This is the form that a citizen or permanent resident of the United States must complete to apply for a foreign relative

Remember this letter and numbering: I-130. That is the form you will need to find and complete if you are interested in petitioning a foreign relative in the United States.

The USCIS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – indicates that you should use this form “if you are a citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States and need to demonstrate the relationship you have to a qualifying family member who this wishes to immigrate or “remain permanently in the United States and obtain a permanent resident card (also known as a green card or green card).”

You must ensure that you – as the petitioner – select only one option in Part 4 (Question 61 or 62) to indicate whether the beneficiary intends to apply for adjustment of status within the United States or visa processing in the will apply abroad.

Avoid answering both questions or leave that section blank.

United States: These are the USCIS recommendations so that applications are not rejected and the procedures are expedited

How to File Form I-130

We will tell you the USCIS suggestions to make the process successful:

Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is the first step in helping an eligible relative apply to immigrate to the United States and obtain permanent residency.

Please note that filing or approving this petition does not grant your family member any immigration status or benefits.

Generally, USCIS will approve Form I-130 if you can demonstrate the relationship between you and the family member that qualifies your family member to immigrate to the United States.

Typically, “once we approve the petition, your family member can apply to become an LPR (obtain a green card). If your family member is already in the United States and a visa is available, you may be eligible to obtain your permanent residency by filing a Form I-485, Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status .

Some family members must wait until a visa number is available before they can apply for Form I-485 (adjust your status if you are already in the United States) or a visa (if you are outside the United States).

Visas are always available for family members who qualify as immediate relatives, the entity notes.

This is the new application procedure for family reunification through parole in the United States

Considerations on Form I-130

When completing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, be sure that you (as the petitioner) select only one option when indicating that the beneficiary intends to apply for an adjustment of status within the United States or a will apply for visa processing abroad.

If Form I-130 is still pending at USCIS and you would like to change your selection (for consular processing abroad or for adjustment of status in the United States), you can contact the USCIS Contact Center and request a change .

If you wish to change your selection after the form has been approved, you may need to submit Form I-824, Request for Action on an Approved Application of Petition.

Where to apply

You have two options for filing your Form I-130 with USCIS:

United States: According to USCIS, this is the correct way to submit forms by mail

Where you file your Form I-130 depends on where you live and whether you file Form I-485, Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status, at the same time (also known as “joint filing”).

To file your Form I-130 online:

The first step is to create an online account. For more information, visit the Create a USCIS Online Account web page.

If you would like to read more information about Form I-130, please go here

(JO)