↝

Blank USCIS I-130 Form

The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a family relationship with a foreign national. This form is essential for initiating the process of obtaining a visa for the relative, allowing them to live in the United States. Understanding the requirements and procedures associated with the I-130 form is vital for anyone looking to reunite with family members across borders.

Outline

The USCIS I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, plays a crucial role in the family-based immigration process in the United States. Designed to establish a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their foreign relative, this form is often the first step toward bringing loved ones to the country. The I-130 serves as a formal request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to recognize this familial bond, which can lead to the relative obtaining a visa or green card. Key aspects of the form include the requirement for thorough documentation, such as proof of the petitioner's status and evidence of the relationship, whether through marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other relevant documents. Additionally, applicants must be mindful of the filing fees and processing times, which can vary significantly based on the specifics of each case. Understanding the nuances of the I-130 form is essential for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law effectively.

Sample - USCIS I-130 Form

Petition for Alien Relative

USCIS

Department of Homeland Security

Form I-130

OMB No. 1615-0012

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Expires 02/28/2027

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

4.Did you gain lawful permanent resident status or

citizenship through adoption?

Yes

Your Full Name

4.a. Family Name

(Last Name)

4.b. Given Name

(First Name)

4.c. Middle Name

Form I-130 Edition 04/01/24

Page 1 of 12

Part 2. Information About You (Petitioner)

(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.
9.	Sex		Male		Female

Mailing Address						(USPS ZIP Code Lookup)
10.a. In Care Of Name
10.b.
	Street Number
	Street Number
10.c.	and Name

	Apt.	Ste.			Flr.
10.d.	City or Town



10.e.				10.f.
10.e.	State			10.f.	ZIP Code
10.g.
	Province
	Province
10.h.	Postal Code


10.i.	Country
10.i.	Country

11.Is your current mailing address the same as your physical

address?

Yes

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.a. Street Number
12.b.	and Name

	Apt.	Ste.		Flr.
12.c.	City or Town


12.d.
			12.e. ZIP Code
	State		12.e. ZIP Code
12.f.
	Province
	Province
12.g.	Postal Code


12.h.	Country
12.h.	Country

13.a. Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)

13.b. Date To (mm/dd/yyyy)					PRESENT

Physical Address 2
14.a. Street Number
14.a. Street Number
14.b.	and Name

	Apt.	Ste.		Flr.
14.c.	City or Town


14.d.
			14.e. ZIP Code
	State		14.e. ZIP Code
14.f.
	Province
	Province
14.g.	Postal Code


14.h.	Country
14.h.	Country

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

Form I-130 Edition 04/01/24

Page 2 of 12

Part 2. Information About You (Petitioner)

(continued)

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

(Last Name)

20.b. Given Name

(First Name)

20.c. Middle Name

21. Date Marriage Ended (mm/dd/yyyy)

Spouse 2

22.a. Family Name

(Last Name)

22.b. Given Name

(First 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

(Last Name)

30.b. Given Name

(First Name)

30.c. Middle Name

31. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

32. Sex

Male

Female

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

(Last Name)

24.b. Given Name

(First Name)

24.c. Middle Name

25.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

26. Sex

Male

Female

Naturalization

Parents

38.Have you obtained a Certificate of Naturalization or a

Certificate of Citizenship?

Yes

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)

Form I-130 Edition 04/01/24

Page 3 of 12

Part 2. Information About You (Petitioner)

(continued)

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?

Yes

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

and Name

43.b.	Apt.	Ste.		Flr.
43.c.	City or Town




43.d.	State		43.e. ZIP Code
43.f.
	Province
	Province
43.g.	Postal Code

Employer 2

46.Name of Employer/Company

47.a. Street Number

and Name

47.b.	Apt.	Ste.		Flr.
47.c.	City or Town




47.d.	State		47.e. ZIP Code
47.f.
	Province
	Province
47.g.	Postal Code


47.h.	Country
47.h.	Country

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.
44.	Your Occupation
45.a.
	Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)
	Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)


