Family-Based Immigration Petitions

What this form is used for

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, tells USCIS that a specific family relationship exists between the person filing the petition and the relative who is the beneficiary. Filing the petition is usually the first step in a family-based immigration process.

Who may generally use this form

• U.S. citizens who want to petition for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling
• Lawful permanent residents who want to petition for a spouse or unmarried child
• Petitioners who can provide the civil documents and evidence described in the official instructions
• Whether a specific relationship qualifies, and which category applies, must be confirmed by a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative

Documents commonly requested

• Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
• Birth certificates for the petitioner and the beneficiary
• Marriage certificate and any prior divorce or death records, when petitioning a spouse
• Evidence of a bona fide marriage, such as joint financial documents, leases, or photographs, when petitioning a spouse
• Documentation of the parent-child relationship, when petitioning a child or parent
• Proof of legal name changes, if any names differ between documents
• Completed forms, photographs, and the filing fee paid directly to USCIS

How our document preparation works

1. 1We review your situation and confirm which forms and documents your package requires
2. 2You receive a checklist and gather the civil documents and evidence
3. 3We type and format the information you provide onto the petition and related forms
4. 4We assemble the package in the order USCIS prefers, with a cover sheet and tabs
5. 5You review, sign, and file the petition, or we prepare it for mailing or online filing

How the USCIS process generally works