The Immigration Process for I-130
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Complete the Application for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)-immigration documents from your spouse
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The first step in sponsoring your spouse for immigration is filing Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between you (the petitioner) and your spouse (the beneficiary).
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Marriage Certificate: Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document proves the legal validity of your marriage.
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Supporting Documents for Form I-130:
Along with Form I-130, you will need to submit supporting documents, which may include:
- Copies of your spouse's birth certificate.
- Copies of your marriage certificate.
- Evidence of any previous marriages and their termination (divorce decrees, death certificates, etc.), if applicable.
- Proof of your U.S. cit
Supporting Documents for Form I-130:
Along with Form I-130, you will need to submit supporting documents, which may include:
- Copies of your spouse's birth certificate.
- Copies of your marriage certificate.
- Evidence of any previous marriages and their termination (divorce decrees, death certificates, etc.), if applicable.
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (e.g., copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card).
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Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Once Form I-130 is approved, if your spouse is immigrating to the U.S., you will need to file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to demonstrate that you have sufficient income or assets to support your spouse financially.
The Immigration Process for I-130
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Before beginning the Form I-485 application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Common eligibility factors include:
- You are physically present in the United States.
- You have an approved immigrant petition (such as Form I-130, Form I-140, or another
Before beginning the Form I-485 application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Common eligibility factors include:
- You are physically present in the United States.
- You have an approved immigrant petition (such as Form I-130, Form I-140, or another immigrant petition).
- An immigrant visa number is immediately available based on your priority date (for family-based or employment-based categories).
- You are admissible to the United States (i.e., you do not have disqualifying factors such as certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, etc.).
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Gather the required documents:
- Required documents typically include:
- Passport-style photos (as per USCIS specifications).
- Copy of your birth certificate (with certified translation if not in English).
- Copy of passport biographic page.
- Copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (if applicable).
- Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vacc
Gather the required documents:
- Required documents typically include:
- Passport-style photos (as per USCIS specifications).
- Copy of your birth certificate (with certified translation if not in English).
- Copy of passport biographic page.
- Copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (if applicable).
- Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record), completed by an authorized civil surgeon.
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) if required (from the sponsor).
- Any other supporting documents specific to your immigration category (such as marriage certificate, employment authorization documents, etc.).
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- Fill Out the Form: Complete Form I-485 accurately and completely. The form includes sections for personal information, immigration history, and details about your eligibility category.
- Review for Accuracy: Double-check all information before submitting. Ensure that all answers are truthful and consistent with other supporting documents.
- Sig
- Fill Out the Form: Complete Form I-485 accurately and completely. The form includes sections for personal information, immigration history, and details about your eligibility category.
- Review for Accuracy: Double-check all information before submitting. Ensure that all answers are truthful and consistent with other supporting documents.
- Sign the Form: Sign and date Form I-485 where indicated. If you are under 14 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign on your behalf.
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Receive Appointment Notice: After USCIS receives your application, you will receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment at a designated Application Support Center (ASC).
Attend Appointment: Attend the biometrics appointment as scheduled. At the appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected for background check purposes.
Attend Interview (if required)
- Receive Interview Notice: Depending on your specific case, USCIS may schedule you for an interview at a USCIS field office.
- Prepare for the Interview: Gather any additional requested documents and review your application thoroughly. Be prepared to answer questions about your eligibility, background, and supporting documents.
- Attend the Interview: Arrive on time for your interview appointment. An immigration officer will review your application, ask questions to verify information, and make a decision on your case.
Receive Decision
- Wait for Decision: After the interview (if applicable), USCIS will issue a decision on your Form I-485 application.
- Receive Green Card: If approved, you will receive your green card (Form I-551) as proof of your lawful permanent resident status. USCIS will mail your green card to the address you provided on Form I-485.
Additional Considerations:
Work Authorization and Travel Document: You may file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and/or Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) concurrently with Form I-485 to request work authorization and/or permission to travel while your Form I-485 application is pending.
