Fill Out USCIS Form I-130 Online

What is Form I-130 used for

Form I-130 establishes that a qualifying family relationship exists between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Once USCIS approves the petition, the relative can pursue a green card, either by filing Form I-485 from inside the United States when a visa is available or through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, meaning spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of citizens who are at least 21, always have an immigrant visa available. Other family categories may wait for a visa number under the Department of State Visa Bulletin before they can take the next step.

Who files Form I-130

The petitioner, not the immigrating relative, files Form I-130. The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national with a qualifying relationship to the beneficiary.

• U.S. citizens can petition for a spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
• Lawful permanent residents can petition for a spouse and unmarried children.
• A separate Form I-130 is required for each eligible relative unless someone qualifies as a derivative beneficiary.
• If you petition for your spouse, you must also submit Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary.

How to fill out Form I-130

The form walks through the relationship, the petitioner, and the beneficiary in sequence. Work through it part by part and answer every item that applies to you.

Because petition errors can delay a family member's case for months, consider having an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative review your petition before you file.

• Part 1 identifies the relationship you are claiming, such as spouse, parent, child, or sibling.
• Part 2 covers the petitioner: full name, date of birth, mailing address, marital history, and citizenship or resident status. USCIS rejects the form if the name, date of birth, mailing address, or marital information is missing.
• Part 4 covers the beneficiary, including their full name, date of birth, physical address, and marital information.
• In Part 4, select exactly one of Question 61 or Question 62 to say whether the beneficiary will adjust status inside the United States or use consular processing abroad. Do not answer both and do not leave the section blank.
• Sign the form before filing. USCIS rejects any unsigned form.

Filing tips

USCIS accepts Form I-130 online through a USCIS account or by mail. If you file on paper, use the current edition, which is dated 04/01/24 at the bottom of each page, and make sure every page comes from the same edition.

• Type your answers or print neatly in black ink, and write clearly enough that a scanner can read every entry.
• Check the current filing fee with the USCIS fee calculator or fee schedule before you mail the petition, since fees change periodically.
• If you want a text or email confirmation when a USCIS lockbox accepts your paper filing, complete Form G-1145 and clip it to the front of the package.
• Include the supporting evidence listed in the instructions, such as proof of your status and documents showing the family relationship.