{"id":8528,"date":"2023-12-18T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/form-i-130-everything-you-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2024-07-04T10:36:53","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T14:36:53","slug":"form-i-130-what-is-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/form-i-130-what-is-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Form I-130: Everything you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Having your documentation in order<\/strong> is fundamental for a <strong>successful immigration process<\/strong> and <strong>family reunification<\/strong> is no exception. So today we will look at <strong>what Form I-130 is<\/strong>, who needs it, and how to file effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need help gathering or completing your documentation, Urbina Immigration Law can assist you. Do not risk the success of your immigration process. Contact our immigration attorneys and get the quality legal help you need to file a family petition application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>Contact us<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h3>Table of Contents<\/h3><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-fill-out-form-i-130-step-by-step\">How to fill out Form I-130 step-by-step<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-is-form-i-130\">What is Form I-130?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#who-can-file-form-i-130\">Who can file Form I-130?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#who-cannot-file-form-i-130\">Who cannot file Form I-130?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-documents-should-i-attach-to-form-i-130\">What documents should I attach to Form I-130?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#where-should-i-file-my-form-i-130\">Where should I file my Form I-130?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1702056734336\">What if any of the additional documents for Form I-130 are missing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1702056748308\">How long does it take to process the Form I-130?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1702056762654\">Is there any way to speed up the process?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1702056773604\">Do I have to pay a fee to file Form I-130?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1702056787473\">What happens if my I-130 petition is denied?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#form-i-130-approved-whats-next\">Form I-130 approved, what&#8217;s next?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sources\">Sources<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#other-resources\">Other resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-fill-out-form-i-130-step-by-step\">How to fill out Form I-130 step-by-step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to <strong>correctly complete the Form I-130<\/strong>, it is advisable to <strong>follow the steps below<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-howto\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-howto-description\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"rank-math-steps \">\n<div id=\"howto-step-1702056496057\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 1: Completing the Petitioner (Sponsor) Information<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><p>In the <strong>first section of Form I-130<\/strong>, the <strong>petitioner<\/strong> must specify what kind of <strong>family relationship<\/strong> he\/she has <strong>with the beneficiary<\/strong> as well as certain <strong>personal information<\/strong> such as name, address, employment history, residency history, marital history, etc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1702056524918\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 2: Complete the Beneficiary (Sponsored Relative) Information<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><p>Beginning in <strong>Part 4 of Form I-130<\/strong>, you will need to <strong>include the beneficiary&#8217;s information<\/strong> (such as name, address, etc.) and <strong>relationship to the sponsor<\/strong> (petitioner). It is vitally important that you complete this part carefully, as it will serve to <strong>establish the family connection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1702056602002\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 3: Declaration, contact details and signature of the applicant<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><p>Finally, in <strong>section 6<\/strong>, the <strong>petitioner<\/strong> must provide a <strong>signed statement<\/strong> certifying under penalty of perjury that <strong>all information provided is authorized<\/strong>, <strong>verified<\/strong>, <strong>complete<\/strong>, and <strong>truthful<\/strong>, and authorizing the release of data for U.S. immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1702056693191\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 4: Attach Documents and Payment<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><p>Finally, <strong>add the necessary supporting documents<\/strong>, such as birth certificates, <strong>along with payment<\/strong> of the <strong>appropriate fees<\/strong> before submitting Form I-130.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Correctly completing the Form I-130 is critical to the family reunification process. Therefore, it is advisable to seek an immigration attorney to help you fill out and gather the necessary documentation. Don&#8217;t risk your family&#8217;s future. Speak to our attorneys today and secure a reunion with your loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>Talk to a lawyer<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-form-i-130\">What is Form I-130?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/forms\/i-130.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Form I-130<\/strong><\/a> is an <strong>application for alien relatives<\/strong> who wish to obtain permanent <a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/american-residency-by-family-petition\/\"><strong>to obtain permanent residence in the U.S.<\/strong><\/a> in the U.S. through a <strong>U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative<\/strong>. This serves to establish the existence of a family relationship between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-39691-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Services in Georgia - Urbina Immigration Law.\" class=\"wp-image-8485\" title=\"- Urbina Immigration Law.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-39691-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-39691-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-39691-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-39691-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-39691.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Form I-130 is an application for alien relatives of U.S. citizens and residents who wish to obtain permanent residency.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-can-file-form-i-130\">Who can file Form I-130?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/family-reunification-requirements\/\"><strong>Form I-130 may be filed by U.S. <\/strong><\/a><strong>citizens<\/strong> for <strong>spouses<\/strong>, <strong>children<\/strong>, <strong>relatives,<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/american-citizen-petition-brother\/\"><strong>siblings<\/strong><\/a>. <strong>Permanent residents<\/strong>, on the other hand, may file for <strong>spouses<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/reunification-family-child-parents\/\"><strong>unmarried children<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having the help of an immigration attorney is key to making sure that both you and your family member can file an I-130 petition. Don&#8217;t risk a reunion with your family. Contact our attorneys and secure the future of your loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>Contact us<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-cannot-file-form-i-130\">Who cannot file Form I-130?