I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (Family Green Card)

TITLE: I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (Family Green Card)

WHAT IT IS:

Form I-130 is the first step to prove that you (the “petitioner”) have a qualifying family relationship with a foreign relative (“beneficiary”) who wants to immigrate to the United States and get a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card). Filing or approval of this form does not give the relative any immigration status or benefit. It only establishes the relationship so the relative can later apply for a Green Card.

WHO NEEDS IT:

You must file Form I-130 if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or U.S. national (someone who owes permanent allegiance to the U.S. but is not a citizen) and you need to prove a family relationship with an eligible relative who wants to live permanently in the U.S. The relative must be an “eligible alien relative” under U.S. immigration law. The official page lists the exact qualifying relationships on the [Green Card Eligibility Categories](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/green-card-eligibility-categories) page.

HOW TO FILE:

1. Choose the type of processing. In Part 4 of the form, you must select only one option: whether the beneficiary will apply for a Green Card while already inside the United States (“adjustment of status”) or through a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad (“consular processing”). Do not answer both questions, and do not leave this part blank.

2. Complete the form. Fill out Form I-130 online or on paper. Make sure the edition date at the bottom of every page is the current one (see below).

3. File online or by mail.

- Online: Create an account or sign in at the USCIS website, then file electronically. You can file online even if the relative later mails in Form I-485.

- By mail (paper): The correct mailing address depends on where you live and whether you are also filing Form I-485 at the same time (concurrent filing). Check the official instructions for the exact address.

4. Include all required evidence and pay the fee. Follow the instructions to attach supporting documents and the correct filing fee.

5. After approval: If the petition is approved, the relative may then apply for a Green Card (if a visa is available). Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens always have a visa available. If the relative is in the U.S. and a visa is available, they may file Form I-485. If not, they may need to go through consular processing.

FEES:

The source does not list a fee amount. (Check the official fee schedule on the USCIS website before you file.)

CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES:

The edition date shown in the source is 04/01/24 (dates are written as mm/dd/yy). You must use that edition or a newer one if available. There is no specific filing deadline mentioned, but an outdated form may be rejected. Always download the latest form from the official page.

COMMON MISTAKES:

- Using an old version of the form. Always get the form directly from the USCIS website.

- Leaving Part 4 blank or selecting both options. You must choose only one: adjustment of status inside the U.S. or consular processing abroad.

- Sending a paper form to the wrong address. The mailing location varies by your residence and whether you are filing concurrently with Form I-485; check the instructions for the correct address.

- Forgetting to sign the form or include the correct fee.

WHERE TO GET THE FORM:

Always download Form I-130 and its instructions from the official USCIS page:

SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/i-130

DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.