sample cover letter for i 130 petition

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How to Write a Form I-130 Cover Letter

Drafting a cover letter for a family-based green application, plus sample templates, in this guide.

• Form I-130 Cover Letter Template
• Is the Cover Letter Mandatory?
• What Should the Cover Letter Say?
• Marriage-based Green Card Reviews
• Related Information

What is a Form i-130 cover Letter?

When filing a marriage green card application with the U.S. government, some applicants choose to include a cover letter in front of Form I-130 (“Petition for Alien Relative”) in their application package. The cover letter (which is not mandatory as per government requirements) acts as a table of contents for all of the forms and supporting documents included in a marriage green card application. The letter can also be used to explain unique circumstances or provide further context so that immigration officers may have a more holistic understanding of a couple’s application.

In this guide, we’ll explain when it’s best to include a cover letter and what information it should contain . We’ve also prepared free downloadable cover letter templates you can use as a starting point for your application.

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Including a cover letter for your marriage green card application is optional , although some immigration attorneys choose to include one for their clients. Cover letters can be helpful when couples want to provide USCIS with additional information or context about their application. They can also be used to clarify details in the petition and provide adjudicating officers with a clear picture of each supporting document included.

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Although there’s no specific format required for the Form I-130 cover letter, it’s important to include a general introduction and a detailed list of all of the forms and documents you are submitting to the government.

The cover letter should be properly dated and signed, and it should include the following key information:

• Date of filing
• USCIS filing location
• Introduction paragraph
• List of all forms and filing fees included in the application
• Detailed list of supporting documents included for each form
• Marriage date and location of petitioner and beneficiary
• Conclusion paragraph with petitioner’s contact information
• A signature line showing the petitioner’s signature and full printed name

The contents of the cover letter may vary depending on where you are applying from , and whether the sponsor of the application is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. Your application may also include documents that are specific to your situation, so it is important to personalize the cover letter and use the template only as a starting point.

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Immigration guideS

• Documents Needed for a Marriage Green Card
• How to Avoid Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE)
• Where to Look for Hard-to-Find Immigration Documents
• “Petition for Alien Relative” Form I-130 Information
• How to Get a Marriage Green Card

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How To Write a USCIS Cover Letter

Preparing an immigration application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires filling out complex paperwork and gathering supporting documents. Using a cover letter is a great way to keep your application materials organized and make sure you don’t miss any required documents. It’s also a good opportunity to highlight anything you want USCIS to know about your application. This article explains what a cover letter is and the elements it should include. It also includes a template you can use to write your own.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated May 4, 2023

What Is a USCIS Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that helps USCIS officers navigate your application materials. You can place a cover letter at the top of your citizenship , permanent resident , DACA , or visa application package. By outlining your reasons for applying and the contents of your application in a cover letter, you give your USCIS officer a useful overview of your case. You can also use your cover letter as a personal checklist to make sure you’ve included all necessary documents in your package.

You may also use a cover letter to explain any special circumstances you want the USCIS officer to be aware of before they start reviewing your application. If you have a unique or complicated background, it is especially helpful to supplement your application with a cover letter. It will ensure that USCIS becomes aware of any special circumstances and can consider your application with this in mind.

Is a Cover Letter Required for My USCIS Application?

USCIS does not require you to submit a cover letter for any immigration benefit or visa application. Many immigration attorneys include cover letters for their clients to prevent any misunderstandings or missing paperwork. Immigration officers read through a lot of paperwork, so any guidance or organization you can offer them will be helpful. 

Cover letters may be especially helpful when you are in a unique situation. Suppose you are applying for a marriage green card with Form I-130 : Petition for Alien Relative, and you and your spouse have lived apart for some time. You and your U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse can use a cover letter to explain this or any other unusual circumstances behind your marriage. 

USCIS will want to know the reasons behind an unusual living or marriage situation when evaluating your adjustment of status application. A cover letter can help you address any major concerns at the beginning of the process.

What Should My USCIS Cover Letter Include?

When submitting a cover letter with your application, be sure to include the following:

The USCIS filing location or lockbox address to which you’re sending your application

The date of filing

An appropriate subject (re:) line

A short introductory paragraph to describe the contents of your letter and package

If applying for a marriage-related benefit, information about the marriage date and location for yourself (the beneficiary) and your spouse (the petitioner)

An ordered list of the content in your application package, including all supporting documents and filing or biometrics fees included

A closing paragraph including your contact information

Your signature and full printed name

Your supporting documents for an application will depend on which forms you’re filing. You can determine which documents are necessary by reviewing USCIS’ webpage for your specific form. For example, USCIS lists the required supporting evidence on its webpage for Form N-400 applicants.

You’ll also need to identify the right mailing address for your application. To do so, you should consult the USCIS website. For example, naturalization applicants can review USCIS’s webpage for Form N-400 direct filing addresses .

Your filing fees will depend on your specific application type. You can use the USCIS Fee Calculator to determine your costs. For example, suppose you are filing for naturalization with Form N-400. You should select Form N-400 on the Fee Calculator and enter your age. USCIS may ask for additional information, such as your specific application category.

