Form I-130 checklist of required documents for a spouse:
- Form I-130: This is the actual petition form that you need to fill out and submit.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency: This can include a copy of your birth certificate (if you are a U.S. citizen), a copy of your naturalization certificate, or a copy of your green card (if you are a lawful permanent resident).
- Proof of Relationship: You’ll need to provide evidence that your relationship with your spouse is genuine and legitimate. This can include marriage certificates, joint bank account statements, joint property ownership documents, photos together, and affidavits from family and friends attesting to the authenticity of your relationship.
- Biographic Information: This includes copies of your spouse’s biographic pages from their passport, birth certificate, and any other relevant identification documents.
- Marriage Termination Documents: If either you or your spouse were previously married, you’ll need to provide documents showing the termination of those marriages, such as divorce decrees or death certificates.
- Proof of Legal Name Change: If either you or your spouse have changed your names legally, you’ll need to provide documentation of the name change.
- Filing Fee: Include the required filing fee with your application. The fee amount can change, so be sure to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
Form I-130 instructions
The Form I-130 instructions provide detailed guidance on how to complete and submit the Petition for Alien Relative. Here is an overview of the typical Form I-130 instructions:
- Purpose of Form: The instructions begin by explaining the purpose of Form I-130, which is to establish the relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner and their relative who seeks to immigrate to the United States.
- Eligibility: The instructions outline who can file Form I-130, including U.S. citizens filing for spouses, children, parents, and siblings, as well as lawful permanent residents filing for spouses and unmarried children.
- Where to File: The instructions provide information on where to mail the completed Form I-130 based on the petitioner’s location and relationship to the beneficiary.
- Required Documentation: The instructions list the documents that must be submitted with Form I-130, such as proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, proof of relationship, biographic information, marriage termination documents (if applicable), and filing fee.
- Evidence of Relationship: Detailed guidance is provided on what types of evidence are acceptable to demonstrate the bona fides of the relationship, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, joint financial documents, photos, and affidavits from family and friends.
- Filing Fee: The instructions specify the current filing fee for Form I-130 and provide information on acceptable payment methods.
- Signature and Certification: The petitioner must sign and certify the form, certifying under penalty of perjury that the information provided is true and correct.
- Additional Information: The instructions may include additional information and clarifications regarding specific questions on the form, as well as instructions for completing certain sections accurately.
