Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.
Official form guide
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
USCIS Form I-130 is the Petition for Alien Relative used to request classification of a family member as an immigrant. The petitioner must sign in ink; signatures may not be stamped or typed. File online or mail per USCIS guidance.
Need help with Form I-130?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form I-130.
Start filling →Form Overview
USCIS Form I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
USCIS Form I-130 is the Petition for Alien Relative used to request classification of a family member as an immigrant. The petitioner must sign in ink; signatures may not be stamped or typed. File online or mail per USCIS guidance.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting without a handwritten petitioner signature results in rejection.
- 2Petitioner’s signature is missing or typed/stamped instead of handwritten, causing rejection.
- 3Translator certification lacks signature, printed name, date, or contact information.
- 4Interpreter section is left blank or missing phone/email when an interpreter was used.
- 5OAN is not entered in Part 2, Item 2 despite having a USCIS Online Account Number.
Plain English
Form I-130 asks you to ask USCIS to recognize a relative as someone who can live in the United States. You fill out personal details, provide proof of the relationship, and sign the paper. The form starts the immigration process for that family member.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident wants to petition for an eligible relative (spouse, unmarried children under 21, unmarried children 21 or older, married children) to immigrate.
- Do not use it when the petitioner is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or when the relationship is not among the listed categories.
- Check Form I-130A instead when the beneficiary is a spouse and supplemental information is required.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Petitioner is a spouse and needs supplemental spouse details
Provides additional biographic and relationship information required for spouse beneficiaries
✓ Confirm spouse beneficiary status and that Form I-130A is completed
Petitioner has an attorney or accredited representative
Authorizes USCIS to communicate with the representative
✓ Verify the representative’s G-28 is signed and included
Petitioner must determine the filing fee amount
Lists the current fee for Form I-130
✓ Check the fee schedule on Form G-1055 before payment
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Petitioner's proof of citizenship or LPR status
Copy of U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card · Petitioner's personal documents
Biographic information (Part 3)
Ethnicity, race, height, weight entries · Form I-130 Part 3 fields
DNA test results (parent‑child)
DNA test report from AABB‑accredited laboratory · Laboratory report
Signature declaration
Signed statement under penalty of perjury with date · Signature block on Form I-130
Form G-28 (if represented)
Completed attorney/representative authorization · Form G-28
Before you submit
- 1Answer every question on Form I-130
- 2Sign and date the petition in ink
- 3Include a photocopy, fax, or scanned copy of the original handwritten signature if filing electronically
- 4Attach the correct filing fee as indicated in Form G-1055
- 5Enclose proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- 6Provide all required supporting evidence listed in the General Requirements
- 7Include Form G-28 if using an attorney or accredited representative
- 8Enter your USCIS Online Account Number in Part 2, Item 2 if you have one
- 9Submit DNA test results only if parent‑child evidence is inconclusive and the lab is AABB‑accredited
- 10Review the checklist on page 11 to confirm all items are completed
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form I-130, including Part 3 biographic information
- 2Gather and attach required supporting documents and the filing fee
- 3Submit the petition online through the USCIS website or mail it to the address listed on www.uscis.gov/i-130
- 4Retain the receipt notice (Form I-797C) as proof of filing
- 5If mailed, keep a copy of the tracked envelope as additional proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1The form does not cover non‑immigrant visa petitions
- 2It cannot be used for relatives not listed (e.g., siblings, parents)
- 3Petitioners who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may not file
- 4DNA testing is optional and only accepted from AABB‑accredited labs
- 5Petitioners who move must notify USCIS of the new address within 10 days
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
1 items
Your relationship: Spouse, Child, Parent, or Sibling.
Part 2
3 items
Your current legal name.
Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
Country where you were born.
Part 3
3 items
Legal name of the relative you are petitioning for.
Relative's date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
Relative's A-Number if they have one. Leave blank if none.
