A sponsoring relative must provide proof of their U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card, along with a completed Form I-130. Supporting documents include evidence of the qualifying relationship, like marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption records, to establish the familial connection. Proof of the sponsor's identity, such as a government-issued ID, and any required financial documents to demonstrate the ability to support the immigrant may also be necessary.
What Documents Does a Sponsoring Relative Need for Form I-130?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proof of Genetic Relationship (e.g., DNA Testing Results) | Sponsoring relatives submitting Form I-130 must provide proof of genetic relationship through DNA testing results when biological connection cannot be established through conventional documents such as birth certificates or adoption papers. USCIS accepts accredited laboratory DNA test reports as credible evidence to validate the biological link between petitioner and beneficiary. |
| 2 | Recent Tax Transcript (IRS Form 1040) | A sponsoring relative must provide a recent tax transcript, typically IRS Form 1040, to demonstrate financial capability and compliance with U.S. tax requirements when filing Form I-130. This tax transcript verifies income and supports the affidavit of support necessary for the immigrant visa petition. |
| 3 | USCIS Online Account Evidence | A sponsoring relative must provide a USCIS online account evidence, including a scanned or electronic copy of their valid government-issued photo ID, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and supporting documents demonstrating the familial relationship detailed in Form I-130. Uploading digital copies through the USCIS online portal ensures faster processing and secure verification of eligibility for petition approval. |
| 4 | Real ID-Compliant Identification | To file Form I-130, the sponsoring relative must provide Real ID-compliant identification such as a valid state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. This ensures verification of identity and residency in compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 5 | Joint Financial Responsibility Evidence | A sponsoring relative submitting Form I-130 must provide joint financial responsibility evidence, including a completed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with recent tax returns, W-2s, and employment verification letters to prove sufficient income. Supporting documents demonstrating cohabitation or shared financial obligations, such as joint bank account statements or lease agreements, strengthen the affidavit's credibility during the immigration petition process. |
| 6 | Digital Marriage Certificate Verification | A sponsoring relative filing Form I-130 must provide a valid digital marriage certificate that can be electronically verified through government databases to establish a bona fide marital relationship. This digital verification process ensures authenticity and accelerates the approval of family-based immigration petitions by reducing reliance on physical documents. |
| 7 | Multi-language Certified Translation Affidavit | A sponsoring relative must submit a Multi-language Certified Translation Affidavit when providing foreign-language documents for Form I-130 to ensure USCIS can accurately interpret evidence such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or police records. This affidavit certifies that the translation is complete and accurate, including the identity and qualifications of the translator. |
| 8 | Proof of Legal Name Change Decree | A sponsoring relative must provide an official court-issued legal name change decree when their current name differs from the name on their birth certificate or other identification documents for Form I-130. This proof ensures USCIS verifies the petitioner's identity and relationship to the beneficiary accurately, facilitating the petition approval process. |
| 9 | COVID-19 Entry Waiver Documentation | A sponsoring relative submitting Form I-130 must provide proof of the COVID-19 entry waiver approval, including the I-797C Notice of Action and any relevant correspondence from USCIS confirming the waiver. Supporting documents should also include valid identification such as passports, birth certificates, and evidence of the familial relationship to ensure compliance with pandemic-related travel restrictions. |
| 10 | Biometric Appointment Notice (Form I-797C) | A sponsoring relative must include the Biometric Appointment Notice (Form I-797C) when submitting Form I-130 to confirm scheduled biometric services such as fingerprinting and photo capture required for identity verification. This notice ensures timely attendance at USCIS biometric appointments, which are critical for processing the immigration petition. |
Overview of Form I-130: Purpose and Significance
The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, establishes the relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their eligible relative seeking immigration benefits. It is a crucial first step in the family-based immigration process.
Your sponsoring relative must provide proof of their U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or green card. Evidence of the qualifying family relationship, like marriage certificates or birth certificates, is also required. These documents demonstrate the legitimacy of the petition and help expedite the approval process.
Who Can File Form I-130? Eligible Petitioner and Beneficiary
Who can file Form I-130 to start the immigration process? A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can file Form I-130 to establish a family relationship with certain eligible relatives. Your sponsoring relative must provide proof of their status and the qualifying relationship to the beneficiary.
What documents does a sponsoring relative need for Form I-130? Essential documents include evidence of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, or green card. Proof of the family relationship, like marriage, birth, or adoption certificates, is also required to support the petition.
