Can a foreign citizen file an I-130 petition for an alien?
Foreigners with the intent of immigrating to the U.S. can request their lawful relative to file Form I-130 to Petition for Alien Relative. Depending on the legal status of the sponsor, USCIS has different guidelines on the definition of eligible relative. Applicants should check the list below before filing Form I-130.
What is Form I-130 for a family member?
An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later. Officially called “Petition for Alien Relative,” the filing of Form I-130 is the first step in a family member’s immigration process. The USCIS will approve your I-130 petition if you can show a valid relationship with your sponsored relative.
How long does it take to get a green card through I-130?
The I-130 petition is also a request by the petitioner to reserve an immigrant visa for the family member. Depending on the type of relationship, this process can take just a few months or several years. Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, alone does not get a green card for your relative.
Can a relative get an LPR after filing an I-130?
Filing a Form I-130 is only the first step in helping an eligible relative immigrate to the United States. The filing or approval of this petition generally does not give your relative any status in the United States. Once we approve the petition, your relative may apply to become a LPR.
How long does it take to process an I-130 petition?
The processing times for an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative depend on a number of factors, most notably how busy the USCIS office handling your petition is. Waits of several weeks or months are typical. The review involves scrutinizing documents to make sure that, for example, the U.S.
What is the I-130 Form used for?
In most (but not all) cases, approval of Form I-130 by USCIS is a prerequisite to the immigrant then filing an application for a green card (lawful permanent residence).
Can a relative apply for a green card after I-130 approval?
Once the I-130 has been approved, your relative can apply for their green card. If they are an immediate relative, such as a parent, spouse, or unmarried child under the age of 21, they may be able to apply straight away. Otherwise, they may have to wait.
What is an I-130 Form used for?
Form I-130 starts the process of family-based immigration by establishing the existence of a relationship to certain foreign citizen relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. The I-130 petition is also a request by the petitioner to reserve an immigrant visa for the family member.
Do you have to file separate I-130 for each relative?
Special Instructions You must file a separate Form I-130 for each eligible relative, unless they can be considered a derivative beneficiary. See the form instructions for more information. If petitioning for a spouse, you must also submit a Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary.