Form I-130 Checklist: Everything You Need for a Successful Application

How to File Form I-130

1. Download and complete the form: Start by downloading Form I-130 from the official USCIS website. Fill out the form carefully, including precise information about yourself (the petitioner) and your spouse (the beneficiary). To avoid delays, ensure that all portions are correctly completed.
2. Gather Required documentation: In addition to Form I-130, send supporting documentation proving your eligibility to sponsor your spouse and the authenticity of your marriage. Proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, your marriage certificate, and evidence of any prior legally dissolved marriages are all important documents.
3. Prepare the Filing Fee: The filing fee for Form I-130 is $625 or $675. This charge must be paid by check or money order if filing by mail, or online if filing electronically. Check the current charge on the USCIS website, since it may change.
4. Submit the Form: Mail the completed form and papers to the correct USCIS address. The address varies depending on your region and whether you are completing additional documents. You can also file online via the USCIS website.
5. Receive Notice of Action: USCIS will issue a Notice of Action (Form I-797) to confirm receipt of your petition. This notification will include your case number, which you can use to check the status of your application.

Form I-130 Cost

It costs $625-$675 to file Form I-130. This cost is nonrefundable and must be submitted together with your application. Note that additional payments will be required later in the process, such as for Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) or immigrant visa processing if your spouse is applying from overseas.

Form I-130 Checklist for Spouse

Ensuring all needed documentation are included with your Form I-130 is critical for a smooth application process. Here’s a full Form I-130 checklist of required documents:

Proof of United States Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency

If you are a US citizen, please provide a copy of your birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident, please send a copy of your green card (both sides).

Marriage Certificate

Submit a copy of your marriage certificate to validate the legal union between you and your spouse. If the certificate is not in English, provide a certified translation.

Proof of Termination of Prior Marriages

If either spouse has been previously married, provide proof that all previous marriages were legally ended. This may contain divorce decrees and annulments orders, or death certificates.

Proof of Bona Fide Marriage

Provide evidence of your marriage's validity. This can include joint bank account records, lease or mortgage agreements, utility bills, insurance policies, and photos of you both.

Passport size Photos

Share two current passport size photos of you and your spouse. Ensure that they fulfill USCIS criteria.

Form I-130A

If your spouse is in the US, fill out Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. This form includes additional biographical information about your spouse.

Documentation of Legal Name Changes

If either spouse has changed their legal name, provide a marriage certificate or court decree indicating the change.

Filing Fee

Attach the $535 filing fee to your application. Payment can be paid by check, money order, or online, depending on your filing method.

Cover Letter

Including a list of all submitted documents in your cover letter will speed up the USCIS application process.

Marriage is a green light for the spouse to attain their green card and live in the US; the first step to achieving this is by using Form I-130. Some of the key pitfalls which anyone dealing with a US Immigration Petition must be able to avoid include failure to ensure that all the necessary documents have been provided, failure to ensure that the forms have been completed properly and as a consequence having the petition processed slowly. However, for every immigration, always refer to the USCIS website for the latest directive and charges, and in special situations seek advice from Immigration attorneys. Giving due diligence to the application process is of paramount importance in the course of the exercise.