45.b.	Date To (mm/dd/yyyy)	PRESENT

Height

Feet

4.Weight

5.Eye Color (Select only one box)

Black	Blue
Gray	Green
Maroon	Pink

Inches

Pounds

Brown

Hazel

Unknown/Other

Form I-130 Edition 04/01/24

Page 4 of 12

Part 3. Biographic Information (continued)

6.Hair Color (Select only one box)

Bald (No hair)	Black	Blond
Brown	Gray	Red
Sandy	White	Unknown/Other

Part 4. Information About Beneficiary

1.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)

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

and Name

11.b.	Apt.	Ste.	Flr.
11.c.	City or Town

► A-

2.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

►

3.U.S. Social Security Number (if any)

►

11.d. State

11.f. Province

11.g. Postal Code 11.h. Country

11.e. ZIP Code

Beneficiary's Full Name

4.a. Family Name

(Last Name)

4.b. Given Name

(First Name)

4.c. Middle Name

Other Names Used (if any)

Provide all other names the beneficiary has 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 About Beneficiary

6.City/Town/Village of Birth

7.Country of Birth

8.	Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
9.	Sex	Male	Female

10.Has anyone else ever filed a petition for the beneficiary?

Yes

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

and Name

12.b.	Apt.	Ste.		Flr.
12.c.	City or Town



12.d.	State		12.e. ZIP Code
12.d.	State		12.e. ZIP Code

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

and Name

13.b.

Apt.

Ste.

Flr.

13.c. City or Town

13.d. Province

13.e. Postal Code

13.f. Country

14.Daytime Telephone Number (if any)

Form I-130 Edition 04/01/24

Page 5 of 12

Part 4. Information About Beneficiary

(continued)

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

Single, Never Married		Married	Divorced
Widowed	Separated	Annulled

19.Date of Current Marriage (if currently married)

(mm/dd/yyyy)

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

(Last Name)

25.b. Given Name

(First 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).

Spouse 1

21.a. Family Name

(Last Name)

21.b. Given Name

(First Name)

21.c. Middle Name

22. Date Marriage Ended (mm/dd/yyyy)

Person 2

29.a. Family Name

(Last Name)

29.b. Given Name

(First Name)

29.c. Middle Name

30.Relationship

31.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

32.Country of Birth

Person 3

33.a. Family Name

(Last Name)

33.b. Given Name

(First Name)

33.c. Middle Name

34.Relationship

35.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

36.Country of Birth

Spouse 2

23.a. Family Name

(Last Name)

23.b. Given Name

(First Name)

23.c. Middle Name

Form I-130 Edition 04/01/24

Page 6 of 12

Click for PDF

Form Information

Fact Name	Details
Purpose	The I-130 form is used to establish a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a foreign relative.
Eligibility	U.S. citizens can file for spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can file for spouses and unmarried children.
Filing Fee	The current filing fee for the I-130 form is $535. This fee is non-refundable, even if the petition is denied.
Processing Time	Processing times can vary significantly based on the service center and the specific circumstances of the case. It can take several months to over a year.
Supporting Documents	Applicants must submit proof of the qualifying relationship, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other relevant documentation.
Where to File	The I-130 form can be filed online or by mail, depending on the applicant's location and preference. Specific filing addresses are provided by USCIS.
State-Specific Considerations	While the I-130 is a federal form, state laws regarding marriage and family relationships may affect the documentation required.
Adjustment of Status	Once the I-130 is approved, the foreign relative may be eligible to apply for a green card through adjustment of status if they are in the U.S.
Denial and Appeal	If the petition is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen the case, depending on the circumstances.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out USCIS I-130

Once you have your USCIS I-130 form ready, you’ll need to fill it out carefully. This form is essential for starting the process of bringing a family member to live in the United States. After completing the form, you will submit it along with the required documents and fees to the appropriate USCIS office.

