The I-130 form allows lawful permanent residents to petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States. It costs $420 to file and the checklist outlines the required documents depending on the relationship, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse. After filing, it will take a few weeks to get a notice of receipt and then an approval or denial. If approved, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center to continue the immigration process.

1. I-130
Petition for Alien Relative
Informational Brochure
What is the I-130 form?
The I-130 is filed when a Citizen or a
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)* of
the United States wishes to assist in
the immigration of a family member.
*This brochure will focus on sponsorship
by a LPR
Fees
The I-130 form cost a total amount of $420 USD
per form. The check or money order used to
pay the above fee must be drawn on a bank or
other financial institute located in the United
States. Make the check out to
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Do not abbreviate the department name!
Filing your I-130
Checklist
 Did you answer each question on the Form I-
130 Petition
 Did you sign and date the petition?
 Did you enclose the correct filing fee for EACH
petition?
 Submit proof of your Lawful Permanent
Residence?
If applicable, did you include your spouse’s?
 His or her photograph?
 Both your and their G-325A form?
Missing Documentation?
If you cannot locate the needed documents
listed above, a written statement form the
civil authority needs to be submitted stating
the documents are not available. Secondary
evidence must be submitted, including:
 Church records – a document stating the
child’s birth date and place, both parent
names, date of religious ceremony (needs
to be within two months of child’s birth),
and the seal of the church may be
submitted.
 School records – A letter including child’s
DOB or age at time of attendance, parent’s
names, date of school admission from the
authority (first school attended preferred).
 Census record – state or federal census
record showing the names, place of birth,
date of birth, or the age of the person
listed.
 Affidavits – filed written statements from
two individuals who have personal
knowledge of and were living for the event
in which you are trying to prove. These
individuals do not have to be US Citizens.
These affidavits should include:
o The individuals full name,
o Their place of address,
o Date and place of birth,
o Relationship to you, if any,
o Full information and explanation of
the event and how they know.

2. Eligible Relatives
 Your spouse
 Unmarried children of any age
 Grandparents, grandchildren, nephew,
nieces, uncle, aunt, cousins, or in-laws
may not file the I-130.
Sponsor requirements
 Copy of the front and back of your
permanent resident card, OR
 Copy of your passport biography page
and the page showing admission as a
permanent resident, OR
 Other evidence issued by the USCIS or
the former INS.
Relative requirements
Spouse:
 Copy of Marriage certificate
 Documentation proving all prior
marriages were legally terminated
 One colored passport style photo of you
and one of your spouse taken within 30
days
 A complete and signed G-325A form, one
from your spouse and one from you.
A child and you are the mother:
 Child’s birth certificate, with your name
and your child’s name.
A child and you are the father:
 Child’s birth certificate with both parent’s
names and your marriage certificate.
General Filing Instructions
1. Type or file out the form in BLACK INK
only
2. If extra space is needed, attach an
additional sheet, indicate the item in
which needs additional information,
date and sign both sheets.
3. Answer all questions completely and as
accurately as possible. Answer “N/A” if
the question is not applicable and
answer “none” if your answer is none.
But fill in ALL answers.
4. All foreign documents must include an
English translation that has been
certified by a translator with their
certification that they are qualified to
translate said documents.
5. Photocopies of documents are
acceptable unless otherwise stated that
original copies are needed. Original
copies will remain part of record unless
requested back.
6. The I-130 must be SIGNED by the
petitioner. Typing in the individual’s
name will result in the form being
denied.
Useful Links:
The I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and the
G-1145, E-Notification of Acceptance:
https://www.uscis.gov/i-130
G-325A, Biographic Information Form:
https://www.uscis.gov/g-325a
The Immigrant Visa Process flowchart:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/i
mmigrate/immigrant-process.html
Visa Bulletin Information:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/l
aw-and-policy/bulletin.html
What Happens Next
After filing the I-130 and sending in the
appropriate documents and fees it will take
a few weeks to discover the status of your
petition. You will receive notice that your
petition has been received via mail. If you
wish to receive updates via email you will
need to file the G-1145 Form, E-Notification
of Application/Petition Acceptance.
You are denied:
 If you are declined, the USCIS will inform
you of the reason you were denied. The
best thing to do is to attempt to fix this
error and resubmit the form.
You are approved:
 When approved, you will receive
notification from USCIS. They will then
proceed to send your form to the
National Visa Center (NVC), who will
continue the procedure.