Form I-130A

What's the difference between I-130 and I-130A?

Form I-130 is the Petition for Alien Relative, filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a relationship with an eligible relative who wants to immigrate to the U.S. Form I-130A, on the other hand, is the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. It provides additional details about the spouse of the petitioner and is used specifically for spousal visa applications.

Who needs to file I-130A?

Form I-130A needs to be filed by the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident when the petitioner is filing Form I-130 to bring their spouse to the U.S. This form is essential for providing the necessary background information about the spouse who is seeking a green card.

Can I file form I-130A online?

No, Form I-130A cannot be filed online. It must be completed and submitted along with the physical copy of Form I-130. The petitioner typically files both forms together with the necessary supporting documents.

How much is the fee for I-130A?

There is no separate fee for filing Form I-130A. The filing fee is covered under the fee for Form I-130, which is $535. This single fee covers the processing of both forms when submitted together.

How long does it take for an I-130A to be approved?

The processing time for Form I-130A is tied to the processing time for Form I-130, which can vary widely. Generally, it can take anywhere from 7 to 15 months for the USCIS to process and approve the petition, depending on the service center and the specifics of your case.

What happens after I-130A?

After you submit Forms I-130 and I-130A, USCIS will review the applications. If everything is in order, they'll send a receipt notice. Once the forms are processed and approved, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing, including visa application and scheduling an interview at the U.S. consulate in your spouse's home country.

Do you file I-130 and I-130A together?

Yes, Form I-130 and Form I-130A are filed together. The petitioner completes and files Form I-130, and the beneficiary spouse completes Form I-130A. Both forms, along with supporting documents and the filing fee, are submitted as a single package to USCIS.

Is I-130 a green card?

No, Form I-130 is not a green card. It is a petition to establish a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their relative who wants to immigrate to the U.S. Once approved; it paves the way for the beneficiary to apply for a green card.

How to fill out an I-130A form for a spouse?

To fill out Form I-130A for a spouse, you'll need to provide detailed information about the beneficiary spouse, including their personal details, employment history, and address history for the past five years. Make sure to sign and date the form and include any necessary supporting documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates.

What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant?

The minimum income to sponsor an immigrant is typically 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. For a household of two in 2024, this is approximately $22,887 per year. The exact amount increases with each additional household member.

What is the income requirement for I-130 petition?

The income requirement for the I-130 petition is the same as the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant, which is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size. The sponsor must show that they can financially support the immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge.

What is next after I-130 is approved?

Once Form I-130 is approved, your case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will assign a case number and request additional documentation, including the DS-260 immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support, and any required civil documents. They will also schedule a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in the beneficiary’s home country.

I hope this helps clarify the process for you! Filing these forms can seem overwhelming, but taking it step-by-step makes it manageable. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Good luck!