Which relatives are eligible beneficiaries for Form I-130 petitions? Eligible beneficiaries include spouses, unmarried children under 21, parent(s) of a U.S. citizen (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old), and other family members depending on the petitioner's status. Accurate identification and relationship evidence for these beneficiaries are critical for petition approval.
Document Checklist for Form I-130 Submission
| Document | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Completed and signed form submitted by the sponsoring relative | Establishes the family relationship and initiates the immigration process |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency | Copy of U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card | Confirms the petitioner's legal status to sponsor a relative |
| Evidence of Family Relationship | Marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption records, or divorce decrees | Validates the claimed relationship between petitioner and beneficiary |
| Passport-Style Photographs | Two recent photos of both petitioner and beneficiary meeting USCIS requirements | Used for identification and record-keeping purposes |
| Proof of Name Changes | Legal documents such as court orders or marriage certificates evidencing name changes | Supports identity verification when names differ on documents |
| Evidence of Termination of Prior Marriages | Divorce decrees, annulment certificates, or death certificates for former spouses | Confirms eligibility by proving no overlapping marriages |
| Filing Fee | Check or money order payable to USCIS | Covers the processing cost of Form I-130 |
| Proof of Domicile | Utility bills, lease agreements, or employment letters showing petitioner's residence | Demonstrates petitioner's physical presence in the United States |
Proof of Family Relationship: Acceptable Evidence
When filing Form I-130, the sponsoring relative must provide credible evidence to establish the family relationship with the beneficiary. Providing proper proof of family relationship ensures the petition is processed without unnecessary delays.
- Birth Certificates - Certified copies showing both the petitioner and beneficiary's names and parental information confirm biological ties.
- Marriage Certificates - Official marriage documents prove spousal relationships for petitions involving a spouse.
- Adoption Decrees - Legal adoption papers demonstrate a parent-child relationship where applicable.
Required Supporting Documents for Different Relatives
When filing Form I-130, a sponsoring relative must provide specific documents to prove their relationship with the beneficiary. The required supporting documents vary depending on the type of relative, such as a spouse, child, or parent.
For a spouse, the sponsoring relative should submit a valid marriage certificate, evidence of bona fide marriage like joint financial records, and proof of termination of any previous marriages. For a child, documents include the child's birth certificate showing the sponsor as the parent and proof of the child's nationality.
In the case of a parent, the sponsor must provide their birth certificate indicating the parent's name and the child's birth certificate listing the sponsor as the child. For other relatives, such as siblings, additional evidence like both parties' birth certificates and proof of shared parentage are necessary.
All documents must be official, certified copies, or accompanied by certified English translations if not in English. Proper documentation ensures faster processing and reduces the chance of requests for additional evidence from USCIS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Gathering Documents
When sponsoring a relative for Form I-130, it is essential to provide accurate and complete documentation to avoid processing delays. Common mistakes include submitting incomplete proof of the familial relationship, failing to include certified translations of foreign documents, and neglecting to provide proper identification for both the petitioner and the beneficiary. Ensuring all documents are clear, legible, and properly authenticated strengthens the petition and prevents common rejections by USCIS.
Certified Translations for Foreign-Language Documents
When filing Form I-130, a sponsoring relative must submit various supporting documents to establish the family relationship. Certified translations are required for any foreign-language documents to ensure USCIS can accurately review the evidence.
These certified translations must include a complete and accurate English translation of the original document. The translator must certify that the translation is true and correct, and provide their name, signature, and date of certification.
How to Organize and Submit Your I-130 Package
Organizing and submitting your I-130 package requires careful preparation to ensure timely processing. Proper documentation and clear presentation streamline the review by USCIS officials.
- Gather Required Documents - Collect proof of relationship, proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and any necessary supporting evidence.
- Complete Form I-130 Accurately - Fill out the form with correct information, making sure every section is completed to avoid delays.
- Assemble According to USCIS Guidelines - Submit the form along with all documents in the order specified by USCIS and submit the appropriate filing fee.
Filing Form I-130: Online vs. Paper Submission
When filing Form I-130, a sponsoring relative must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card. Supporting documents include evidence of the family relationship, like marriage certificates or birth certificates, and any name change records if applicable. You can choose to submit these documents online through the USCIS portal or via paper mail, with online filing offering faster processing and automatic confirmation of receipt.
What Documents Does a Sponsoring Relative Need for Form I-130? Infographic