USCIS Cover Letter Template

You may use the sample cover letter below as guidance when writing your cover letter. This specific cover letter sample is for a naturalization application, intended for submission alongside Form N-400. Be sure to personalize this template to reflect your application type and circumstances. If you’d like to use the following template, you may also make a copy of this document to start writing.

[Petitioner’s Street Address]

[Petitioner’s City, State  ZIP code]

[Relevant USCIS mailing address]

RE: [Naturalization Application]

Beneficiary: [Immigrant’s Full Legal Name]

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed, please find the Naturalization Application for [Immigrant’s Full Legal Name].

The following documents accompany and support this application:

Filing Fee Payments

[Check or Money Order] in the amount of [Current Fee Amount] for Form N-400

Form G-1450 authorizing payment of the filing fee for Form N-400 (credit card charge authorization if you completed one)

[Form G-1145 (e-notice authorization if you requested them in our system)]

[OPTIONAL Beneficiary’s Form I-912 Fee Waiver Application]

[List of supporting documents]

Beneficiary’s Form N-400 Application for Naturalization

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at [Phone Number]. Thank you very much for your prompt consideration of my Naturalization Application.

[Immigrant’s Full Name]

[Immigrant’s Signature]

[Signature Date]

Tips for Writing Your USCIS Cover Letter

When writing a USCIS cover letter, be sure to type your letter in English on a computer. Keep your letter concise and only include necessary information. A long cover letter will not be as helpful to a USCIS officer as a brief letter. If possible, keep your letter to one page. Be sure to proofread your letter before submitting your application package.

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How to Write an I-130 Cover Letter- Sample & Tips

The I-130 form is a form to petition for an alien relative. It's a form that you usually submit to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to petition for a close relative who is intending to immigrate to the US. A cover letter for I-130 forms is not always needed, but when concurrent filing I-130 and I-485, cover letter documents can be helpful to explain the situation. The same can be said when you're only filing one of the two sets of paperwork.

If you're thinking about writing a cover letter for I-130, this article should be able to help point you in the right direction.

• # I-130 Cover Letter Sample
• # I-130 Cover Letter Structure
• # Tips for Writing I-130 Cover Letter
• # How to Edit I-130 Cover Letter Template

I-130 Cover Letter Template

This is a free cover letter template for i 130. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

Supported formats

I-130 cover letter sample (text).

Below you'll find a sample cover letter for I-130, this is the most basic form of an I-130 cover letter, which should always be included in the document package, with the addition of a small amount of detail outlining the circumstances:

Your address City State Zip Code Month Day, Year

USCIS Attn: I-130 Address of place of filing City State Zip Code

Re: I-130, Petition for Alien Relative Petitioner: Your full name Relative: Their full name

Dear Sir/Madame,

I am writing to inform you that I have enclosed Form I-130 to petition on behalf of (Relative's full name). I, (Your full name), am a United States citizen, and (Relative's full name) is my (name your relationship type).

Included in this package are the following supporting documents for the I-130 petition:

• A check payable to the USCIS for the amount of （Amount in USD) to cover the filing fee for this petition.
• A completed I-130 form to petition for my alien relative.
• A Naturalization certificate for myself, the petitioner.
• A copy of my birth certificate.
• A copy of my U.S. passport.
• A copy of my U.S. driver's license.
• The birth certificate of my relative.
• A certified translation of my relative's birth certificate.

If you have any further questions, please contact me at (Your phone number). Thank you for your consideration regarding this I-130 petition.

Yours sincerely, (Sign your name) (Print your full name)

Now, on a separate page, if you had certain circumstances you wished to explain, you would write something like this:

Re: I-130, Petition for Alien Relative circumstance explanation Petitioner: Your full name Relative: Their full name

To give you some insight into the details of why I am petitioning for my relative, please allow me to say this:

The relative in question is my mother, and she has fallen under some difficult times. She is currently positioning to immigrate to the United States following a job offer after the last company she worked for was brought out. She is a hard-working, dedicated person, and I know that she is already well under way to applying for citizenship.

I am hoping that by filling in the I-130 petition, I might be able to help her case.

Thank you for your time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns.

Structure of an I-130 Cover Letter

The structure of an I-130 cover letter can be a little confusing, but we've put together a short guide for you in bullet points, so you can see exactly what you need to include:

• Include your current postal address.
• Date the letter.
• Name the USCIS and note the petition number. (Line 1: "USCIS", line 2: "Attn: I-130".)
• Add a subject line that notes the full title of the petition ("RE: I-130, Petition for Alien Relative"), your full name, and the full name of the relative in question.
• Start your letter with a salutation.
• Explain why you're writing to the USCIS.
• Note the documents that are included in the package with the I-130 form.
• Give a phone number for the USCIS to contact you on for further questions.
• Thank the department for their time.
• Closing salutation.
• Sign-off with your full name, and sign.

If your relative's case is peculiar in any way, you may attach a secondary sheet explaining the circumstances. Start and end this letter the same way as the official I-130 cover letter.

Tips for Writing I-130 Cover Letter

• The cover letter can have two parts. As shown above, if your relative has particular circumstances, you may include a separate cover letter.
• The first cover letter is always needed. It highlights what is contained in the document package.
• When providing details, keep your second letter short.
• Do not plead, and do not waste the USCIS's time.
• Always use full names as shown on birth certificates.
• Always sign and date all documents.
• Explain your current situation clearly. If it's a job you're relocating for, explain why you want to relocate. If it's a job requesting relocation, explain why you're happy to move.

