Green Card Sponsorship (I-130 Petition)
The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor their spouse and/or children for a U.S. Green Card (permanent residency). This is the first step in the family-based immigration process.
Who Can Apply:
U.S. Citizens can sponsor:
Spouse
Children (under 21 or over 21, married or unmarried)
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor:
Spouse
Unmarried children
Required Documents:
For the Petitioner (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder):
Valid U.S. passport OR Green Card (front and back copy)
Proof of relationship with the beneficiary (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate)
Completed and signed Form I-130
Passport-sized photo (per U.S. visa specifications)
For the Beneficiary (Spouse or Child being sponsored):
Passport biodata page
Birth certificate (with English translation if not in English)
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Passport-sized photo
Proof of relationship (photos, communication, travel records, etc.)
Additional Notes:
All foreign language documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
The petition must be filed with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) along with the appropriate filing fee.
Approval of the I-130 petition does not automatically grant a green card — further steps will follow through the National Visa Center (NVC) or adjustment of status process depending on where the beneficiary resides.
