If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be able to bring your family members to live with you in the United States by filing Form I-130, also known as the Petition for Alien Relatives. This is the first official step in helping a qualifying relative obtain permanent residency. Form I-130 establishes the relationship between you and your relative, which is required before they can apply for a green card.
The process can feel overwhelming, especially when different rules apply depending on your immigration status and the relationship you have with the person you’re sponsoring. MyImmigration helps many families stay informed and make confident decisions throughout this process.
Who You Can Sponsor Using Form I-130
Understanding who qualifies under Form I-130 is essential before filing. U.S. citizens and green card holders have different privileges when it comes to which relatives they can petition for.
U.S. citizens can file I-130 petitions for:
- Spouses
- Children (regardless of age or marital status)
- Parents (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old)
- Siblings (only if the petitioner is 21 or older)
Lawful permanent residents can file I-130s for:
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under age 21
- Unmarried sons or daughters over 21
Each category falls into a different visa preference class, and this affects how long the process may take. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses and minor children, do not have to wait for a visa number. All other relatives must wait until a visa becomes available based on the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.
Required Documents for Form I-130
Before submitting Form I-130, you need to gather specific documentation to support the petition. USCIS will not consider incomplete submissions, which can delay your case.
Here are the required documents:
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, green card)
- Evidence of your relationship with the beneficiary (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption records)
- Proof of legal name changes, if applicable
- Passport-style photos of both petitioner and beneficiary
- Filing fee payment
Each case is unique, so additional documents might be necessary depending on the nature of the relationship and the beneficiary’s circumstances.
What to Expect After Filing Form I-130
Once you submit Form I-130, USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming they received your petition. They may also send a Request for Evidence (RFE) if any information is missing or unclear. It’s important to respond to any USCIS notices within the deadlines provided.
The approval timeline can vary. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often receive approvals faster, while other categories can take several months or even years, especially for siblings or adult children from countries with longer waitlists. After USCIS approves the I-130, the petition goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) or, in some cases, directly to a U.S. consulate abroad.
Benefits of Using Form I-130 to Sponsor a Family Member
Using Form I-130 offers many long-term benefits for families. Sponsorship helps reunite loved ones and opens a path to permanent residency for the beneficiary. Once a green card is obtained, the family member gains access to legal employment, travel flexibility, and eventually, eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
There are also emotional benefits. Families separated by borders often endure years apart. The I-130 process provides a legal path toward stability and togetherness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many petitions face delays or denials because of avoidable errors. A careful, accurate submission increases your chance of success.
Here are frequent mistakes to watch for:
- Filing for someone not eligible under your immigration status
- Leaving blank spaces or providing incomplete information
- Submitting unclear or insufficient evidence of the relationship
- Not updating USCIS if your address changes
- Failing to sign the form
Working with an experienced immigration attorney or legal advisor can reduce the risk of errors and help you respond properly to any requests from USCIS.
Start the Process to Reunite Your Family Today
If you are ready to sponsor a family member for permanent residency, Form I-130 is your starting point. Be prepared, stay organized, and understand which relatives you are eligible to petition for based on your status. With the right information and careful attention to detail, you can take an important step toward reuniting with your loved one and helping them build a future in the United States.
Whether you’re filing for the first time or facing delays, taking action today brings you closer to your goal. Consult with a trusted immigration law professional to make the process as smooth and successful as possible.