Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)
What is the cost to petition a relative?
The consular processing costs for a family-based green card come from various government agencies, including USCIS, NVC, and the U.S. embassy.… Continue Reading →
How long will it take for the Form I-130 approval?
The time it takes to receive approval on Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can vary significantly depending on the petitioner/beneficiary relationship.… Continue Reading →
My relative overstayed a visa. Can I still file an I-130 petition?
Several factors are at play when deciding to file Form I-130 after a visa overstay. While an unlawful status may not affect eligibility for the I-130 petition, it can drastically affect the outcome of an application for permanent residence.… Continue Reading →
Do you have a sample I-130 petition?
You may download a sample I-130 petition prepared at CitizenPath.com. But preparing your unique petition based on a sample is generally not a good idea.… Continue Reading →
What is class of admission on Form I-130?
Class of Admission describes the visa category that was used to admit an immigrant to the U.S. as a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident. Here’s how to find it.… Continue Reading →
How do I enter the beneficiary’s native written language in Part 4?
If the beneficiary’s native written language does not use Roman letters, Part 4 of Form I-130 provides space to address this.… Continue Reading →
What is “aging out” and how does the Child Status Protection Act help?
During the time you are waiting for the Form I-130 approval, your child could reach age 21. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) prevents many children from “aging out” of eligibility for permanent residence.… Continue Reading →
Can my son/daughter get married after I file Form I-130?
If a son or daughter gets married after you file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on their behalf, the marriage can drastically affect eligibility for permanent residence (green card).… Continue Reading →
How do I petition my child for a green card?
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can both petition a child for a green card. The age of the child and type of relationship with the petitioner affect the rules, requirements and eligibility.… Continue Reading →
What is an Alien Registration Number and where do I find it?
Also known as an A-Number, your Alien Registration Number is an 8 or 9 digit number that can be found on a variety of documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the former INS.… Continue Reading →
How do I submit evidence of birth without a birth certificate?
Evidence of birth is essential for most adjustment of status and immigrant visa applications. But official birth certificates may not be issued by some governments or local civil authorities in certain countries. In these cases, it’s still vital to submit alternative evidence of birth to obtain a green card.… Continue Reading →
Do I need to submit Form G-325A with the I-130 petition?
With the 02/27/17 edition of Form I-130, Form G-325A was replaced by Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary.… Continue Reading →
Can I use my married name when filing this USCIS form?
Whenever preparing USCIS forms, you’ll need to use your current legal name. If you are married, your current legal name includes your married name.… Continue Reading →
Can I submit a late registered birth certificate in my immigration case?
You may be able to use a late registered birth certificate when filing for immigration benefits, but USCIS will likely require secondary evidence.… Continue Reading →