How to fill out Form I-130?
Filling out Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative,” involves providing accurate and detailed information about yourself (the petitioner) and the relative you are sponsoring for immigration. The form can be complex, so it’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here’s a general overview of how to fill out Form I-130:
- Download the Form: You can download Form I-130 from the USCIS website (uscis.gov) or access it through the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS) if applicable.
- Read the Instructions: Before you begin filling out the form, read the instructions carefully. The instructions provide guidance on how to complete each section of the form.
- Sections of the Form:
- Part 1: Provide your information as the petitioner, including your name, address, date of birth, and contact information.
- Part 2: Provide information about the relative you are sponsoring, including their full name, relationship to you, date of birth, and contact information.
- Part 3: Indicate whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- Part 4: Answer questions related to your own immigration status, if applicable.
- Part 5: Sign and date the form.
- Supporting Documentation: Along with the form, you will need to include supporting documentation to establish the qualifying relationship. This may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents.
- Filing Fee: Check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date filing fee information and include the appropriate fee with your form.
- Translations: If any documents are not in English, provide certified translations along with the original documents.
- Checklist: Review the instructions and USCIS website for any additional documentation or specific requirements based on your situation. A checklist can help ensure you’ve included all necessary documents.
- Filing the Form:
- If you are filing online through USCIS ELIS, follow the online instructions to complete and submit the form electronically.
- If you are filing by mail, ensure that you have completed the form accurately, signed it, and included all required supporting documents and the filing fee.
- Mail the Form: If filing by mail, send the completed form and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS address as specified in the instructions.
- Receipt Notice: After USCIS receives your Form I-130, you will receive a receipt notice confirming that your application has been received and is being uniquelastname processed.
Remember that USCIS forms and procedures can change, so it’s important to check the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions on filling out Form I-130.
What is the Form I-130 filing fee?
The filing fee for Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative,” can vary depending on the relationship between the petitioner (U.S. citizen or green card holder) and the intending immigrant, as well as the petitioner’s age. USCIS filing fees are subject to change, so it’s crucial to verify the current fee on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website before submitting your nextnationalday application.
Here are the general filing fee categories for Form I-130:
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen: The filing fee is typically lower for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
- Children (unmarried and under 21) of U.S. citizens: The filing fee is typically lower.
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old): The filing fee is typically higher.
- Family Preference Categories (Sponsored Relatives of U.S. Citizens or Green Card Holders):
- Siblings of U.S. citizens: The filing fee is typically higher.
- Married children of U.S. citizens: The filing fee is typically higher.
- Spouses and unmarried children of green card holders: The filing fee is typically lower.
- Petitioner’s Age:
- There might be a reduced filing fee for certain petitioners who are children under a certain age and filing for their parents.
It’s important to note that USCIS filing fees can change over time due to updates in immigration policies and regulations. The USCIS website provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on filing fees. When submitting Form I-130, make sure to include the correct filing fee based on your specific situation and the relationship being claimed.
To find the current filing fee for Form I-130 and any associated forms, please visit the official USCIS website or contact USCIS directly.
How can I pay the Form I-130 filing fee?
There are several methods for paying the filing fee for Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative,” to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Payment options may include:
- Online Payment: If you are filing your Form I-130 online through the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS), you can usually pay the filing fee online using a credit or debit card. USCIS ELIS provides secure online payment options.
- Check or Money Order: If you are submitting a paper Form I-130 by mail, you can pay the filing fee using a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” The check or money order must be in U.S. dollars.
- Credit or Debit Card: If you are submitting a paper Form I-130 by mail, you can use Form G-1450, “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions,” to pay the filing fee with a credit or debit card. Be sure to complete the G-1450 form and include it with your nationaldaytime application.
- Foreign Bank Draft: In some cases, if you are filing from abroad and do not have access to a U.S. bank, you might be able to pay using a foreign bank draft in U.S. dollars. Check the USCIS website or instructions for your specific form to see if this option is available.
It’s important to carefully follow the payment instructions provided on the USCIS website and in the form instructions. Make sure to include the correct payment amount based on your specific situation and the relationship being claimed. Additionally, keep in mind that USCIS filing fees can change over time, so it’s recommended to check the USCIS website or contact USCIS directly for the most up-to-date payment instructions and options.
Always retain copies of your payment documentation for your records, including copies of checks, money orders, and credit card transaction receipts.
Do I need to file a separate Form I-130 for each family member?
Yes, you generally need to file a separate Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative,” for each family member you are sponsoring for immigration to the United States. Each Form I-130 pertains to a specific qualifying relationship between you (the petitioner) and the individual family member you are petitioning for.
For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and you want to sponsor your spouse and your child for immigration, you would need to file two separate Form I-130 petitions: one for your spouse and one for your child. Each petition will be processed separately, and you will need to provide the appropriate supporting documentation and filing fee for each case.
It’s important to accurately and clearly indicate the relationship being claimed on each Form I-130 and provide all required information and documentation for each family member you are sponsoring. USCIS processes each petition individually, so it’s essential to follow the guidelines and instructions for each specific case.
Keep in mind that immigration policies and procedures can change, so it’s recommended to refer to the official USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information on filing Form I-130 for family members.
