USCIS Form I-130 Explained (Petition for Alien Relative)
Form I-130 is the first step for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a family member for a green card.
Form I-130 establishes the qualifying family relationship between the petitioner (U.S. citizen or LPR) and the foreign-national beneficiary. Approval does not grant immigration status — it places the beneficiary in line for an immigrant visa.
Checklist
- Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or LPR status
- Proof of qualifying relationship (marriage cert, birth cert)
- Marriage evidence for spousal petitions (photos, joint accounts, leases)
- Passport-style photos for both parties
- Filing fee ($675 paper / $625 online as of 2026)
- G-1145 e-notification request (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
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