I-130 Form, Petition for Alien Relative, is one of the most common applications used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to help a family member immigrate to the United States. This form does not grant an immigration benefit on its own, but it is the first required step to start the process of getting a Green Card for a qualifying relative.
Download Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, as a free PDF from the GovconDigest or official USCIS website. It is the first step for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to help eligible relatives apply for a Green Card.
The form can be filed online through the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) portal, or it can be submitted as a paper version by mail. Many applicants prefer the PDF version because it allows them to carefully fill out all sections before printing and signing.
Purpose of Form I-130
The I-130 establishes the qualifying relationship between the petitioner (the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) and the beneficiary (the relative seeking to immigrate). Common relationships include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old)
- Children (biological, step, or adopted)
- Brothers or sisters of U.S. citizens (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old)
By filing this form, the petitioner shows that the family relationship is valid and recognized under U.S. immigration law.
Key Instructions for Completing the Form
- In Part 4, the petitioner must choose only one option: either adjustment of status in the United States or consular processing abroad. Leaving this blank or selecting both will cause delays.
- For Afghan nationals with special cases, petitioners may need to write “OAW” at the top of the form for a fee exemption that is available until September 30, 2025.
- Supporting documents, such as proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and the relationship to the beneficiary, must be included with the form.
What Happens After Filing
Submitting Form I-130 begins the immigration process, but it does not grant any legal status. Once USCIS reviews and approves the petition, the beneficiary can move forward depending on their situation:
- If they are in the United States and a visa is available, they may file Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card.
- If they are outside the country, USCIS will forward the case to the Department of State for consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, generally do not face visa wait times. Other family members may need to wait for an immigrant visa number to become available.
Changing Between Consular Processing and Adjustment of Status
Sometimes petitioners or beneficiaries need to switch the option they originally selected. For example:
- If the form is still pending, contact the USCIS office listed on the receipt notice or submit a request through the USCIS Contact Center.
- If the form has already been approved, the petitioner may need to file Form I-824 to transfer the case.
Each case is handled based on where the petition is in the process, and instructions differ depending on whether USCIS or the Department of State is holding the petition.
Additional Information
- Suspected marriage fraud or other immigration fraud can be reported directly to USCIS.
- Victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may be eligible to file independently through Form I-360 under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Downloading the I-130 form PDF is simple and free through the official USCIS website. Petitioners should always use the latest version, follow the instructions carefully, and submit all required documents. While the approval of the form is only the first step, it is necessary for any relative who wants to gain lawful permanent residence in the United States.
