🇺🇸 What Is Form I-130?
Form I-130, officially titled the Petition for Alien Relative, is the foundational step for sponsoring a family member to immigrate to the United States. It is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign national relative.
Once approved, the petition allows the foreign relative to move forward with applying for a green card, either through consular processing abroad or adjustment of status inside the U.S.
👪 Who Can You Sponsor with an I-130?
If You Are a U.S. Citizen:
You may file for your:
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Spouse
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Children (unmarried and married)
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Parents (if you’re over 21)
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Siblings (if you’re over 21)
If You Are a Green Card Holder:
You may file for your:
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Spouse
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Unmarried children (any age)
📝 Key Steps in the I-130 Process
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Prepare the Petition
Gather documents such as proof of your citizenship or residency, evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), and passports or ID of both parties. -
File Form I-130
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File online via USCIS or mail to the appropriate lockbox.
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Fee: $535 (as of the latest filing period).
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USCIS Processing Time
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Times vary based on relationship and country of origin.
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Immediate relatives usually have shorter wait times.
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Petition Approval
Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) or USCIS for further processing. -
Next Steps for Your Relative
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Inside the U.S.: File Form I-485 (adjustment of status)
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Outside the U.S.: Complete consular processing and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
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📌 Required Supporting Documents
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Proof of sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or green card (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
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Birth or marriage certificates to prove family relationship
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Divorce or death certificates for prior marriages (if applicable)
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Passport-style photos (for both parties)
⏳ Processing Times & Delays
USCIS processing times vary based on:
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Your immigration status (citizen vs. green card holder)
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The relationship category (e.g., spouse vs. sibling)
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Your service center’s backlog
👉 Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to yearly visa caps and typically process faster.
⚠️ Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
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Insufficient evidence of relationship: Include thorough supporting documents, especially for marriage-based cases.
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Wrong filing fee: Always check the latest fee on the USCIS website.
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Outdated forms or missing signatures: Double-check your submission package.
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Name or date discrepancies: Ensure your documents are consistent.
✅ When Should You Seek Legal Help?
Consider consulting an immigration attorney if:
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You’ve been previously denied
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You have a complex family history (e.g., adoption, step-relationships)
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Your relative is undocumented or in removal proceedings
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You plan to apply for multiple family members simultaneously
📣 Need Help Filing Your I-130?
At Borderless Lawyers, we assist U.S. sponsors through the entire I-130 process — from form preparation to USCIS correspondence and green card strategy. Whether you’re petitioning for a spouse, parent, or child, our immigration lawyers ensure your petition is strong and complete.