Fill out I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) online
Form I-130 is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign national relative who wants to immigrate to the United States. It is the first step in the family-based immigration process.
How to fill out I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
Enter petitioner information
Provide the petitioner (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, A-Number (if applicable), SSN, address, and immigration status.
Enter beneficiary information
Provide the beneficiary (foreign national relative) full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, current address, and immigration status. Include A-Number if they have one.
Establish the family relationship
Indicate the relationship category (spouse, parent, child, sibling). Provide supporting documentation such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption decrees.
Gather supporting evidence and submit
Include proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, evidence of the family relationship, passport-style photos of both parties, and the filing fee.
About I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
Who needs this form
U.S. citizens petitioning for a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) petitioning for a spouse or unmarried child. The petitioner must be at least 18 years old.
Where to submit
File with USCIS online at uscis.gov or by mail to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility. If the beneficiary is abroad, USCIS forwards the approved petition to the National Visa Center for consular processing.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Check the latest official form instructions for the filing year that applies to you.
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not providing sufficient evidence of the qualifying family relationship
- Submitting incomplete or unsigned forms
- Filing before the petitioner has obtained citizenship (for sibling petitions)
- Not including the filing fee or correct fee amount
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