Form I-130
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is an essential document in the U.S. immigration process, allowing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for immigration to the United States.
Key Points about Form I-130:
Purpose: Form I-130 establishes a qualifying family relationship between the petitioner (a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) and the beneficiary (the foreign national family member being sponsored).
Eligibility: Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file Form I-130.
Eligible Relatives: The form allows the petitioner to sponsor certain close family members, including:
Spouses
Unmarried children under 21
Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 or older)
Process:
Filing: The petitioner completes and submits Form I-130 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Processing: USCIS reviews the petition to confirm the family relationship and the petitioner’s ability to financially support the beneficiary.
- Approval: If approved, the beneficiary receives a notification and can move forward with the next steps in the immigration process, like applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate.
Important Note
Approval of Form I-130 is only the first stage of the immigration process. The beneficiary must still meet other requirements and complete additional steps, such as medical exams and background checks, before achieving lawful permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a document filed by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members for immigration to the United States.
Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file Form I-130.
The following family members can be sponsored:
Spouses
Unmarried children under 21 years of age
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 or older)
The specific documents required may vary depending on the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. However, generally, you will need to provide proof of relationship, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates. You may also need to provide financial documents to demonstrate your ability to support the beneficiary.
The processing time for Form I-130 can vary depending on various factors, including the specific category of the beneficiary and current USCIS processing times. It's recommended to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date processing times.