Blank USCIS I-130 Template

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 qualifying relationship with a foreign relative. This form is the first step in the family-based immigration process, allowing loved ones to reunite in the United States. If you're ready to start this journey, fill out the form by clicking the button below.

Article Structure

The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, plays a crucial role in the family-based immigration process. It is designed for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to sponsor a family member for a green card. This form establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, which is essential for the immigration process to move forward. The I-130 requires detailed information about both the sponsor and the relative being sponsored, including personal details, proof of the relationship, and supporting documentation. Completing this form accurately is vital, as any errors can lead to delays or denials in the application process. Once approved, the I-130 serves as the first step toward obtaining permanent residency for the family member, paving the way for reunification. Understanding the ins and outs of the I-130 form can help ensure a smoother journey through the immigration system.

Form Sample

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

⇩ PDF

Document Specifications

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The I-130 form is used to establish a family relationship for immigration purposes.
Eligibility	U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file the I-130 for certain relatives.
Processing Time	Processing times can vary significantly, often taking several months to over a year.
Filing Fee	The current fee for filing an I-130 is $535, subject to change.
Supporting Documents	Applicants must submit proof of the family relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates.
Where to File	Filing locations depend on the applicant's location and the relationship type; check USCIS guidelines.
Approval Notification	Once approved, USCIS sends a notice to the petitioner and the beneficiary.
State-Specific Laws	State laws do not directly govern the I-130, but marriage and family laws can affect documentation.
Online Filing	USCIS allows eligible applicants to file the I-130 online through their website.
Appeals	If denied, applicants can appeal the decision, but it requires a separate process and form.

Steps to Filling Out USCIS I-130

After completing the USCIS I-130 form, you will need to submit it along with the required supporting documents and fees to the appropriate USCIS address. This process is crucial for establishing a qualifying relationship with a family member for immigration purposes.

Start by downloading the latest version of the USCIS I-130 form from the USCIS website.
Read the instructions carefully before filling out the form to ensure you understand what information is needed.
Provide your full name in Part 1. Include your last name, first name, and middle name, if applicable.
Fill out your mailing address in Part 2. Make sure to include your street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
In Part 3, indicate your relationship to the person you are filing for. Specify if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Complete Part 4 with the beneficiary's information. This includes their full name, date of birth, and country of birth.
In Part 5, provide information about any previous marriages for both you and the beneficiary, if applicable.
Fill out Part 6 with any additional information requested, such as your employment history and current status.
Review the form thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Mistakes can lead to delays.
Sign and date the form in Part 7. Ensure you are signing in the correct place and that the date is current.
Gather the required supporting documents, such as proof of your relationship and copies of identification.
Prepare your payment for the filing fee, and check the USCIS website for the current amount.
Mail the completed form, supporting documents, and payment to the appropriate USCIS address based on your location.

More About USCIS I-130

What is the USCIS I-130 form?

The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a document filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign relative. This form is the first step in the process of helping a family member immigrate to the United States.

Who can file the I-130 form?

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file the I-130 form. Citizens can petition for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can only petition for their spouses and unmarried children.

What information is required on the I-130 form?

The form requires personal information about both the petitioner and the beneficiary, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and details about the relationship. Supporting documents, such as proof of citizenship or permanent residency and evidence of the relationship, must also be submitted.

How much does it cost to file the I-130 form?

The filing fee for the I-130 form is currently $535. Payment must be made at the time of filing, and it is important to check the USCIS website for the most current fee information, as fees may change.

How long does it take to process the I-130 form?

Processing times for the I-130 form can vary significantly based on the relationship type and the service center handling the application. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year. Applicants can check the USCIS website for estimated processing times specific to their case.

Can I check the status of my I-130 petition?

Yes, you can check the status of your I-130 petition online through the USCIS website. You will need your receipt number, which is provided after your petition is submitted. This allows you to track the progress of your application.

What happens after the I-130 form is approved?

Once the I-130 form is approved, the next steps depend on whether the beneficiary is in the U.S. or abroad. If the beneficiary is outside the U.S., the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center for further processing. If the beneficiary is in the U.S., they may be eligible to adjust their status to permanent resident.

Can I appeal if my I-130 petition is denied?

If your I-130 petition is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. The denial notice will include information on how to file an appeal and the timeframe for doing so. It is important to carefully review the reasons for denial and address them in your appeal.

Do I need a lawyer to file the I-130 form?

While it is not required to have a lawyer to file the I-130 form, many individuals choose to seek legal assistance to ensure that their application is completed accurately and to help navigate the immigration process. A lawyer can provide valuable guidance and support.

Where do I send my completed I-130 form?

The completed I-130 form should be sent to the appropriate USCIS address, which varies based on the petitioner's location and whether they are filing from within the U.S. or abroad. It is crucial to check the USCIS website for the correct mailing address to ensure timely processing.

Common mistakes

Failing to provide accurate personal information. This includes names, addresses, and dates of birth. Inaccuracies can lead to delays or denials.
Not signing the form. The I-130 must be signed by the petitioner. An unsigned form will be rejected.
Inadequate supporting documentation. Petitions require evidence of the relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates. Missing documents can cause processing issues.
Using outdated versions of the form. Always ensure that the most current version of the I-130 is being used. Submitting an outdated form can result in rejection.
Incorrect payment of fees. The filing fee must be paid in the correct amount and form. Insufficient or incorrect payments can delay processing.
Not following instructions for submission. Each form has specific guidelines regarding how and where to submit it. Ignoring these can lead to unnecessary complications.

