What You Need to Know About Completing I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

Form I-130, officially titled "Petition for Alien Relative," is a form used in U.S. immigration for citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish their relationship with certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. Here's a detailed overview of the instructions for completing this form:

1. Purpose of the Form:

• The I-130 is used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with certain family members who wish to immigrate to the U.S.

2. Who Can File:

• U.S. citizens can file for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings.

• Lawful permanent residents can file for their spouses and unmarried children.

3. Parts of the Form:

• Part 1: Relationship: Indicate your relationship to the beneficiary (the relative you are filing for).

• Part 2: Information About You (Petitioner): Provide your full legal name, address, contact information, and other personal details.

• Part 3: Biographic Information: Includes details like ethnicity, race, height, and weight.

• Part 4: Information About Beneficiary: The beneficiary's full name, address, marital status, entry information to the U.S. (if applicable), and other relevant information.

• Parts 5-7: Provide information about your family, employment, and other details as required.

4. Supporting Documents:

• Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency: For the petitioner, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card.

• Proof of Relationship: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, etc., showing the familial relationship.

• Passport-style Photographs: Of both the petitioner and the beneficiary.

5. Filing Fee:

• The fee for filing Form I-130 varies; always check the latest fee schedule on the USCIS website.

6. Where to File:

• Filing locations are based on the petitioner's place of residence and other factors. The USCIS website provides the most current filing addresses.

7. After Filing:

• Receipt Notice: Confirmation from USCIS upon receiving the form.

• Approval Notice: If the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

• Potential Interview: The beneficiary might be required to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Missing information or documentation.

• Incorrect fee payment.

• Failure to establish the qualifying relationship clearly.

9. Additional Tips:

• Double-check all information for accuracy.

• Ensure translations of non-English documents are certified.

• Keep a copy of the completed form and all documents for your records.

Important Note: This is a general guide. Immigration laws are complex, and each situation is unique. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for individual cases. Always refer to the latest official instructions provided by USCIS for the most current and detailed information.