If you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident planning to bring a close family member to the United States, the first step is often filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This form establishes the legal relationship between you and your immediate family member living abroad. Filing this form isn’t just a matter of checking boxes, though. The process involves careful preparation, attention to detail, and strong documentation, including certified translations for any documents not in English. Here’s what you need to know before submitting your Form I-130.
Top Six Things to Know Before Submitting Form I-130
1. Who Can File (And for Whom)
Your ability to sponsor a relative depends on your immigration status. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can file Form I-130 for your spouse and your married or unmarried children. If you’re over 21, you can file for your parents and siblings.
As a lawful permanent resident, your options are more limited – you can only petition for your spouse or your unmarried children. Note that regardless of immigration status, you can’t use Form I-130 to petition for cousins, grandparents, in-laws, or friends.
It’s also important to know that while the form helps prove a qualifying family relationship exists, it does not grant a green card or immigration benefits. It’s only the first step in a longer process.
2. Required Supporting Documents
Along with the completed Form I-130, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves your immigration status and your relationship to the person you’re sponsoring. This often includes copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and proof of U.S. citizenship or green card status.
This is where many applicants run into trouble. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, USCIS requires a certified translation. The certified translation must include a signed statement from the translator verifying that they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate and complete.
Submitting documents without proper translation can lead to delays or denials. Certified translations help you avoid these by demonstrating that you’re submitting a credible application.
3. Filing Options: By Mail or Online
Form I-130 can be mailed to a designated USCIS lockbox. The correct mailing address depends on where you live and whether you’re filing additional forms, like a status adjustment. Double-check the USCIS website to ensure you send your petition to the correct address.
You can also file the form online through your USCIS account, which is recommended for faster tracking and fewer errors.
4. Top Reasons for Delays (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistakes, omissions, or unclear documentation can slow your case. One of the most common issues is incomplete forms. You should never leave spaces blank on the Form I-130; if something doesn’t apply, simply write “N/A.”
Other common mistakes include missing documents and poor translations. Make sure all non-English documents are professionally translated with a signed certification, and be sure to include the original document with the certified translation.
5. Tracking Your Case and Next Steps
After submitting your Form I-130, you’ll receive a receipt notice with a case number to track your petition online. USCIS may contact you for additional information if anything is unclear or missing. Assuming all is in order, the case will proceed to the National Visa Center for relatives abroad or continue to green card processing for relatives in the U.S.
Be aware that wait times vary based on your relative’s country of origin and their relationship to you. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, parents, and children under 21, there’s no visa cap, which can speed up the process. Long backlogs are common for everyone else, including siblings or adult children.
6. When to Consider Professional Help
Form I-130 sets the foundation for your relative’s entire immigration journey. If you’re not confident preparing the form yourself or if your case has complexities such as previous immigration violations, criminal history, or inconsistent records, it’s smart to work with an immigration attorney.
Likewise, investing in certified translations for your foreign language documents is a smart step. It shows USCIS that you’re serious and that your application is well-prepared from the start, potentially saving you months of frustration down the line.
The Perfect Translation Knows The Details Matter
Submitting Form I-130 is the first step in reuniting you with your loved one in the United States, and certified translations could be the difference between a smooth path and a bureaucratic headache. At The Perfect Translation, our team of experts has a proven track record of delivering the accuracy and reliability necessary to meet USCIS requirements. When it comes to immigration, the details matter. Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Contact us today for a free quote.
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