The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is the first step in sponsoring a family member for a green card. Filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), this petition establishes the qualifying family relationship with the foreign national beneficiary.
Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder
Must establish a valid family relationship
Must not have certain bars to sponsorship (e.g. prior immigration fraud, certain crimes)
Both parties must be legally eligible to benefit from immigration law
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (passport, green card)
Proof of qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
Passport-style photos
Form I-130 and I-130A (for spouse cases)
Evidence of genuine relationship (for spousal petitions): photos, joint accounts, travel records, etc.
Filing fee receipt
Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen): 12–16 months
Other family categories (siblings, adult children, etc.): Several years (based on visa bulletin priority date)
Form I-130: $535
Additional fees apply during consular processing or AOS
