Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is used by U.S. citizens and permanent residents to establish the qualifying relationship with a foreign national who wishes to immigrate to the United States. The form is typically used to sponsor spouses, parents, children, and siblings for family-based immigration. Here are the general steps for filling out Form I-130:

• Download the form: You can download Form I-130 from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Make sure you download the most recent version of the form.
• Read the instructions: Before you start filling out the form, carefully read the accompanying instructions. The instructions provide detailed information on how to complete the form and what supporting documents are required.
• Gather supporting documents: You’ll need to provide various supporting documents along with your Form I-130. These documents may include proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, proof of the qualifying relationship with the beneficiary, and any required fees. The specific documents needed will depend on the type of relationship you are claiming.
• Complete the form: Fill out the form using black ink and follow the instructions provided. Provide accurate and complete information in each section. Be sure to include your full name, address, contact information, and the beneficiary’s information.
• Include the beneficiary’s information: If you are sponsoring a family member, provide their full name, date of birth, place of birth, and any other requested information about the beneficiary.
• Provide information about your qualifying relationship: Describe your relationship with the beneficiary and provide the required evidence to prove this relationship. For example, if you are sponsoring a spouse, you would include your marriage certificate.
• Sign and date the form: Sign and date the form where indicated. If someone is helping you fill out the form, they should also sign and date it as the preparer.
• Pay the filing fee: Check the USCIS website or the form instructions for the current filing fee. Include a check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” with your application. Some applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver, so review the instructions for details.
• Mail the form: Send the completed Form I-130, along with all supporting documents and the appropriate filing fee, to the address specified in the instructions. Be sure to use a trackable mailing method, such as USPS Certified Mail, to ensure delivery.
• USCIS processing: USCIS will process your Form I-130 and may request additional documentation or schedule an interview if necessary. Be sure to keep copies of all documents you submit.

Form I-130 checklist of documents

When filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you’ll need to provide various supporting documents to establish your qualifying relationship with the beneficiary. The specific documents required may vary depending on the type of relationship you’re claiming (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.), and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Here’s the Form I-130 checklist of documents you might need:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Make sure you have the completed and signed Form I-130, including all required supporting documentation.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Depending on your status, you will need to provide one of the following:
  • For U.S. citizens: Copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship.
  • For permanent residents: Copy of your permanent resident card (green card) both front and back.
• Proof of the Qualifying Relationship: You’ll need to provide documentation to prove the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. This can include:
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses).
  • Birth certificates (for children).
  • Documentation showing the legal parent-child relationship (for parents and children).
  • For siblings, additional documentation may be required to prove the relationship.
• Beneficiary’s Birth Certificate: Include a copy of the beneficiary’s birth certificate.
• Proof of Name Change: If either the petitioner or beneficiary has changed their name, provide legal documentation of the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).
• Passport Photos: Two passport-sized photos of the petitioner and two passport-sized photos of the beneficiary. The photos must meet USCIS requirements.
• Filing Fee: Check the USCIS website for the current filing fee and include a check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Some applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver.
• G-325A, Biographic Information Form: This form is typically required for U.S. citizen petitioners. It includes biographical information about the petitioner.
• Proof of Any Previous Marriages: If either the petitioner or beneficiary has been previously married, provide divorce decrees, annulment certificates, or death certificates for previous spouses, if applicable.
• Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): If the beneficiary is immigrating as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, the petitioner may need to submit an Affidavit of Support, which demonstrates the petitioner’s ability to financially support the beneficiary. This form requires financial documents and proof of income.
• Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage: If you are sponsoring a spouse, provide evidence of a bona fide marriage, such as joint bank account statements, shared lease or mortgage documents, photographs, and correspondence.
• Additional Documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need to include additional documents or evidence to support your case. Review the instructions for Form I-130 and the USCIS website for guidance.