With these tips and both cover letter for I-130 samples, you should easily be able to finish your I-130 filing.

How to Edit I-130 Cover Letter Template

To make a strong i-130 cover letter, you can download the PDF cover letter template in this page and then edit it with Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor . This great PDF editor will help you customize the texts, images, forms in the template and make it fit your experience perfectly.

Step 1. Open the I-130 Cover Letter Template

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

Step 3. Complete and Save Your I-130 Cover Letter

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2024-03-22 16:27:05

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• US Immigration Wiki

I-130 Cover Letter

By Captain Ewok

• August 6, 2019

This letter and the attached documentation went through USCIS with no Requests for Information. The couple were both previously divorced, and had to meet a 2-year residency requirement.  

VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS Day Month Year  

Department of Homeland Security   United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS)   Attention: I-130   131 South Dearborn, 3rd Floor   Chicago, IL 60603-5517  

To whom it may concern:  

I am the proud US Citizen husband of Mrs. Jane Doe. I am applying for I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (spouse), for her. I attach the following to this application.  

1. I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with attached filing fee of $535.00   a. John Doe Birth Certificate   b. John Doe Copy of un-expired US Passport   c. Marriage Certificate   d. Divorce decrees from prior marriages   i. John Doe ii. Jane Doe   e. Passport Photos   i. 2 photos of John Doe   ii. 2 photos of Jane Doe   f. Gift of house (shared equally) from John Doe to Jane Doe   g. John Doe Power of Attorney for Jane Doe   h. Jane Doe Power of Attorney for John Doe   i. Affidavit from Attorney Name First_Name Last_Name, a close personal friend with knowledge of our marriage   j. Bank Statements indicating co-mingling of assets   i. Dates of bank statements   k. Current Medical Coverage indicating a joint medical policy   l. Joint auto insurance policy   m. Auto registration, YYYY-present, registered jointly   n. Travel receipts and Visa stamps for visits:   i. John Doe to Beneficiary Country on Travel Date #1 and Travel Date #2   o. MasterCall long distance telephone records, John Doe -> Beneficiary Country  

2. I-130a, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary for Mrs. Jane Doe  

Thank you for your courteous and efficient efforts in this matter. Please contact me if you need further information.  

Yours truly,  

Master Call Bills  

The billing dates from Start Date to End Date show our normal call usage to the Beneficiary Country before Mrs. Jane Doe left on the date she moved back to her home country. These were calls from Mrs. Jane Doe to her parents.

The bill dated Month/Day/Year includes the calls on or after Month Day, Year. You can see an immediate change in the calling numbers (Mr. John Doe’s cell phone is (NNN)-NNN-NNNN, Mrs. Jane Doe’s Ukrainian phone number, NNN-NNN-NNN-NNN-NNN, which was obtained on her arrival in the Beneficiary Country) and the call volume. The calls started 2 days after her arrival, two days after Mrs. Jane Doe’s arrival in the Beneficiary Country.  

Subsequent bills continue with the high call volume between Mr. John Doe and Mrs. Jane Doe.

NOTE: The above information does not address the specific requirements for any given case and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

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I-130 Cover Letter Guide: Crafting Your Path to Success

A cover letter for Form I-130, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a personalized document to accompany the petition. This letter provides the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with a clear understanding of the sponsor’s intent to initiate the immigration process for a family member. The cover letter’s purpose is to outline the nature of the relationship, list the documents included in the application, and highlight any unique circumstances that might need additional attention.

The importance of a well-crafted cover letter cannot be overstated, as it helps set the tone for the petition and can clarify any complexities within the application package. It is not a mandatory component when submitting Form I-130, but it is a recommended practice. A meticulous cover letter reflects the sponsor’s commitment and ability to organize documentation, which may

expedite USCIS’s review process. It also presents an opportunity to distinguish the application from others, potentially leading to a smooth sponsorship process for the relative seeking a green card.

Purpose of the I-130 Cover Letter

When filing an I-30 Petition for Alien Relative, the cover letter is pivotal in guiding United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through the petition’s purpose and contents.

Clarifying the Relationship

The cover letter for Form I-130 should clearly state the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. It is crucial to establish this connection as the I-130 is a family-based petition. The relationship must fall into an eligible category defined by the USCIS, such as spouse, child, or parent.

Validity of the Petition

The cover letter must also affirm the validity of the petition . This includes mentioning the essential documents provided that support the petition’s claims. For instance, this could involve marriage certificates, joint financial statements, and evidence of a genuine relationship for spousal relationships. It is meant to demonstrate to the USCIS that the requirements for the petition have been met understandingly and correctly.

Petitioner’s Information

In an I-130 cover letter, providing accurate petitioner’s information is crucial. It personalizes the petition and clarifies the petitioner’s eligibility and capability to sponsor the immigrant applicant.

Personal Details

The petitioner must include their full legal name , date of birth , and contact information . Additionally, it’s important to state the relationship to the beneficiary , establishing the petition’s basis.