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some <strong>people are excluded from<\/strong> the <strong>family reunification process<\/strong>. Even if a family relationship exists, the following persons <strong>cannot file Form I-130<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins or in-laws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adopted children over 16 years of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biological relatives who obtained residency\/citizenship by adoption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Married stepparents\/ stepchildren over 18 years of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spouses if the ceremony was not physically present.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spouses who acquired residency by previous marriage without naturalization or 5 years of residency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Married spouses during immigration or convenience proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family members involved in fraudulent marriage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is crucial to understand exceptions for filing Form I-130 with the additional required documentation. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Contact us and get the legal help you need to avoid difficulties in your immigration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>Obtain legal assistance<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-documents-should-i-attach-to-form-i-130\">What documents should I attach to Form I-130?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along with the Form I-130, you will need to attach certain <strong>additional documentation<\/strong> as evidence of your <strong>relationship to the relative<\/strong> for whom you are filing. Some of the <strong>documents you can use are<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Proof of sponsor&#8217;s citizenship or residency (birth certificate, naturalization certificate or U.S. passport).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of the family relationship between beneficiary and sponsor (birth certificates, identity documents, marriage certificate, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of marital authenticity (joint contracts, bank statements and photographs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evidence of name change (legal order of name change).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of the beneficiary&#8217;s nationality (birth certificate and passport).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-261679-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Services in Georgia - Urbina Immigration Law.\" class=\"wp-image-8487\" title=\"- Urbina Immigration Law.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-261679-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-261679-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-261679-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-261679-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-pixabay-261679-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The petitioner (sponsor) must be sure to sign the Form I-130.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Submitting all necessary documents in a timely manner is key to ensuring a fast and effective Form I-130 process. For this reason, it is essential to have an immigration attorney to help you gather and complete the necessary documentation. Contact our professionals today and let&#8217;s get your paperwork in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>Organize your documentation<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-should-i-file-my-form-i-130\">Where should I file my Form I-130?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the table below you will find the<strong> locations to which you should send your Form I-130<\/strong> based on your specific location:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Location<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Address for USPS<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Address for FedEx, UPS, DHL<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reside at specified locations (1) and file Form I-130 only<\/td><td>USCIS Secure Location (Lockbox) in Phoenix, AZ<\/td><td>USCIS, Attn: I-130, P.O. Box 21700, Phoenix, AZ 85036-1700<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reside at specified locations (2) and file Form I-130 only<\/td><td>USCIS Secure Location (Lockbox) in Elgin, IL<\/td><td>USCIS, Attn: I-130, P.O. Box 4053, Carol Stream, IL 60197-4053<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reside outside the U.S. and file only Form I-130<\/td><td>USCIS Lockbox in Dallas, TX<\/td><td>USCIS, Attn: I-130, P.O. Box 4053, Carol Stream, IL 60197-4053<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>File Form I-130 and I-485 at specified locations (3)<\/td><td>USCIS Lockbox Location in Chicago, IL<\/td><td>USCIS, Attn: AOS, P.O. Box 805887, Chicago, IL 60680<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>File Form I-130 and I-485 at specified locations (4)<\/td><td>USCIS Secure Location (Lockbox) in Phoenix, AZ<\/td><td>USCIS, Attn: AOS, P.O. Box 20500, Phoenix, AZ 85036-0500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>List of locations for the first case:<\/strong> Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington and Wyoming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>List of locations for the second case:<\/strong> Alabama, Arkansas, Armed Forces Americas, Armed Forces Europe, Armed Forces Pacific, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Marshall Islands, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Micronesia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Palau, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>List of locations for the third case:<\/strong> Alaska, California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>List of locations for the fourth case:<\/strong> Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1702056734336\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What if any of the additional documents for Form I-130 are missing?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>In case you do not have any of the requested documents, you must <strong>submit a letter from the relevant authorities<\/strong> to confirm that it does not exist. Please note that <strong>USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence<\/strong> (RFE) or even <strong>deny your application<\/strong> in case of <strong>lack of supporting documentation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1702056748308\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long does it take to process the Form I-130?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The<strong> processing time for the I-130 petition<\/strong> varies depending on the <strong>family relationship<\/strong> and <strong>USCIS workload<\/strong>. For <strong>immediate relatives of permanent residents<\/strong>, it can take anywhere from <strong>5 to 37 months<\/strong>. <strong>Immediate relatives of citizens<\/strong>, on the other hand, must wait <strong>between 5 and 16 months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1702056762654\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is there any way to speed up the process?