What is Form I-130?

The Form I-130 is a type of petition, also known as Petition for Alien Relative. It is a USCIS form that is filed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the US to establish an eligible family relationship with a relative who is not a citizen of the US, but they want to immigrate here. 

If you want your family member to get a green card, then filing this form will be the first step. Just remember that you will not get the immigration benefits just after filing the form; it is the beginning of the process. There are more steps involved before your relative can actually get a US green card. 

Why is Form I-130 used? 

The Form I-130 is very useful for the relatives and family of U.S. citizens. It is used by U.S. citizens and the permanent residents of the US to prove their relationship with their family. It makes the family and relatives eligible to immigrate to the US. 

This form shows that you have a valid and real family relationship with the person who is seeking a green card or whom you are sponsoring. If your petition is approved, then it shows that you can financially support them. 

It is especially used when you are seeking a marriage-based green card. It shows that your marriage is real and it's not just a way of getting the green card.

What Documents are Required for Form I-130?

The supporting documents are necessary to prove that the individual is eligible for the petition Form I-130, and they must file the petition along wth these documents. It also represents the valid family relationship of the US citizen with the person seeking a green card. 

The supporting documents required for the Form I-130 are given below:

• You have to submit proof of the Sponsor's US citizenship or proof of a green card.
• Proof of the relationship with the sponsor, that it's not a scam.
• Proof that the relationship with the sponsor has legal validity.
• Proof of the nationality of the person who is seeking a green card. 
• If there are name changes, then it's proof of the sponsor and/or the person who is seeking a green card. 

Form I-130 Processing Time and Cost

Here is the processing time and the filing cost of the Form I-130:

Processing Time for Form I-130

The approximate processing time for the Form I-130 is 14 months. This is the estimated time determined from the official website, which provided the up-to-date, real-time updates for the petitions. 

The processing time for the immediate relatives of the green card holders in the US is given below:

• Living outside the US: The processing time of Form I-130 typically takes up to 35 months. 
• Living in the US: If they are already residing in the US, then the approximate time for the processing is 14.5 months. 

The processing time to get the Form I-130 is dependent on the following key factors:

1. From where you have applied: It totally depends on the factor of whether you are applying for the US or outside.
2. Your relationship with the US petitioner: Whether you are an immediate relative (like spouse, unmarried children, or parent of a US citizen) or within the preference category of another family. 

Cost of Form I-130

The cost of filing the petition for Form I-130 is $675. One thing that you should keep in mind before filing Form I-130 is that, once you make the payment to the government, it will not be refunded to you even if your petition is denied. 

Who is Eligible for Form I-130?

Here is the list of the individuals who can file Form I-130: 

• The citizens of the US can file Form I-130 for their children, spouses, siblings, and parents. 
• U.S. citizens who have a green card can file I-130 petitions for their unmarried children and spouses. 

The Green card holder or the citizen of the US, who has filed the petition for Form I-130, is known as the 'sponsor' or 'petitioner'. Also, 'Beneficiary' is the person who is seeking the green card for themselves.