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I-130 · Family-Based

I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative

Sponsor a family member for a U.S. immigrant visa or green card by establishing your qualifying relationship.

Our Fee

$89

USCIS Fee

$535

Est. Completion

15–20 min

Processing Time

6 mo – several years

⚠️ ImmigrationSmile.com is not a law firm. We prepare forms only. USCIS fees are paid separately.

About Form I-130

The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is the first step in helping an eligible family member immigrate to the United States. Filed by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), it proves the existence of a qualifying family relationship. Approval of the I-130 does not grant a visa or green card — it establishes the relationship so that the beneficiary can later apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status (I-485).

Who Can File I-130?

U.S. Citizens can petition for: Spouse, Unmarried child under 21, Married child, Unmarried child 21 or older, Sibling (if petitioner is 21+), Parent (if petitioner is 21+)

Lawful Permanent Residents can petition for: Spouse, Unmarried child (any age)

Documents Required

  • ✓Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or LPR status (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
  • ✓Birth certificate of beneficiary showing relationship
  • ✓Marriage certificate (if petitioning for spouse)
  • ✓Prior divorce decrees if either party was previously married
  • ✓Two passport-style photos of petitioner and beneficiary
  • ✓Proof of legal name change (if applicable)

Steps to File

  1. 1

    Determine your relationship category and preference level (immediate relative vs. preference category)

  2. 2

    Complete the I-130 questionnaire using our software

  3. 3

    Gather and organize all required supporting documents

  4. 4

    Pay the $535 USCIS filing fee by check or money order (payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security")

  5. 5

    Mail completed I-130 packet to the correct USCIS lockbox facility

  6. 6

    Wait for USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797) by mail

FAQs – I-130

Q: Can I file I-130 for multiple relatives?

A: Yes. A separate I-130 petition must be filed for each family member you are petitioning for.

Q: How long does I-130 take?

A: For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21), it typically takes 6–12 months. For preference categories, it can take years due to per-country visa backlogs.

Q: Does I-130 approval give my relative a green card?

A: No. Approval of the I-130 only establishes the qualifying relationship. Your relative must still apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate abroad (Form DS-260) or adjustment of status inside the U.S. (Form I-485) separately.

Q: Where do I mail the I-130?

A: The filing address depends on where you live and which category you are filing. Our software includes the correct USCIS lockbox address with your completed packet.

Ready to Start?

Complete the continuous questionnaire to generate your print-ready packet.

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