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You may be able to<strong> file a special petition with USCIS<\/strong> to <strong>expedite the processing<\/strong> of your <strong>I-130 petition<\/strong>. However, the agency will usually only consider this kind of petition if there are <strong>urgent humanitarian reasons <\/strong>or a <strong>special request from the U.S. government<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1702056773604\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do I have to pay a fee to file Form I-130?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Yes.<\/strong> The filing <strong>fee for Form I-130<\/strong> is <strong>$535<\/strong> and can be paid by <strong>check or credit card<\/strong>, using<strong> Form G-1450<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1702056787473\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What happens if my I-130 petition is denied?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If <strong>USCIS denies your I-130 petition<\/strong>, you will receive a <strong>Form I-797<\/strong> (Notice of Action) in the mail. However, please note that you may<strong> file an appeal<\/strong> of the decision with the<strong> Administrative Appeals Office<\/strong> (AAO), as long as you do so <strong>within 30 days<\/strong> (from the day the notice was mailed).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077447-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Services in Georgia - Urbina Immigration Law.\" class=\"wp-image-8489\" title=\"- Urbina Immigration Law.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077447-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077447-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077447-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077447-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077447-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If your I-130 petition is denied, you may be able to file an appeal with the Office of Management Appeals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"form-i-130-approved-whats-next\">Form I-130 approved, what&#8217;s next?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your <strong>I-130 petition has been approved<\/strong>, your family member will be able to <strong>apply for his or her green card<\/strong>. In the case of an <strong>immediate family member<\/strong> (parents, spouses or unmarried children under 21 years of age) <strong>, they may do so immediately<\/strong> through Form I-485. Otherwise, they may have to wait a while to start the status adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For this reason, having the help of an<strong> immigration attorney<\/strong> is essential to <strong>simplify and expedite the process<\/strong>. Don&#8217;t risk reuniting with your loved ones by navigating the immigration system on your own. Contact one of our attorneys and take the next step to <strong>secure your family&#8217;s future in<\/strong> the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>Talk to a lawyer<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sources\">Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USCIS &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-130\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I-130, Petition for Alien Relative Petition<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USCIS &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/FRP\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/FRP\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Family Reunification Parole Processes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USCIS &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/es\/forms\/direcciones-para-la-presentacion-directa-del-formulario-i-130-peticion-de-familiar-extranjero\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Direct Fil<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-130-addresses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">i<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/es\/forms\/direcciones-para-la-presentacion-directa-del-formulario-i-130-peticion-de-familiar-extranjero\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ng of Form I-130<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-resources\">Other resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/how-to-obtain-a-green-card\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/how-to-obtain-a-green-card\/\">How to obtain a Green Card in the United States \u2013 Updated Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/green-card-eligibility-categories\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/green-card-eligibility-categories\/\">What are the Green Card categories?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/form-i-485\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/form-i-485\/\">What is Form I-485 and how to apply for permanent residence<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/american-residency-by-family-petition\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/american-residency-by-family-petition\/\">How to apply for American residency by family petition, step by step<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/family-reunification-requirements\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/family-reunification-requirements\/\">What are the requirements for family reunification in the United States?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/family-reunification-parole\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/family-reunification-parole\/\">Family Reunification Parole in the United States: A Complete Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/form-ds-260\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/form-ds-260\/\">Form DS 260: The essential step for your immigrant visa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/american-citizen-petition-brother\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/american-citizen-petition-brother\/\">Family sibling petition: what you need to know as a U.S. citizen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/reunification-family-child-parents\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/reunification-family-child-parents\/\">Family reunification in the U.S.: At what age can a child petition for his or her parents?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/age-in-immigration-petitions\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/age-in-immigration-petitions\/\">Age and eligibility in immigration and Green Card petitions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having your documentation in order is fundamental for a successful immigration process and family reunification is no exception. So today we will look at what Form I-130 is, who needs it, and how to file effectively. If you need help gathering or completing your documentation, Urbina Immigration Law can assist you. Do not risk the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[84,83],"class_list":["post-8528","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-green-card-guides","tag-family-reunification","tag-form-i-130"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8528","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8528"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8528\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8528"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8528"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbinalawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8528"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}