Essential documents for I-130 petition approval include proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card. Evidence of the bona fide relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, like marriage certificates, birth certificates, photos, and correspondence, is crucial. Immigration petitions also require completed forms, passport-style photos, and any applicable legal documents confirming name changes or previous marriages.
What Documents Are Necessary for I-130 Petition Approval?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bona Fide Marriage Evidence | To ensure I-130 petition approval based on a bona fide marriage, submit comprehensive evidence such as joint financial records, shared property deeds, photos from significant events together, affidavits from family or friends confirming the marriage's authenticity, and communication logs demonstrating ongoing relationship. USCIS prioritizes clear documentation proving the marriage was entered in good faith, not solely for immigration purposes. |
| 2 | Biometric Appointment Notice | The I-130 petition approval process requires submitting a Biometric Appointment Notice as proof that the petitioner or beneficiary completed fingerprinting and background checks essential for identity verification and security screening. This notice confirms attendance at the USCIS biometric services appointment, a critical step in progressing the immigration case efficiently. |
| 3 | Certified English Translations | Certified English translations of all foreign-language documents submitted with the I-130 petition, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and court records, are required to ensure accurate processing by USCIS. These translations must include a signed statement from the translator affirming their competence and the completeness and accuracy of the translation. |
| 4 | I-864 Affidavit of Support | The I-864 Affidavit of Support is a crucial document required for I-130 petition approval, demonstrating the petitioner's financial ability to support the immigrant and preventing them from becoming a public charge. This form, along with proof of income such as tax returns and employment verification, ensures the sponsor meets or exceeds 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. |
| 5 | Digital Passport Photograph Specifications | The I-130 petition requires a digital passport photograph meeting specific criteria: it must be a recent, color image with a white or off-white background, sized 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), showing the petitioner's full face directly facing the camera with a neutral expression and eyes open. The photo file should be high resolution, without shadows, glare, or visible pixels, complying with U.S. Department of State standards to ensure proper identification during the immigration process. |
| 6 | Proof of Legal Entry (I-94 Record) | The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is a critical document that demonstrates proof of legal entry into the United States, essential for I-130 petition approval. USCIS requires the petitioner or beneficiary to submit a clear copy of the most recent I-94 form, which reflects the date, port, and legal status under which the individual was admitted or paroled into the country. |
| 7 | Online Filing Receipts (Lockbox Submission) | Online filing receipts, also known as lockbox submissions, are crucial documents required for I-130 petition approval as they provide official proof of the petition's receipt and payment by USCIS. These receipts include a unique case number that allows petitioners to track the status of their application and confirm timely submission in compliance with immigration processing standards. |
| 8 | Social Media Relationship Documentation | Social media relationship documentation for I-130 petition approval includes screenshots of conversations, photos demonstrating ongoing communication, tagged posts, and comments that show a genuine and continuing relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. Evidence such as dated messages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp corroborates the legitimacy of the petitioner's relationship in immigration cases. |
| 9 | Civil Union Documentation | Civil union documentation is essential for the I-130 petition approval to prove a legally recognized partnership, especially when the petitioner and beneficiary are in a civil union instead of a traditional marriage. Submitting certified copies of the civil union certificate along with supporting evidence of joint financial accounts, shared residence, or insurance policies strengthens the petitioner's case for spousal eligibility. |
| 10 | Statutory Marriage Counseling Certificates | Statutory marriage counseling certificates serve as critical evidence of bona fide marital relationships required for I-130 petition approval, demonstrating compliance with state-mandated marriage verification processes. Providing these certificates strengthens the petition by confirming the marriage's legitimacy, thereby enhancing the likelihood of favorable adjudication by USCIS. |
Introduction to the I-130 Petition Process
The I-130 petition is a critical step in the family-based immigration process. It establishes the relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their eligible relative seeking a green card.
Proper submission of required documents ensures the petition is processed efficiently. Your careful preparation can significantly impact the approval outcome of the I-130 petition.
Importance of Proper Documentation
Proper documentation plays a critical role in the approval process of an I-130 petition. Essential documents include proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card.
Additionally, evidence of the qualifying relationship must be provided, like marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children. Submitting clear, accurate, and complete paperwork increases the likelihood of petition approval and helps avoid delays.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is a critical component for the approval of an I-130 petition. This documentation verifies the petitioner's eligibility to sponsor a relative for immigration benefits.
- U.S. Passport - A valid U.S. passport serves as strong evidence of U.S. citizenship, confirming the petitioner's identity and citizenship status.
- Certificate of Naturalization - This certificate proves that the petitioner acquired U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - This card is required if the petitioner is a lawful permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen, proving eligibility to file the petition.
Relationship Evidence Between Petitioner and Beneficiary
Proving the genuine relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary is crucial for I-130 petition approval. Gathering comprehensive relationship evidence strengthens your case significantly.
- Marriage Certificate - Official documentation confirming the legal marriage between petitioner and beneficiary.
- Joint Financial Records - Shared bank accounts, property deeds, or insurance policies that demonstrate financial co-dependence.
- Photographs and Correspondence - Pictures together and letters or emails that reflect ongoing communication and emotional connection.
Submitting clear and verifiable relationship evidence supports a successful I-130 petition evaluation.
Required Identity Documents for Petitioner and Beneficiary
The I-130 petition requires essential identity documents for both the petitioner and the beneficiary to establish eligibility. Key documents include a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency for the petitioner. Your submission must clearly demonstrate the identity and relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary to ensure petition approval.
Marriage Certificates and Divorce Decrees
The I-130 petition requires submission of a valid marriage certificate to prove the legal relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Divorce decrees must be included if either party was previously married, establishing the termination of prior marriages. Properly certified copies of these documents are essential to avoid delays in petition approval.
Birth Certificates and Adoption Records
What birth certificates are required for the I-130 petition approval? The petitioner must provide the birth certificates of both the petitioner and the beneficiary to establish the biological relationship. These documents must be official and include translations if they are not in English.
Are adoption records necessary for the I-130 petition? Adoption records are essential when the petitioner is filing for an adopted child, proving the legal parent-child relationship. Certified adoption decrees must be submitted along with any required translations to support the petition.
How should these documents be presented for the petition process? All birth certificates and adoption records should be clear, legible, and certified copies obtained from relevant authorities. Your submission must include complete documentation to avoid delays in the petition approval.
Passport-Style Photographs Specifications
The I-130 petition requires passport-style photographs that meet specific specifications to ensure approval. These photos must be clear, recent, and adhere to the U.S. Department of State guidelines.
Your passport-style photographs should be 2 x 2 inches in size with a white or off-white background. The photos must show a full-face view directly facing the camera, with no shadows or glare. Ensure the image is printed on photo-quality paper and taken within the last six months.
Additional Supporting Documentation for Special Cases
Submitting an I-130 petition requires specific documents to prove the legitimacy of the familial relationship. Special cases may need additional supporting documentation to ensure proper evaluation.
- Proof of Legal Name Changes - Submit court orders or marriage certificates verifying any name changes affecting petitioners or beneficiaries.
- Evidence for Adopted Children - Provide adoption decrees and proof of legal custody to confirm the adopted child's eligibility.
- Documents for Step-Children - Include marriage certificates of the petitioner and the child's parent alongside evidence of the stepparent-stepchild relationship.
What Documents Are Necessary for I-130 Petition Approval? Infographic
