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What Is Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)?
Form I-130 is used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign relative.
This petition is typically the first step in the family-based immigration process. Once approved, it allows the beneficiary to move forward with the next stage, which may include adjustment of status in the United States or consular processing through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
The process involves preparing and submitting Form I-130 along with supporting documentation that demonstrates the qualifying relationship.
Who May Petition?
Common situations include:
U.S. citizens may petition for:
Their spouse
Their children (married or unmarried)
Their parents (if the petitioner is 21 years of age or older)
Their siblings
Lawful permanent residents may petition for:
Their spouse
Their unmarried children
Family-based petitions are based on the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Each case is unique and eligibility may depend on several factors, including documentation and immigration history.
If you are unsure how this process applies to your situation, you may wish to review your case with a licensed immigration attorney.
Forms Commonly Included in This Process
Depending on the case, the process may include preparing:
• Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative
• Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (if applicable)
Additional supporting documents may be required depending on the case.
How We Help
Our office assists with:
• Preparing Form I-130 based on the information you provide
• Reviewing your information for completeness and consistency
• Organizing supporting documentation, including proof of the relationship
• Preparing your petition packet for submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Our office assists with the preparation and organization of immigration forms and documents based on the information provided by the client.
Ready to Start Your Process?
This service requires an initial consultation before beginning the preparation process.
During the consultation we will:
• Review your situation
• Provide general information about the family-based immigration process
• Explain how our office may assist you with preparing your case
To schedule your consultation, please visit our Book a Consultation page.
The consultation fee is $5 for a 30-minute session.
Please note that our office is not a law firm, and the consultation is for informational purposes only and does not include legal advice.
USCIS and Immigration Process
After submission, USCIS will review the petition and supporting documents.
If approved, the case may proceed to the next stage of the immigration process, depending on the beneficiary’s location and situation.
Processing times vary depending on the type of petition and the USCIS office handling the case.
Important Notice
CNIS Immigration Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation.
Our services are limited to immigration document preparation and administrative assistance based on the information provided by the client.
If you require legal advice, we recommend consulting with a licensed immigration attorney.
