#The Complete Guide to Form I-130: From Start to Finish

Form I-130 is the Petition for Alien Relative, used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish their relationship to certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out Form I-130: 

Download the Form: You can find the latest version of Form I-130 on the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Read the Instructions: Before filling out the form, carefully read the instructions provided with Form I-130. The instructions provide important information on who is eligible to file the form, where to file it, and what documents are required.

Complete Part 1 – Information About You (Petitioner):

Provide your full name, address, date of birth, and other biographical information as requested.

Indicate your citizenship status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).

If you are a lawful permanent resident, provide your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and the date you became a lawful permanent resident.

Complete Part 2 – Information About Your Relative (Beneficiary):

Provide the beneficiary’s full name, address, date of birth, and other biographical information as requested.

Indicate the beneficiary’s relationship to you (e.g., spouse, child, parent).

If the beneficiary is already in the United States, provide their current immigration status.

Complete Part 3 – Additional Information About You (Petitioner):

Answer the questions about your marital history, including previous marriages and divorces.

Complete Part 4 – Information About Your Prior Spouse(s):

If you have been previously married, provide information about your prior spouse(s) as requested.

Complete Part 5 – Information About Your Family:

Provide information about your children, if any, including their names, dates of birth, and current immigration status (if applicable).

Sign and Date the Form: Both the petitioner and the preparer (if someone else is filling out the form on behalf of the petitioner) must sign and date the form. If the petitioner is unable to sign due to a physical disability or other reasons, someone else may sign on their behalf, provided that person explains why the petitioner cannot sign.

Gather Supporting Documents: Along with the completed Form I-130, you must submit supporting documents, such as proof of your relationship to the beneficiary (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate), proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and any other documents requested in the instructions.

Submit the Form and Supporting Documents: Mail the completed Form I-130 and supporting documents to the appropriate address provided in the instructions.

Wait for USCIS Response: After USCIS receives your Form I-130, they will process it and notify you of the decision.

Remember to double-check all information before submitting the form to avoid delays or complications in the immigration process. If you have any doubts or questions, consider seeking guidance from an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

Form I-130 checklist of required documents

When filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you’ll need to submit supporting documents along with the form to establish your relationship with the beneficiary. Here’s Form I-130 checklist of commonly required documents:

Proof of Petitioner’s U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status:

For U.S. citizens: Copy of U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship.

For lawful permanent residents: Copy of green card (front and back), or other proof of lawful permanent resident status.

Proof of Relationship:

Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children).

If the petitioner is filing for a parent, documentation proving the parent-child relationship, such as the petitioner’s birth certificate listing the parent.

Beneficiary’s Biographical Information:

Passport-style photographs of the beneficiary (if applying from outside the U.S.).

Copy of beneficiary’s passport or birth certificate.

Copy of beneficiary’s immigration documents (e.g., visa, I-94).

Proof of Legally Recognized Marriage (if applicable):

If either the petitioner or beneficiary was previously married, provide divorce decrees or death certificates to show the termination of previous marriages.

Form G-325A (Biographic Information):

Biographic information form for the petitioner and, if applicable, the beneficiary.

Filing Fee:

Check or money order for the appropriate filing fee. Check the USCIS website or the Form I-130 instructions for the current fee amount.

Evidence of Bonafide Marriage (for Spousal Petitions):

Documentation showing joint ownership of property or joint leases.

Evidence of joint financial accounts or co-mingling of finances.

Birth certificates of children born to the marriage.

Affidavits from family and friends attesting to the validity of the marriage.

Additional Documentation (as needed):

Any additional documents requested in the Form I-130 instructions or by USCIS based on your specific circumstances.

Translation of documents not in English, if applicable.

Form G-1145 (Optional)

If you wish to receive electronic notifications (e-Notifications) regarding the status of your application, you may include this form with your application.

Remember to make copies of all documents you submit, and ensure that they are clear and legible. If any documents are not in English, include certified translations. Double-check the USCIS website or the instructions for Form I-130 for any updates or specific requirements. It’s also advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative for guidance tailored to your individual case.

by Johnson John

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