Obtain the form: Download the I-130 form from the USCIS website or request a physical copy.
Read the instructions: Familiarize yourself with the instructions provided with the form to ensure you understand what is required.
Fill out Part 1: Provide your information as the petitioner. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying details.
Complete Part 2: Enter information about the family member you are petitioning for. This includes their name, address, and relationship to you.
Fill out Part 3: If applicable, provide information about any previous petitions you have filed for this family member.
Complete Part 4: Answer questions regarding your eligibility and any criminal history, if applicable.
Sign and date: Don’t forget to sign the form. An unsigned form will be rejected.
Prepare supporting documents: Gather necessary documents such as proof of your relationship and your legal status in the U.S.
Check the fee: Verify the current filing fee for the I-130 form and prepare a payment method.
Submit the form: Send the completed form, supporting documents, and payment to the correct USCIS address.

Obtain Answers on USCIS I-130

What is the I-130 form?

The I-130 form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign relative. This form is the first step in the process of helping a relative obtain a green card, which allows them to live and work in the United States permanently.
Who can file the I-130 form?

U.S. citizens can file an I-130 for their spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can file for their spouse and unmarried children. It’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before submitting the form, as this can affect the processing time and outcome of the petition.
What documents are needed to file the I-130?

When filing the I-130 form, you will need to include several supporting documents. These typically include:
- A copy of your U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Proof of the family relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
- Passport-style photos of both the petitioner and the beneficiary.
- Any previous immigration documents, if applicable.
Gathering these documents can take time, so it’s wise to start early and ensure everything is complete before submission.
How long does it take to process the I-130?

The processing time for the I-130 form can vary widely based on several factors, including the petitioner’s status and the beneficiary’s country of origin. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Checking the USCIS website for the most current processing times can provide a clearer picture based on your specific circumstances.
Can I check the status of my I-130 application?

Yes, you can check the status of your I-130 application online through the USCIS website. You will need your receipt number, which is provided when your application is submitted. This online tool allows you to track the progress of your petition and receive updates on any changes in status.
What happens after the I-130 is approved?

Once the I-130 form is approved, the next steps depend on whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the United States. If they are in the U.S., they may be eligible to adjust their status to become a permanent resident. If they are outside the U.S., they will need to go through consular processing to apply for an immigrant visa. It’s essential to follow the guidance provided by USCIS or consult with an immigration attorney to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Common mistakes

Filling out the USCIS I-130 form can be a daunting task, and mistakes can lead to delays or even denials. One common error is providing incomplete information. Each section of the form requires specific details, and leaving any part blank can raise red flags. It's essential to double-check that all fields are filled out accurately. Incomplete forms often result in requests for additional information, prolonging the process.

Another frequent mistake is failing to sign and date the form. It may seem trivial, but an unsigned form is considered invalid. Both the petitioner and the beneficiary must provide their signatures where required. Remember, a simple oversight like this can lead to significant delays in processing.

Using outdated versions of the form is another pitfall. USCIS periodically updates its forms, and using an old version can result in rejection. Always ensure that you are using the latest form available on the USCIS website. Checking for updates before submitting can save time and frustration.

Additionally, many people forget to include the necessary supporting documents. The I-130 form requires proof of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates. Failing to include these documents can lead to a request for evidence, which can slow down the entire process.

Finally, not paying the correct filing fee is a common mistake. The fee for the I-130 form can change, and it’s crucial to verify the current amount before submitting your application. Submitting the wrong fee can lead to your application being returned, causing unnecessary delays. Always check the USCIS website for the most current fee information.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is often accompanied by various other forms and documents to support the application process. Below is a list of common forms and documents that may be required or helpful when filing the I-130.

Form I-485: This is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It is used by individuals already in the U.S. who wish to obtain a green card.
Form I-864: The Affidavit of Support is a document that shows the petitioner can financially support the beneficiary. It ensures that the beneficiary will not become a public charge.
Form I-797: This is the Notice of Action, which serves as a receipt for the I-130 petition. It confirms that USCIS has received the application and provides important case information.
Form I-131: The Application for Travel Document allows the beneficiary to apply for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole while the I-130 is pending.
Form I-765: The Application for Employment Authorization allows the beneficiary to work in the U.S. while waiting for their green card application to be processed.
Supporting Documents: This includes proof of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption records.
Passport Photos: Two recent passport-style photos of the beneficiary are often required for identification purposes in the application process.