Documents used along the form

When filing the USCIS I-130 form, which is the Petition for Alien Relative, it's important to include several other documents to support your application. These documents help establish the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, as well as provide necessary background information. Below is a list of commonly required forms and documents that accompany the I-130.

Form I-130A: This is a supplemental form that provides additional information about the spouse of the petitioner. It includes details such as employment history and residential addresses.
Proof of Relationship: Documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption records that prove the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary are essential.
Passport-style Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos of the beneficiary are typically required. These should meet specific photo requirements set by USCIS.
Proof of Petitioner’s Status: Evidence showing that the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, such as a copy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.
Form G-325A: This form is used to provide biographical information about the petitioner and the beneficiary, including details like employment history and residence history.
Filing Fee: A check or money order for the required filing fee must be included with the application. The fee amount can vary, so it’s important to check the current USCIS fee schedule.
Evidence of Termination of Prior Marriages: If either party was previously married, documentation such as divorce decrees or death certificates must be submitted to prove that those marriages have ended.
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): This form demonstrates that the petitioner can financially support the beneficiary, ensuring they will not become a public charge.

Including these documents with the I-130 form is crucial for a smooth application process. Each piece of evidence helps USCIS understand the nature of your relationship and your eligibility for the immigration benefits sought. Always double-check the requirements for your specific case, as they can vary based on individual circumstances.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, shares similarities with the I-485 form, which is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Both forms are essential in the immigration process, but they serve different purposes. The I-130 establishes a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a foreign relative, while the I-485 is used by that relative to apply for a green card. They are often filed together in family-based immigration cases, creating a pathway for family reunification.

Another document that resembles the I-130 is the I-140 form, or the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. Like the I-130, the I-140 is a petition submitted to USCIS, but it focuses on employment-based immigration rather than family relationships. Both forms require evidence to support the claims made, such as proof of relationships or qualifications. They serve as gateways to obtaining permanent residency, but the I-140 is specifically for individuals who have job offers or possess extraordinary abilities in their fields.

The I-751 form, or Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is also comparable to the I-130. The I-751 is filed by individuals who obtained conditional residency through marriage and need to prove that the marriage is genuine. Similar to the I-130, it requires substantial documentation to demonstrate the legitimacy of the relationship. Both forms are integral to the immigration process for spouses of U.S. citizens, though the I-751 focuses on removing conditions rather than establishing the initial relationship.

Lastly, the I-129F form, or Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is another document that parallels the I-130. This form is used to bring a fiancé(e) to the United States for marriage. Like the I-130, it requires proof of a bona fide relationship and is a crucial step in family-based immigration. Both forms facilitate the reunion of family members, but the I-129F is specifically designed for individuals who plan to marry a U.S. citizen, highlighting the nuances in family immigration pathways.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the USCIS I-130 form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth application process. Below are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
Do provide accurate and complete information.
Do sign and date the form where required.
Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Don't leave any required fields blank.
Don't use correction fluid or tape on the form.
Don't submit the form without the necessary supporting documents.
Don't forget to check for any updates to the form or instructions.

Misconceptions

The USCIS I-130 form is an essential document for family-based immigration, but several misconceptions surround it. Here are six common misunderstandings:

Filing the I-130 guarantees a visa.
Many people believe that submitting the I-130 form automatically results in a visa for their relative. In reality, the I-130 is just the first step in a longer process. Approval of the I-130 does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
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 an I-130 for their spouses and unmarried children. This is a common misconception that limits understanding of eligibility.
There is no filing fee for the I-130.
Some believe that they can file the I-130 for free. However, there is a filing fee associated with this form. It’s essential to check the current fee on the USCIS website before submitting.
The I-130 must be filed in person.
Many assume that the I-130 form must be filed in person at a USCIS office. In fact, the form can be filed by mail. This offers flexibility for applicants who may not be able to visit an office.
Approval of the I-130 means immediate residency.
Some individuals think that once the I-130 is approved, their relative can move to the U.S. immediately. However, the approval process can take time, and additional steps, such as applying for a visa or adjustment of status, are necessary.
All I-130 applications take the same amount of time.
People often believe that every I-130 application will be processed in the same timeframe. Processing times can vary significantly based on factors like the relationship type and the applicant's country of origin.

Key takeaways

Filling out the USCIS I-130 form can be a crucial step in the immigration process. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

Understand the Purpose: The I-130 form is used to establish a relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their foreign relative. This is the first step in helping your relative obtain a green card.
Gather Required Documents: Before starting the form, collect necessary documents such as proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and evidence of your relationship with the relative.
Complete the Form Accurately: Ensure that all information provided is correct and complete. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or denials.
Pay Attention to Fees: There is a filing fee associated with the I-130 form. Make sure to include the correct payment to avoid processing delays.
Keep Copies: Always retain copies of the completed form and any documents submitted. This will be helpful for future reference or if any issues arise.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate the I-130 process with greater confidence and clarity. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smoother experience.