To file a Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130), applicants must submit proof of their U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card. Evidence of the qualifying family relationship is required, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption decrees. Supporting documents like photos, correspondence, and proof of any legal name changes can further strengthen the petition.
What Documents are Needed for Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130)?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bona fide marriage evidence | Bona fide marriage evidence for a Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130) includes joint financial documents such as bank statements, lease agreements, property deeds, photos of the couple together, and affidavits from friends or family attesting to the genuineness of the marriage. Providing comprehensive proof of shared life and commitment strengthens the petition's credibility with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 2 | Joint financial responsibility proofs | Proofs of joint financial responsibility for a Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130) include shared bank statements, joint tax returns, mortgage or lease agreements listing both parties, and insurance policies showing shared beneficiaries. These documents demonstrate the petitioner and beneficiary's combined financial commitments essential for establishing a bona fide marital relationship. |
| 3 | Multinational household registrations | Multinational household registrations require submitting Form I-130 along with proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, valid passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and evidence of ongoing family relationships like joint financial documents or photographs. Supporting documents must be translated into English and include certified copies to validate the legitimacy of family ties across different countries. |
| 4 | DNA relational testing reports | DNA relational testing reports serve as critical evidence to establish biological relationships when conventional documents such as birth certificates or adoption decrees are unavailable or questionable in a family-based visa petition (Form I-130). USCIS accepts these reports from accredited laboratories to verify parent-child or sibling relationships, enhancing the petition's credibility and supporting the qualifying familial connection. |
| 5 | Digital relationship footprints | Documents needed for a family-based visa petition (Form I-130) include digital communication records such as emails, social media interactions, and chat logs that demonstrate a bona fide relationship between petitioner and beneficiary. These digital relationship footprints provide critical evidence supporting the legitimacy and ongoing nature of the familial connection required by USCIS. |
| 6 | Third-gender identification documents | For family-based visa petitions (Form I-130) involving third-gender identification, applicants must submit government-issued identity documents that accurately reflect the petitioner's or beneficiary's gender status, such as passports or birth certificates recognizing non-binary or third-gender classifications. Supporting evidence may also include legal name change documents, court orders validating gender identity, or medical certification to ensure compliance with USCIS requirements for gender recognition. |
| 7 | Translated civil status certificates | Translated civil status certificates, such as birth, marriage, or divorce records, must be submitted with Form I-130 if the original documents are not in English, ensuring USCIS can accurately verify family relationships. Certified translations provided by a qualified translator must include a statement confirming the translation's completeness and accuracy to meet immigration requirements. |
| 8 | Cross-border adoption decrees | Cross-border adoption decrees must be submitted as part of the Form I-130 petition to prove the legal parent-child relationship required for family-based visa eligibility. These decrees should be certified and translated if not in English, ensuring compliance with USCIS documentation standards for international adoptions. |
| 9 | Consular returns receipts | Consular return receipts are essential documents in the family-based visa petition (Form I-130) process, as they confirm the delivery and receipt of visa packets sent to U.S. embassies or consulates abroad. These receipts provide critical proof for petitioners and beneficiaries that consular notifications and materials have been successfully received, facilitating smoother communication and tracking in immigrant visa processing. |
| 10 | Affidavit of intent to cohabitate | The Affidavit of Intent to Cohabitate is a crucial document required for a Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130) to demonstrate the petitioner's genuine intention to live with the beneficiary in the United States after immigration. This affidavit must clearly state plans to reside together, supporting the petition by proving the legitimacy and seriousness of the family relationship to USCIS. |
Introduction to Form I-130 and Family-Based Immigration
The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial 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 visa.
Key documents required include proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or green card status, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Evidence of the family relationship must be provided, like marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers. Supporting identification documents, such as passports or government-issued IDs, help verify the identities of both the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Overview of Required Supporting Documents
Filing a Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130) requires submitting specific supporting documents to establish the qualifying relationship. These documents verify your identity, citizenship status, and relationship to the intending immigrant.
Commonly required documents include proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, or green card. Evidence of the family relationship, like marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption decrees, must also be provided to support the petition.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is essential for filing a family-based visa petition (Form I-130). Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a birth certificate showing birth in the United States, a naturalization certificate, or a green card for lawful permanent residents. These documents verify the petitioner's eligibility and help ensure the petition is processed efficiently.
Evidence of Family Relationship
Evidence of family relationship is crucial for a successful Form I-130 petition. Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and adoption decrees help prove the qualifying relationship. You must submit official copies that clearly show the connection between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Marriage and Divorce Documentation
What marriage documents are required for a family-based visa petition (Form I-130)?
Applicants must submit a valid marriage certificate to prove the legal relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Certified translations are necessary if the document is not in English.
What divorce documentation is needed for the I-130 petition?
Final divorce decrees must be provided to demonstrate the termination of any previous marriages. These documents help establish eligibility by confirming that both parties are free to marry.
Birth and Adoption Certificates
Birth and adoption certificates are essential documents for a family-based visa petition (Form I-130). These certificates verify familial relationships and support the petitioner's claim.
- Birth Certificate - A certified copy showing the names of the child and parents to establish the family connection.
- Adoption Certificate - Official documents proving legal adoption and changing of parental rights.
- Translations - Any birth or adoption certificates not in English must be accompanied by certified translations.
Passport and Identification Requirements
When filing a Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130), applicants must submit valid passports as proof of identity and nationality. The passport must be current and contain legible biographical information to ensure smooth processing.
Alongside the passport, government-issued identification documents such as birth certificates or national ID cards are required to verify family relationships. These documents help establish the petitioner's and beneficiary's identities, confirming eligibility for the visa petition.
Proof of Legal Name Changes
When filing a Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130), providing proof of legal name changes is essential to ensure accurate identification. Proper documentation helps establish your identity and maintain consistency throughout the immigration process.
- Marriage Certificate - Used to demonstrate a legal name change after marriage.
- Court Order for Name Change - Official document issued by a court authorizing a name change.
- Divorce Decree - May include provisions for reverting to a previous name legally.
Submitting valid proof of legal name changes supports your petition's credibility and prevents processing delays.
Evidence of Bona Fide Relationship
Providing evidence of a bona fide relationship is critical when submitting Form I-130 for a family-based visa petition. Proper documentation helps prove the legitimacy of Your relationship to immigration authorities.
- Marriage Certificate - A government-issued certificate that legally proves the marriage between spouses.
- Joint Financial Records - Documents like joint bank accounts or leases that demonstrate shared financial responsibilities.
- Photos and Correspondence - Photographs together over time and letters or emails showing continuous communication support authenticity.
What Documents are Needed for Family-Based Visa Petition (Form I-130)? Infographic
