Family members of United States citizens and green card holders (permanent residents) are eligible to apply for a U.S. Green Card. The United States citizen or green card holder must begin this process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Relative, on behalf of the foreign citizen relative. This petition may be filed before or at the same time (concurrent filing) as Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status to Permanent Residence.
Requirement for U.S. citizens:
Citizens of the United States may file Form I-130 on behalf of the following relatives:
- Husband or wife;
- Unmarried child under age 21;
- Unmarried son or daughter age 21 or older;
- Married son or daughter of any age;
- Brother(s) or sister(s) (you must be age 21 or older);
- Your mother or father (you must be age 21 or older).
Requirements for Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents):
Permanent Residents of the United States may file Form I-130 on behalf of the following relatives:
- Husband or wife;
- Unmarried child under age 21;
- Unmarried son or daughter age 21 or older.
Green Card holders can only help a limited number of relatives and if you wish to sponsor more relatives then you should consider becoming a U.S. Citizen.
How do I file Form I-130?
Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, must be filed by the United States citizen or green card holder on behalf of their foreign relative. The U.S. citizen or green card holder relative will act as the applicant’s sponsor.
Mistakes in the application can lead to rejection. So use our service to prepare Form I-130 and submit it to USCIS confidently.
What to include in the Application?
The purpose of Form I-130 is to establish the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant. Documentation such as marriage certificates and birth certificates as well as testimony from other relatives or friends should be included in the petition. Really any evidence that proves your relationship should be included. The more, the better.
How much does it cost to file?
The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
Where do I send my application?
The direct filing address differs depending on where the sponsor lives. Check for your filing address with USCIS.
Can I Apply for Both Form I-485 and I-130 at the Same Time?
Yes! The process of combining both the Immigrant Petition, Form I-130, and the Adjustment of Status application, Form I-485, at the same time is known as concurrent filing. You may file concurrently if a visa number is immediately available for you. The following people may file concurrently:
- Immediate family relatives of U.S. citizens living in the United States
- Special Immigrant Juveniles
- Self-petitioning battered spouse or child if the abusive spouse or parent is a U.S. citizen
- Certain Armed Forces Members applying for a special immigrant visa under Section101(a)(27)(K) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)Special Immigrant International Organization Employee or family member
If you would like to know more about the immigration options you might have, you should connect with an immigration lawyer.