• Full Name: John A. Doe
• Date of Birth: January 1, 1980
• Address: 123 Main St, Anytown, USA
• Relationship to Beneficiary: Spouse

Employment Status

This subsection should clearly state the petitioner’s current job title , employer , and length of employment . Employment is a key consideration in showing the ability to support the immigrant.

• Job Title: Software Engineer
• Employer: Tech Solutions LLC
• Employed Since: June 2014

Financial Stability

The petitioner should outline their financial stability, including an annual salary , savings , and assets . This information reassures USCIS that the petitioner can support the beneficiary.

Annual Salary: $80,000 Savings: $20,000 Assets: Homeownership, 2018 Model Car

Beneficiary’s Information

Detailing the beneficiary’s information is critical in preparing a cover letter for Form I-130. It provides USCIS with the necessary context to assess the beneficiary’s eligibility for immigration benefits based on their relationship with the petitioner.

The beneficiary must include personal details that verify their identity. This includes:

• Full Name : Must match the name on official identification.
• Date of Birth : Presented in MM/DD/YYYY format.
• Place of Birth : City and country of birth.
• Alien Registration Number (A-Number, if applicable): A unique seven to nine-digit number assigned by USCIS.
• Social Security Number (if applicable).

Residence Status

Information concerning the residence status of the beneficiary is another requirement:

• Current Physical Address : Where the beneficiary currently resides.
• Address History : Locations where the beneficiary has lived over the past five years, including start and end dates at each residence.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria subsection verifies the beneficiary’s relationship to the petitioner and their admissibility:

• Relationship to Petitioner : Clarify the nature of the relationship (e.g., spouse, child, parent).
• Immigration Status : If the beneficiary is in the U.S., the current immigration status or visa category should be indicated.
• Prior Immigration Proceedings : Disclose any past immigration proceedings in which the beneficiary has been involved.

Supporting Documents

In preparing the I-130 Petition, it is crucial to include the appropriate supporting documents that substantiate the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Applicants must be familiar with Form I-130 requirements and all the documents should be well-organized and clearly labeled to assist in efficiently processing the petition.

Legal Proofs

Marriage Certificate: For spouses, a government-issued marriage certificate is mandatory to verify the legitimacy of the marriage.

• Divorce Decrees: If applicable, provide divorce decrees from previous marriages of both the petitioner and the beneficiary.
• Birth Certificates: When petitioning for a child or parent, submit the birth certificates that establish the relationship.

Financial Evidence

• Employer Letters and Pay Stubs: Evidence of the petitioner’s stable employment can include recent pay stubs and employer letters.
• Tax Returns: Copies of the last three years of federal tax returns demonstrate financial stability.

Cultural and Social Ties

• Photographs: Recent photographs of shared social and cultural experiences help convey the genuine relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary.
• Social Media Exchanges: Printouts of communications can show ongoing interaction and shared life events.

Procedural Compliance

Procedural compliance in the context of an I-30 cover letter involves adhering to the specific filing requirements set by USCIS and ensuring all other relevant immigration regulations are met.

Form I-30 Filing

When filing Form I-30, petitioners must follow the specific guidelines outlined by USCIS. The form itself should be typed or printed in black ink. They must:

• Provide all the required information: Full name, address, date of birth, and other personal details as prompted.
• Include all necessary supporting documents: Evidence of the relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, should be attached.

Other USCIS Requirements

Adherence to other USCIS requirements is necessary for a successful application process:

• Fee payment: The correct processing fee, as dictated by the most recent USCIS fee schedule, must accompany the Form I-30.
• Sign the form: The petitioner’s original signature is required; USCIS will not accept stamped or typewritten signatures.

Applicants should consult the latest USCIS instructions for any updates to these requirements before submission.

In any cover letter, the conclusion serves as the candidate’s final opportunity to reinforce their interest in the job and leave a lasting impact on the hiring manager.

• Express Gratitude : Always thank the reader for considering the application.
• Clear Call to Action : The hiring manager must initiate the next step.

Example : She appreciates the reader’s time and looks forward to discussing her application in further detail.

A candidate should:

• Highlight their enthusiasm for the role.
• Summarize their relevance by reiterating how their skills make them the ideal fit for the position.

A concise yet powerful closing increases the likelihood of securing an interview, ensuring the candidate stands out in the recruitment process.

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Home » Guide to Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

Form i-130 overview for:, form i-130 explained, what is form i-130, petition for alien relative.

U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and permanent residents can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative , to help a foreign citizen family member obtain permanent residence in the United States (green card status).

Form I-130 starts the process of family-based immigration by establishing the existence of a qualifying relationship to a foreign citizen relative who wishes to immigrate to the United States. The I-130 petition is also a request by the petitioner to reserve an immigrant visa for the family member. Depending on the type of relationship, this process can take just a few months or several years.

Form I-130 is a type of immigrant visa petition. Unlike nonimmigrant visas that are for temporary visits, an immigrant visa is for someone that intends to live and work in the United States permanently. There are other types of immigrant visa petitions. For example, U.S. employers can file an employment-based immigrant visa petition (Form I-140) for a foreign national whom they will sponsor for a green card.

Immigrant Visa Eligibility

Who can file the i-130 petition.