Gathering these forms and documents can streamline the application process and help ensure that the I-130 petition is processed efficiently. It is important to review the specific requirements for each document to avoid delays.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document for those looking to establish a family relationship for immigration purposes. Several other forms share similarities with the I-130 in terms of their purpose and function. Here’s a list of seven documents that are comparable to the I-130:

I-485 Form: This is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Like the I-130, it is used in the immigration process, allowing individuals to apply for a green card after a family relationship is established.
I-864 Form: Known as the Affidavit of Support, this form is required to demonstrate that the petitioner can financially support the immigrant. It complements the I-130 by ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge.
I-131 Form: This is the Application for Travel Document. Similar to the I-130, it is often used by individuals who are adjusting their status and need permission to travel outside the U.S. while their application is pending.
I-140 Form: The Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker is used by employers to sponsor foreign workers. It serves a similar purpose in establishing eligibility for immigration, though it focuses on employment rather than family relationships.
I-751 Form: This is the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. It is filed by individuals who obtained conditional residency through marriage. Like the I-130, it is part of the process to secure permanent residency.
I-129F Form: The Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) is used to bring a foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage. It shares the family relationship focus of the I-130, facilitating immigration based on a romantic partnership.
N-400 Form: This is the Application for Naturalization. After obtaining a green card through the I-130, immigrants may use the N-400 to apply for U.S. citizenship, marking another step in the immigration journey.

Each of these forms plays a vital role in the immigration process, either supporting the establishment of family relationships or facilitating the transition to permanent residency and citizenship.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the USCIS I-130 form, it’s essential to approach the process with care. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do to ensure your application is completed accurately and efficiently.

Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
Do provide accurate and complete information about yourself and the beneficiary.
Do use black ink and write legibly if filling out the form by hand.
Do double-check your form for any errors or omissions before submitting.

Don't leave any required fields blank; if something does not apply, write "N/A."
Don't submit photocopies of documents unless specifically requested.
Don't forget to sign and date the form; an unsigned form will be rejected.
Don't rush the process; take your time to ensure accuracy.

Following these guidelines can help streamline your application process and increase the likelihood of approval. Good luck!

Misconceptions

The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document for those seeking to bring family members to the United States. However, several misconceptions surround this form. Below are five common misunderstandings and clarifications regarding the I-130 process.

Misconception 1: The I-130 form guarantees a visa for the relative.

Many people believe that submitting the I-130 form automatically results in a visa for their family member. In reality, the I-130 is just the first step in the immigration process. Approval of the petition does not guarantee that a visa will be issued, as the relative must still meet all eligibility requirements.

Misconception 2: Only U.S. citizens can file an I-130.

While U.S. citizens can file for immediate relatives, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can also file I-130 petitions, but only for certain family members. This includes spouses and unmarried children.

Misconception 3: The I-130 form is the only requirement for bringing a relative to the U.S.

Some individuals think that submitting the I-130 is sufficient for their relative to enter the U.S. However, after the I-130 is approved, additional steps must be taken, such as applying for a visa or adjusting status, depending on the relative's situation.

Misconception 4: There is a fixed processing time for the I-130 form.

People often assume that the processing time for the I-130 is consistent. In truth, processing times can vary significantly based on various factors, including the service center handling the application and the specific circumstances of the case.

Misconception 5: Filing the I-130 is a one-time event.

Some believe that once they file the I-130, they do not need to take further action. However, applicants may need to respond to requests for additional information or attend interviews. Staying informed and prepared throughout the process is essential.

Key takeaways

The USCIS I-130 form is used to establish a relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a foreign relative.
Accurate information is crucial. Ensure all names, addresses, and dates are correct to avoid delays in processing.
Include supporting documents. Proof of the relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, must accompany the form.
Filing fees apply. Be prepared to pay the required fee when submitting the form to USCIS.
Processing times can vary. After submission, monitor the status of your application online through the USCIS website.