A Family Petition (Form I-130) is the process through which a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors a foreign-born relative to immigrate to the United States. This petition establishes the qualifying family relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Once approved, it allows the relative to move forward in the process of applying for a green card and eventually obtaining lawful permanent residence in the U.S.

To qualify for a family petition, the following requirements must be met:

Petitioner’s Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Qualifying Relationship:

U.S. Citizens may file for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings.

Lawful Permanent Residents may file for their spouses and unmarried children.

Proof of Relationship: You must provide evidence of the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or a birth certificate for a child.

Supporting Documentation: Proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is required, such as a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.