Not all relatives may be petitioned for a green card. Only specific types of relationships qualify. U.S. citizens may petition a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. Permanent residents and U.S. nationals may only petition a spouse or unmarried child (any age). Grandparents, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins and in-laws cannot be directly petitioned.

The U.S. immigration system has two major categories of family-based immigrants: immediate relatives and family preference. Immediate relatives include the spouse, parent and children (under age 21) of U.S. citizens. The immediate relative categories are the most desirable. (These categories begin with "IR" below.) An immigrant visa is always available for immediate relatives. What's more, there are certain inadmissibility bars that don't apply to immediate relatives. Therefore, there is no wait. All other family-based immigrants are in the family-preference category . (These categories begin with "F" below.) Often these categories have a wait because demand for green card exceeds the number legally allocated each year by U.S. Congress.

Eligible Relatives of U.S. Citizens

Spouse of a U.S. citizen

Unmarried child (under 21 years of age) of a U.S. citizen

Parent of a U.S. citizen

Unmarried, adult son or daughter (age 21 or over) of U.S. a citizen

Married son or daughter (any age) of a U.S. citizen

Brother or sister of U.S. a citizen

Eligible Relatives of Permanent Residents and U.S. Nationals

Spouse or unmarried child (under age 21) of a permanent resident

Unmarried adult son or daughter of a permanent resident

USCIS I-130 Online Filing

Can form i-130 be filed online.

USCIS offers an online filing option for the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.  But there are tradeoffs when you use USCIS online filing . You can submit your petition quickly. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you get quick processing or protections from mistakes. If you are interested a quick approval, focus on submitting a well-prepared petition package. It’s the difference between saving a couple of days with online filing versus saving several weeks with smooth processing. What’s more, USCIS is not your advocate. They are not looking out for your best interests. If you include information that damages your petition or your relative's immigration future, USCIS isn’t going to correct you.

For people who want to make sure they are preparing the petition correctly, CitizenPath offers an affordable service created by immigration attorneys. CitizenPath’s Immigrant Visa Petition Package will make the application easy and give you alerts if there’s a problem. You’ll also receive detailed filing instructions so you know exactly which supporting documents to submit with your petition. CitizenPath even provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your petition.

You may always download a copy of the Form I-130 PDF from the USCIS website . Occasionally, USCIS publishes new editions of the I-130 petition. Make sure you are using an edition which USCIS accepts. Although you may use black ink to fill in your Form I-130 by hand, it’s preferable to file a typed petition. This helps prevent mistakes and may improve intake speed.

Form I-130 Instructions

How do i fill out i-130.

CitizenPath's easy-to-use website helps you prepare the petition quickly and accurately. Our online service provides step-by-step Form I-130 instructions so that you can fill out the petition in just a few minutes. We even give you a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your petition.

If you prefer to fill out the PDF-based application, you can download instructions from USCIS or follow this summary of directions.

General Guidance

• Type or print answers in black ink only. 
• Enter “N/A” if an answer is not applicable and "NONE" if your answer is zero.
• Foreign language documents must be accompanied by a full English certified translation .
• Submit your petition with the current USCIS filing fee . Use a personal check, money order, cashier’s check or use Form G-1450 to pay by credit card.
• Submit photocopies for all supporting documents unless an original document is specifically required.
• For Relationship , indicate which relative will benefit from the I-130 petition. Answer the questions that follow regarding the specific relationship type. Parents' marriage status at birth, step child/parent, and adoptive relationships will all affect the type of supporting documents to submit with the petition.
• For Information About You , include details about the petitioner's alien registration number, USCIS online account and Social Security Number if you have them. Although not mandatory, this information can help clarify your identity and facilitate quicker processing.
• For Names , use the petitioner's current legal name. If you want to begin using a married name, you generally may use a marriage certificate from a U.S. state as a legal name change document. Be sure to list any other versions of your name that you've used in the past (such as a maiden name).
• For Mailing Address , provide any address where you can safely receive mail. Include your physical address only if it is different than your mailing address. You should include a full five years of address history.
• For Your Marital Information , provide a complete accounting of your marital history. This is particularly important if your beneficiary is a spouse or child related to the spouse.
• For Additional Information About You , indicate the petitioner's status in the United States as a citizen or permanent resident. Provide the follow-up information regarding how that status was acquired. You may proceed if you are a citizen and do not have your certificate. However, you will need some proof of citizenship (like a U.S. passport) when filing Form I-130.
• For Employment History , provide the petitioner's employers for the past five years. If self-employed, you may enter "Self-employed" in the space for a company name.
• For Biographic Information , answer how you identify in terms of race and ethnicity. Indicate other details about your height, weight, eye color and hair color.
• For Information About Beneficiary , include details about the beneficiary's alien registration number, USCIS online account and Social Security Number if you have them. Although not mandatory, this information can help clarify their identity and facilitate quicker processing.
• For Names , use the beneficiary's current legal name. If the beneficiary wants to begin using a married name, they generally may use a marriage certificate from a U.S. state as a legal name change document. Be sure to list any other versions of the beneficiary's name used in the past such as a maiden name.
• For Mailing Address , provide an address where the beneficiary can safely receive mail. Also include a physical address only if it is different than the mailing address.
• For Your Marital Information , provide a complete accounting of the beneficiary' marital history. Again, this is particularly important if your beneficiary is a spouse.
• For Information About Beneficiary's Family , list the beneficiary's spouse and children (if applicable). For the purposes of preparing Form I-130, "children" includes any of the beneficiary's children under the age of 21.
• For Beneficiary's Entry Information , provide details about the beneficiary's entry to the United States if they are currently in the U.S. Most of the information can be found on the beneficiary's I-94 arrival/departure record .
• For Employment History , provide the beneficiary's current employment situation. If self-employed, you may enter "Self-employed" in the space for a company name.

