I-130 Petition for Alien Relative form
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative form
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can help certain relatives obtain permanent residency through Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This process supports family reunification by allowing qualifying family members to pursue a Green Card with the assistance of an experienced I-130 lawyer.
Approval of Form I-130 does not grant immigration status by itself. Instead, it confirms the qualifying family relationship and allows the foreign relative to move forward with the Green Card process.
What Is Form I-130?
Form I-130 establishes a valid family relationship between a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder and an eligible relative. It is the first step in family-based immigration. Once approved, the relative may apply for lawful permanent resident status through adjustment of status or consular processing.
To file Form I-130, the petitioner must:
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Be at least 18 years old
Provide proof of status (U.S. passport or Green Card)
Submit evidence of the family relationship (birth, marriage, or adoption records)
Who Can Be Petitioned?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens receive priority processing and include:
Spouses
Unmarried children under 21
Parents
Other eligible relatives include unmarried adult children, married children, and siblings of U.S. citizens. LPRs may petition for spouses and unmarried children.
An I-130 lawyer can confirm eligibility, prepare documentation, and help avoid delays or denials.
Filing and Approval
Form I-130 may be filed online or by mail with USCIS. Once approved, the relative must still complete Visa processing and meet all admissibility requirements before receiving a Green Card.
Approval of Form I-130 is a major milestone, bringing families closer to reunification and allowing beneficiaries to live, work, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
If a Petition Is Denied
Not all I-130 petitions are approved. Denials may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or corrected through refiling. An experienced I-130 lawyer can identify errors, respond to requests for evidence, and improve the chances of success.
How an I-130 Lawyer Can Help
An immigration lawyer assists with:
Preparing and filing Form I-130
Responding to USCIS requests
Guiding consular processing or adjustment of status
Addressing denials or appeals
Having legal guidance throughout the process can reduce stress and prevent costly mistakes.
The attorneys at Lincoln-Goldfinch Law – Abogados de Inmigración help families navigate the I-130 process with care and precision. Their experienced I-130 lawyers work diligently to reunite families and guide clients toward permanent residency in the United States.
Lincoln-Goldfinch Law - Abogados de Inmigracion
1005 E 40th St Austin, TX 78751
(855) 502-0555
https://www.LincolnGoldfinch.com
