What is the I-130 Form?
The I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a form that United States citizens and lawful permanent residents use to sponsor certain relatives for immigration to the United States. The form is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is the first step in bringing a relative to the United States.
- Who Can File an I-130 Form?
- How to File an I-130 Form?
- What Information is Required on the I-130 Form?
- Supporting Documents
- Fees
- Processing Time
The Our Love Visa Experience
Our Love Visa has a simple mission. We believe it should not be difficult or expensive to bring couples together. OLV has helped thousands of couples navigate the immigration process, and it would be a privilege to help you too.
Who Can File an I-130 Form?
A United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident can file the I-130 form. United States citizens can file the form for their spouse, children (including stepchildren and adopted children), parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can file the form for their spouse and unmarried children.
How to File an I-130 Form?
The I-130 form can be filed online or by mail. To file online, the petitioner must create an account on the USCIS website and follow the instructions. To file by mail, the petitioner needs to download the form from the USCIS website, fill it out, and mail it to the appropriate address along with the required fee and supporting documents.
What Information is Required on the I-130 Form?
The I-130 form requires the petitioner to provide personal information, such as their name, address, and date of birth. The form also requires information about the beneficiary, such as their name, relationship to the petitioner, and country of birth. Additionally, the petitioner needs to provide information about their marriage (if filing for a spouse) or their parent-child relationship (if filing for a parent or child).
Supporting Documents
The I-130 form requires the petitioner to submit supporting documents along with the form. The type of documents required depends on the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. For example, if the petitioner is filing for a spouse, they will need to submit a marriage certificate, and if the petitioner is filing for a child, they will need to submit a birth certificate. In addition to these documents, the petitioner may also need to submit evidence of their United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
Fees
There is a fee to file the I-130 form, which is subject to change. The fee for the form is $535. However, the fee may be waived in certain circumstances, such as if the petitioner can demonstrate that they cannot pay the fee.
Processing Time
The processing time for an I-130 form varies depending on the type of relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary and the USCIS processing times at the time of filing. Generally, processing times for immediate relatives, such as spouses and children under the age of 21, are faster than processing times for other relatives.
The I-130 form is important in bringing a relative to the United States. The petitioner must provide personal information and supporting documents and pay a fee. The processing time for the form varies depending on the type of relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary and the USCIS processing times at the time of filing.
Our Love Visa makes your immigration process easy, fast, and worry-free, guaranteed. We provide you with complementary tools and resources free that help you plan your future in the United States together. Learn about how OLV is helping couples through their immigration journey.
