Form Number
I-130
Filing Fees
$535
Filing Location
USCIS Service Center
Validity
No expiration once approved
What is Form I-130?
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to establish a qualifying relationship with an eligible relative who wishes to immigrate to the United States. This form is the first step in the family-based immigration process.
Who Can File Form I-130?
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Unmarried children under 21 (immediate relatives)
- Unmarried sons or daughters 21 or older
- Married sons or daughters of any age
- Parents (if petitioner is 21 or older)
- Brothers and sisters (if petitioner is 21 or older)
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried sons or daughters 21 or older
Family Preference Categories
Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens (21+). No visa number limits - fastest processing.
Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens. Current wait time: 7-10 years.
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders. Current wait time: 2-3 years.
Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of green card holders. Current wait time: 6-9 years.
Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. Current wait time: 12-15 years.
Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (21+). Current wait time: 15-23 years.
The I-130 Process
Step 1: File Form I-130
Submit the petition with all required documents and filing fee to USCIS.
Step 2: USCIS Review
USCIS reviews the petition and may request additional evidence (RFE).
Step 3: Approval
Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) or adjustment of status.
Step 4: Visa Available
When a visa number becomes available, the beneficiary can proceed with their green card application.
Step 5: Interview
Attend an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad or USCIS office in the U.S.
Step 6: Green Card
Upon approval, the beneficiary receives their green card and becomes a permanent resident.
Processing times vary by service center and category. Immediate relatives typically see faster processing than preference categories.
$535
Filing fee for Form I-130 (as of 2024). Additional fees may apply for biometrics and other forms.
Important Considerations
- •Incomplete or unsigned forms
- •Missing or incorrect filing fees
- •Insufficient evidence of relationship
- •Failure to translate foreign documents
- •Not including certified copies of civil documents