
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
Ensure the form is properly filled out and signed by the petitioner.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency:
For U.S. citizens: A copy of a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization.
For permanent residents: A copy of both sides of the green card.
Proof of the Family Relationship:
For spouses: Marriage certificate.
For children: Birth certificate showing the relationship to the petitioner.
For parents: Birth certificate showing the relationship to the petitioner.
Passport Photos:
Include passport-sized photos of the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Proof of Name Change (if applicable):
If either the petitioner or beneficiary has changed their name, include legal documentation of the change.
Evidence of a Bona Fide Relationship:
Include documents such as joint bank accounts, joint property ownership, and other evidence that demonstrates a genuine relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary.
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):
This form is required to demonstrate that the petitioner has the financial means to support the beneficiary. Include supporting financial documents such as tax returns, W-2s, and proof of employment.
Filing Fee:
Include the required filing fee with the petition. Check the USCIS website for the current fee amount.
G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional):
If you want to receive electronic notification of your petition’s acceptance, include this form.
Any Additional Supporting Documents:
Depending on the specific circumstances, additional documents may be required. Check the USCIS instructions and guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
