Form I-130 · Petition for Alien Relative
Form I-130 walkthrough
A plain-English walkthrough of what the form asks and why. It explains the form; it does not replace it or the official instructions, which are the authority.
The edition date, who can file, and filing options were checked on USCIS.gov on October 25, 2026. The section-by-section walkthrough below is our plain-English explanation and has not yet been compared line by line with the official instructions, so this page stays marked as a draft.
Who files
A U.S. citizen or green card holder (the petitioner) for a qualifying relative (the beneficiary).
What it does
Asks the government to recognise the family relationship. It does not give the relative a visa or green card by itself.
Where
Filed with USCIS, online through a USCIS online account or by mail. If you are in the U.S. or abroad, the mailing lockbox depends on where you live. USCIS changed the mailing location on October 7, 2026; forms sent to a prior location are accepted if postmarked on or before November 9, 2026. Check the official page for the current address.
Cost
USCIS fee: $675 for a paper filing or $625 filing online (USCIS Fee Schedule G-1055, edition 10/16/26, checked Oct 25, 2026). Fees change, and USCIS rejects a request without the correct fee, so check the fee page before you pay.
Walk through the form
Section names and numbers can change between editions. Follow the official form as you read.
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1About the petitioner (you)Your identity and your U.S. status.
What it asks
- Full legal name and any other names used
- Date and place of birth
- Mailing address and the places you have lived recently
- Whether you are a citizen or a green card holder, and how you became one
- Marital history, including previous marriages and how they ended
- Employment history, where the form asks for it
Evidence to gather
- Passport, naturalization certificate, or green card
- Proof that each of your previous marriages ended
Tip: Use the names and dates exactly as they appear on your documents.
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2About the beneficiary (your relative)Your relative's identity and where they are.
What it asks
- Full legal name and other names used
- Date and place of birth, and nationality
- Current address and whether they are inside or outside the U.S.
- Marital history, including previous marriages
- Details of any children who may be listed
- Passport and travel details, if they are in the U.S.
Evidence to gather
- Copy of passport biographic page
- Proof that their previous marriages ended
Tip: If your relative has used other names, list them. Missing names are a common cause of delays.
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3The relationship and marriageWhat connects the two of you, and when it started.
What it asks
- The type of relationship you are claiming
- Date and place of the marriage
- Whether you have lived together, and where
- Whether the beneficiary has been the subject of an earlier petition
Evidence to gather
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of a genuine marriage: shared accounts, lease or mortgage, photos over time, travel and communication records
Tip: Choose evidence that shows a shared life over time, not just a single day.
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4Immigration history and prior petitionsAnything filed or decided before.
What it asks
- Whether you have filed a petition for this person or another relative before
- Any earlier refusals or denials, and what happened
- Any history in removal proceedings, where the form asks
Evidence to gather
- Notices or decision letters from earlier cases
Tip: Disclose what the form asks. Leaving things out is usually worse than explaining them.
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5Supporting evidence and translationsWhat you send with the form.
What it asks
- Every document in a language other than English needs a full English translation
- The translator signs a statement that they are competent and the translation is accurate
- Send copies unless the instructions ask for originals
Evidence to gather
- Civil documents for each person named
- Certified translations
Tip: Follow the evidence list in the official instructions for your exact category.
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6Sign, submit and what comes nextThe last steps.
What it asks
- Read the statement carefully before you sign
- Sign personally. Unsigned forms can be rejected
- Pay the current fee shown on the official page
- Keep a full copy of everything you send
Evidence to gather
- Receipt notice from USCIS after filing
- Any request for more evidence, with its deadline
Tip: After filing you will usually get a receipt notice. Keep it, and respond to any request before its deadline.
Common mistakes
- Using an old edition of the form
- Mismatched names or dates across documents
- Missing signatures or missing translations
- Leaving out earlier marriages or petitions
- Sending too little evidence of a genuine relationship
What happens next
After approval, the next steps depend on your relative's situation. See the guide for the pathway that applies to you.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-130 (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-25)
- USCIS – I-130 instructions (USCIS · checked: not yet)
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055) (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-25)
The official form and its instructions are the authority. If this page differs, follow the official source.
Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.