Parts 5, 6, 7, and 8

• For Other Information , indicate if you previously filed or intend to file future I-130 petitions for other family members. Provide the relevant details to the best of your ability.
• For Petitioner's Statement , the petitioner should provide the requested information. Provide an email and U.S. phone numbers where USCIS can reliably reach you. USCIS will rarely call petitioners, but they will use email. Sign your petition with black ink. A surprising number of I-130 rejections are the result of petitioners forgetting to sign or signing in the wrong place.
• For Interpreter and Preparer , provide information if applicable. If another person translated or prepared the petition for you, be sure Parts 7 and 8 are filled in and signed appropriately.

Form I-130A Supplement

Petitioners filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary must also file Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for a Spouse Beneficiary. Form I-130 is simply a supplement with additional information about your spouse. The spouse beneficiary is not required to sign I-130A if he or she is living abroad.

This is an abbreviated list of Form I-130 instructions. We highly recommend that you download USCIS instructions or use CitizenPath’s service to prepare the petition. CitizenPath provides step-by-step guidance through the petition. You’ll also get detailed I-130 filing instructions that explain which supporting documents to submit, how to organize, and where to mail.

Submit the Petition

Where to send form i-130.

USCIS accepts the I-130 petition via e-file and mail. They do not want petitioners to submit Form I-130 in-person at USCIS offices.

At the time of writing this guide, USCIS receives standalone petitions at two locations called lockboxes: Elgin, IL and Phoenix, AZ. Although USCIS receives your petition at these locations, they will process them somewhere else. If you have an interview, it will be at a USCIS office near that address you provide.

Petitioners who live in the following states and territories will file at the Phoenix lockbox: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, or Wyoming.

If you are sending via the U.S. Postal Service, mail the package to:

USCIS Attn: I-130 P.O. Box 21700 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1700

If you will send via a courier service like FedEx, UPS or DHL, mail the package to:

USCIS Attn: I-130 (Box 21700) 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850

Petitioners who live in other states, territories or outside the United States will file at the Elgin lockbox.

USCIS Attn: I-130 P.O. Box 4053 Carol Stream, IL 60197-4053

USCIS Attn: I-130 (Box 4053) 2500 Westfield Drive Elgin, IL 60124-7836

If you plan to file Form I-130 concurrently with Form I-485 , there are separate lockbox addresses for this purpose. Please note that USCIS does occasionally change lockbox locations that receive petitions. Refer to your CitizenPath filing instructions or the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.

I-130 Petition Processing Time

How long does it take.

USCIS processing times for the I-130 petition vary significantly based on the category. Generally, USCIS adjudicates immediate relative petitions more quickly because an immigrant visa is already available. The process will typically take a minimum of six months and up to a year. Family-preference petitions will likely take longer. CitizenPath customers often experience some of the quicker processing times. Well-prepared petitions have the best chance to receive a quick approval. For an in-depth look at what happens after filing Form I-130, visit our I-130 processing time line .

Reporting for processing times only includes forms that were successfully filed. If an individual does not correctly prepare a form or otherwise does not satisfy eligibility requirements, USCIS will reject or deny these requests. For the most recent year, USCIS reported the following national statistics:

USCIS Rejections in 2023

MODERATE RISK

USCIS Denials in 2023

It's also helpful to understand that I-130 beneficiaries must have a visa immediately available to them in order to submit an immigrant visa (green card) application. Remember, an immigrant visa is always available to immediate relatives. There is no limit. U.S. congress puts annual limits on the number of visas issued in each of the family-preference categories. USCIS may approve the petition before a visa is actually available. Therefore, applicants must have a petition that is approved and "current" in the visa bulletin. For more information about this topic, learn how to read the visa bulletin .

How CitizenPath Helps You

Is there an inexpensive way to file the i-130 petition.

CitizenPath's affordable, online service makes it easy to prepare Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Designed by immigration lawyers, the Immigrant Visa Petition Package helps you eliminate the common errors that create delays, rejections and even denials. That's because the service alerts you when your answer to a question may be a problem. You'll also get customized filing instructions based on your situation. It's a powerful, do-it-yourself tool that puts you in control. And we've got your back -- CitizenPath provides live customer support and provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your petition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, the form requests your full legal name. Generally, your marriage certificate is a legal name change document. Not sure? Check in the state were you married. If you are not already using the married name, this is a good time to start using it. Learn more about married names on USCIS forms .

There are various reasons USCIS could deny Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. In most cases, denials are because the beneficiary does not have a qualifying relationship or the petitioner failed to provide sufficient evidence of the relationship. Learn more about the reasons for an I-130 denial .

