If you are a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), you may be able to sponsor certain family members to come live permanently in the United States. Form I-130 is the first step in this process.
Who Can You Petition For?
U.S. Citizens can petition for:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried adult children
- Married children
- Siblings (if petitioner is 21+)
- Parents (if petitioner is 21+)
Green Card Holders can petition for:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried adult children
Steps to File Form I-130
Complete Form I-130
Fill out one form per family member you are petitioning for.
Include Required Documents
Proof of your U.S. citizenship or Green Card, proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate), and valid photo ID.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee is $535 per petition. Check USCIS.gov for the most current amounts.
Submit to USCIS
Mail your petition to the correct USCIS lockbox or file online if your category is eligible.
Wait for Priority Date
For most family categories, there is a waiting period. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, minor children, parents) have no wait.
Keep in Mind
Filing an I-130 does not guarantee a visa or Green Card — it simply reserves your family member's place in line. Processing times vary significantly by category and country of origin.
Related Forms
Disclaimer: Migrant Navigator is a private document preparation service. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice.