Petition for Alien Relative [Form I-130]

Reunite with your loved ones in the United States

Do you wish to bring your spouse, children, or parents to live legally with you in the United States? The Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) is the first step to reuniting your family and helping them obtain permanent residence (Green Card).

Table of Contents

• What is Form I-130?
• Who can file this petition?
• Necessary documents and requirements
• Step-by-step process
• Important tips to avoid delays
• Why trust Legalízate Ya, PLLC?
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Form I-130?

Form I-130 is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a valid family relationship with a foreign relative who wishes to immigrate to the United States.
This form does not grant immediate immigration status, but it is the essential step to start the process of obtaining a family-based Green Card.

Who can file this petition?

You can file Form I-130 if you are a:

• U.S. Citizen, petitioning for your:
  • Spouse
  • Unmarried child under 21 years of age
  • Married child or child over 21 years of age
  • Parent (if you are 21 or older)
  • Sibling (if you are 21 or older)
• Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), petitioning for your:
  • Spouse
  • Unmarried child of any age

Necessary documents and requirements

When filing your I-130, you must include evidence of the family relationship, such as:

• Copies of birth or marriage certificates
• Proof of petitioner’s citizenship or residency
• Proof of a genuine relationship (e.g., photos, correspondence, shared accounts, etc.)
• Affidavit of support forms (I-864)
• Certified translations of documents in another language

Step-by-step process

1. Application preparation: Gathering all necessary documentation.
2. Filing Form I-130 with USCIS.
3. Receipt of Notice of Action (Form I-797C).
4. Review and possible Request for Evidence (RFE).
5. Petition approval.
6. Start of consular processing or adjustment of status depending on where the relative is located.

Processing times can vary between 7 and 14 months, depending on the family category and the beneficiary’s country of origin.

Important tips to avoid delays

• Ensure you submit clear and complete copies of all documents.
• If your relative changes address or marital status, inform USCIS immediately.
• Avoid common mistakes on forms or signatures: they can cause rejections or delays.
• Work with an experienced immigration attorney to help you prepare a solid and well-documented package.

Why trust Legalízate Ya, PLLC?

At Legalízate Ya, we understand what it means to want to reunite your family and build a stable future in the United States.
Our legal team has nearly 30 years of combined experience helping families navigate the immigration system with confidence, transparency, and empathy.

We accompany you from initial preparation to the final approval of your case, ensuring every step is handled with the utmost care.

📞 Contact us today

Let us help you bring your loved ones home.
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.
Legalízate Ya, PLLC — your ally in family immigration processes.