A visa overstay doesn’t affect a beneficiary's eligibility on Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. However, a visa overstay can affect the actual application for permanent residence (green card) and have long-term immigration consequences. Because of this, both the petitioner and beneficiary should understand the impact of any previous period of unlawful status before filing the petition.

Some green card applicants, like the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, may file Form I-130 and even adjust status with Form I-485 after an overstay. To learn more, read about applying for a green card after a visa overstay .

What happens after USCIS approves the I-130 depends the beneficiary's path through consular processing or adjustment of status.

If the petitioner indicated that the beneficiary will go through the consular processing path to a green card , USCIS forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC). At this point, the case may wait until a visa is available. This wait generally occurs when the beneficiary is in a family-preference category. On the other hand, the case stays at USCIS if the petitioner indicated that the beneficiary will use adjustment of status .

Learn more about what happens after the I-130 approval .

You do not need to file Form G-325A, Biographic Information, with the petition.

With the 2017 edition of Form I-130, USCIS no longer requires Form G-325A. The biographic information questions that were a part of form are now integrated with the petition.

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Expedite Requests

ALERT:  If you are a healthcare worker or a childcare worker

If you are a healthcare worker or a childcare worker

• Who has a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, initial application, which has been pending for over 90 days; OR
• Who has a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, renewal  application and whose Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires within 30 days or less, or has already expired:

Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) to request expedited processing based on your position as a healthcare worker or a childcare worker with an EAD application that meets the above criteria.

To determine whether you are a qualifying healthcare worker, see this  DHS advisory memorandum (“Healthcare/Public Health” section, pages 7-9) (PDF) .

To determine whether you are a qualifying childcare worker, see the  Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)  code 39-9011, which includes workers who “attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions” and “perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.” (Note that this definition does not include preschool teachers or teaching assistants.)

Be prepared to provide evidence of your profession or current or immediate prospective employment as a healthcare worker or a childcare worker and current valid immigration status. If the evidence you provide is not sufficient, we may not accommodate your request for expedited processing of your Form I-765.

You may request that USCIS expedite the adjudication of an application, petition, request, appeal, or motion that is under USCIS jurisdiction.

We consider all expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and generally require documentation to support such requests. The decision to expedite is within the sole discretion of USCIS. Expediting your case generally means that we would adjudicate your benefit ahead of others, including those who may have filed earlier, so we carefully weigh the urgency and merit of each expedite request.

Relevant criteria or circumstances that may be considered in determining whether to grant an expedite request include, but are not limited to, the below:

• Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of the petitioner’s or applicant’s failure to timely file the benefit request or to timely respond to any requests for evidence;
• Emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations;
• Nonprofit organization (as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)) whose request is in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States;
• Government interests, including cases identified by the government as urgent because they involve the public interest, public safety, national interest, or national security interests; and
• Clear USCIS error.

Not every circumstance that fits under the criteria or examples above will result in expedited processing. See more information below on expedite criteria and circumstances. For USCIS’  expedite policy guidance , see Volume 1 of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Note:   The processes and requirements for requesting expedited adjudication are different for some application types and circumstances. Refer to the chart in the Specific Procedures section of this page for more information about expedite requests related to:

• Appeals or motions
• Refugee status
• Petition for refugee/asylee relative
• Humanitarian parole
• T nonimmigrant status
• U nonimmigrant status
• Other benefit requests pending with offices outside the United States

A company can demonstrate that it would suffer a severe financial loss if it is at risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or required to lay off other employees.

Job loss may be sufficient to establish severe financial loss for a person, depending on the individual circumstances. The need to obtain employment authorization, standing alone, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited treatment.

Examples may include:

• A medical office that may suffer severe financial loss if a gap in a doctor’s employment authorization would require the medical practice to lay off its medical assistants.
• A person who would lose critical public benefits or services.

In the context of an expedite request, an emergency or urgent humanitarian situation is a pressing or critical circumstance related to human welfare. Human welfare means issues related to the well-being of a person or group. Examples include, but are not limited to, illness, disability, death of a family member or close friend, or extreme living conditions, such as those caused by natural catastrophes or armed conflict.

NOTE:  Certain benefit requests, such as asylum applications, refugee applications, and requests for humanitarian parole, by their nature involve urgent humanitarian situations. Therefore, filing a humanitarian-based benefit, standing alone, without evidence of other time-sensitive or compelling factors, generally may not warrant expedited treatment under this criterion.

Examples of emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations may include:

• A vulnerable person whose safety may be otherwise compromised.
• Healthcare workers who are needed during a pandemic.

Travel-Related Requests

USCIS considers expedited processing of an Application for Travel Document ( Form I-131 ) when there is a pressing or critical need for an applicant to travel outside the United States.

Expedited processing of a travel document may be warranted when there is an unexpected need to travel outside the United States for an unplanned event, such as for a funeral. Expedited processing of a travel document may also be warranted when there is a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States for a planned event, but processing times prevent USCIS from issuing the travel document by the planned date of departure. When there is a request to expedite processing of a travel document for a planned event, we will consider whether the applicant timely filed  Form I-131 or timely responded to a request for evidence.