Part 5
1 items
Sign and date certifying all information is correct.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-130 expires 02/28/2027; for the most up‑to‑date filing location see the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/i-130.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows expiration 02/28/2027
- Fee — amount not stated in the official source; consult Form G-1055
- Mailing address — not stated in the official source; see USCIS website for current filing address
- Signature — sign in ink; a photocopied, faxed, or scanned original handwritten signature is acceptable
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the petition and all attachments for at least five years
- 2Monitor case status online using the receipt number
- 3Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS
- 4Attend the biometric services appointment if scheduled
- 5Update USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving
- 6If an error is discovered, file the appropriate correction form or request a replacement receipt
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose: citizen or lawful permanent resident may file to establish a relationship for immigration
- SRCInstructions p.1 — who may file: U.S. citizen must file a separate Form I-130 for each eligible relative (spouse, unmarried children under 21, unmarried children 21+, married children)
- SRCInstructions p.3 — valid signatures: a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of an original handwritten signature is acceptable for filing
- SRCInstructions p.3 — filing fee: see Form G-1055 for specific fee information
- SRCInstructions p.4 — OAN entry: enter USCIS Online Account Number in Part 2, Item 2; OAN is not the same as an A‑Number
- SRCInstructions p.9 — DNA testing: optional for parent‑child relationships; must be from AABB‑accredited laboratories
- SRCInstructions p.9 — where to file: see website www.uscis.gov/i-130 for the most current filing location
- SRCInstructions p.11 — checklist items: answer each question, sign and date, enclose correct filing fee, submit proof of citizenship or LPR status, submit other required supporting evidence, include Form G-28 if represented
- SRCForm p.9 — incomplete petition may be denied
- SRCInstructions p.9 — address change: petitioners who are not U.S. citizens must notify USCIS of a new address within 10 days of moving
Common confusion points
Do I need to file Form I-130A for a spouse?
Form I-130A is a supplemental form for spouse beneficiaries
→ Check that the beneficiary is a spouse and include Form I-130A
Can I use a typed signature?
Signatures must be handwritten ink; only photocopies of the original are accepted
→ Confirm you signed in ink and, if scanned, that it is a copy of the original
What is the filing fee amount?
The fee amount is not listed in the instructions; it is in Form G-1055
→ Consult Form G-1055 for the current fee
Where do I mail the petition?
The address is not in the instructions; USCIS website provides the current lockbox address
→ Visit www.uscis.gov/i-130 for the correct mailing address
Do I need to include my A‑Number as the OAN?
The OAN is different from an A‑Number and only required if you have a receipt number beginning with IOE
→ Enter OAN only if you have it; otherwise leave blank
Is a DNA test mandatory for parent‑child petitions?
DNA testing is optional and only when other evidence is inconclusive
→ Submit DNA results only if needed and ensure the lab is AABB‑accredited
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
Questions about USCIS Form I-130
What is USCIS Form I-130 used for?
Form I-130 asks you to ask USCIS to recognize a relative as someone who can live in the United States. You fill out personal details, provide proof of the relationship, and sign the paper. The form starts the immigration process for that family member.
What information does USCIS Form I-130 require?
The form collects biographic data such as ethnicity, race, height and weight in Part 3, the petitioner’s USCIS Online Account Number in Part 2 Item 2, and interpreter or translator details when used.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-130?
Visit www.uscis.gov/i-130 for the most current filing address and instructions.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-130?
First, download the latest I-130 form and complete Part 2, entering the OAN if you have one. Next, fill Part 3 with biographic information, including ethnicity, race, height and weight. If a translator or interpreter was used, have them sign their certification and provide contact details. The petitioner must sign in ink on the signature line, and any preparer must sign Part 8 before mailing or e‑filing the petition.
What happens if USCIS Form I-130 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS may reject or deny the petition if it lacks a valid handwritten signature or if required information and documents are missing.
Do I need to file Form I-130A for a spouse?
Form I-130A is a supplemental form for spouse beneficiaries Check that the beneficiary is a spouse and include Form I-130A
Can I use a typed signature?
Signatures must be handwritten ink; only photocopies of the original are accepted Confirm you signed in ink and, if scanned, that it is a copy of the original
What is the filing fee amount?
The fee amount is not listed in the instructions; it is in Form G-1055 Consult Form G-1055 for the current fee
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.