Government forms

Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

Filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to prove a qualifying family relationship with a relative who wants to immigrate. It is the first step toward a family-based green card.

Edition 04/01/24

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

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Instructions for filling out Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

This template is used for official filing and documentation. Below are detailed instructions for completing, requirement details, and submission rules.

Who needs to fill out this document?

This form is designed for use by legal entities, individuals, or authorized representatives in the following cases:

U.S. citizens sponsoring a spouse, child, parent or sibling.
Permanent residents sponsoring a spouse or unmarried child.
Couples starting a marriage-based green card case.

What you will need before starting

Before filling out the interactive form, prepare the following details and documents:

1. Proof of petitioner statusU.S. passport, naturalization certificate or green card.

2. Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate, birth certificates or adoption records.

3. Bona fide marriage evidenceFor spouses: joint lease, bank accounts, photos and similar.

4. Biographic detailsAddresses and employment for the past five years, prior marriages.

Step-by-step filling process

Describe the relationship: Part 1 identifies who you are petitioning for.
Petitioner and beneficiary details: Parts 2 and 4 with names, addresses, history and prior marriages.
Attach evidence: Status proof, relationship documents and photos (spouses also file Form I-130A).
Pay and file: File online or by mail with the fee; keep the receipt notice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does an approved I-130 give a green card?

No. It establishes the relationship. The relative then applies through consular processing or Form I-485.

How long does it take?

It varies widely by relationship, the petitioner's status and the service center; check USCIS processing times.

How much is the filing fee?

Fees change periodically. Check the current amount on the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) or the form's page at uscis.gov before you pay.

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