NOTE:  A benefit requestor’s desire to travel solely for vacation generally does not meet the definition of a pressing or critical need to travel.

We generally require documentation to support an expedite request. Examples of evidence that may support travel-related expedite requests are outlined in the following table.

Examples of a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States may include:

• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time.
• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States due to the death or grave illness of a family member or close friend.
• A requestor who applied for a travel document 5 months ago when they learned of the event, but their case remains pending, and they must travel for a pressing or critical professional, academic, or personal commitment, which is now in 45 days.

A nonprofit organization seeking to expedite a beneficiary’s benefit request must demonstrate an urgent need to expedite the case based on the beneficiary’s specific role within the nonprofit in furthering cultural or social interests (as opposed to the organization’s role in furthering social or cultural interests).

• A professional who is urgently needed for research related to a specific U.S. social interest.
• A university professor urgently needed to participate in a specific and imminent cultural program.
• A religious organization that urgently needs a beneficiary’s specific services and skill set to continue a vital social outreach program.

This includes cases identified as urgent by a federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local government of the United States because they involve public interest, public safety, national interest, or national security interests. The request must be made by a person who has authority to represent the agency or department, such as an official, manager, supervisor, or tribal leader, on the matter for which expedited treatment is being requested. The request must demonstrate that the interests are pressing and substantive.

Where a federal agency or department is able to state a federal government interest in accordance with these criteria, we generally defer to that federal agency or department’s assessment.

If the request relates to employment authorization, the request must demonstrate that the need for the applicant to be authorized to work is critical to the mission of the requesting agency or department, and goes beyond a general need to retain a particular worker or person.

• A noncitizen victim or witness who is cooperating with a federal, state, or local agency and needs employment authorization because the respective agency is seeking back pay or reinstatement in court proceedings.
• A noncitizen scientist whose contributions are needed by a government lab or grantee.

USCIS may consider an expedite request based on clear USCIS error when a requestor establishes an urgent need to correct the error.

An example may include:

• An applicant who receives an Employment Authorization Document with incorrect information that prevents them from being able to work may request a replacement document on an expedited basis if we caused the error.

You generally may request we expedite your case after you receive a receipt notice. (The process to request an expedite is different in some circumstances. See the Specific Procedures section below.)

Before submitting an expedite request, you should:

• Check current  case processing times to determine whether you need an expedite.
• Check your  case status online . If there is an action on your case pending with you, such as submitting biometrics or evidence, you should complete these actions before submitting an expedite request.
• Check whether  premium processing service is available. We will not consider expedite requests for petitions and applications where premium processing service is available, unless the petitioner is designated as a nonprofit organization by the IRS and filing for a beneficiary whose services are needed to further the cultural or social interests of the United States.

Please make only one expedite request to reduce duplicate efforts and help us use our resources for quicker processing. Multiple requests may delay USCIS’s ability to expedite processing.

Expedite Requests for Travel Documents

If you are requesting expedited processing of a  travel document , you generally need to apply for and obtain the document before you leave the United States. You should make your expedite request on your pending application at least 45 days before you plan to leave the United States. (If you must travel within the next 15 days, see the  Emergency Travel page.)

For most cases, you may request an expedite by contacting the  USCIS Contact Center or by asking Emma.  (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page). You need to explain why you need expedited processing. You also generally need to provide your receipt number to the USCIS Contact Center so they can send your request to the office that has your application or petition. If you have a USCIS  online account and have access to secure messaging, you may select “expedite” as the reason for your inquiry and submit your request there.

You generally need to justify your expedite request with evidence. When communicating with the Contact Center, you will be asked about supporting documentation. You should be prepared to supply this to the office processing your case.

If you have a USCIS  online account , you should upload evidence through your online account to support your expedite request in addition to calling the USCIS Contact Center. If you send a secure message, we will ask you to confirm that you have uploaded evidence in your account. If we receive an expedite request without evidence to support it, we will send you instructions on how to submit the evidence.

Note: The processes and requirements to request expedited adjudication are different in some circumstances. Refer to the chart under Specific Procedures below for expedite requests related to:

• Appeals/Motions

Some programs and circumstances have their own processes and requirements for requesting expedited adjudication and may have different expedite criteria. You should follow the specific procedures referenced below for requesting an expedite in the following circumstances:

We receive a large number of expedite requests. We generally send a response to expedite requests that are submitted through the Contact Center. However, to increase efficiency in processing expedite requests, we generally do not provide justification for expedite decisions.

A decision on an expedite request is not an approval or a denial of your underlying benefit request. The expedite decision simply determines whether we will take your benefit request out of order and try to issue a decision (approval or denial) faster than the normal processing time. We cannot make a decision on your benefit request until all processing requirements have been completed.

Some circumstances may prolong or inhibit our ability to expedite certain benefit requests. Examples include, but are not limited to, when:

• The benefit requestor must perform a certain action or submit additional documentation or evidence related to their benefit request, such as attend a biometric services appointment, be interviewed, or complete any required   immigration medical examination ;
• There is a required background check that remains pending with a third-party agency;
• An application or petition requires an on-site inspection; or
• An application or petition depends on the adjudication of a principal’s application or petition.