Form I-130 Guide (Petition For Alien Relative) - Why Work With Citizen Concierge

Being a lawful permanent resident of the US and having relatives living abroad is common. However, it raises questions about people getting a green card and the immigration process.

Typically, those who want to become a United States citizen must go through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to get the job done. However, it's not straightforward, and many people are confused.

Therefore, Citizen Concierge could be the best solution. The company provides web-based assistance to clients, ensuring that they will complete the requirements for Form I-130 and become green card holders.

Overall, the goal of the form is to ensure that a valid family relationship exists between the petitioner and the permanent resident. If you want your loved ones to have a green card, it's helpful to work with a company like Citizen Concierge because the employees here take you through what you must know and make it easier to understand!

Get Dedicated Assistance To Filing Form 1-130 - Save Time and Money Today!

What Does the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Website Do for You? What Is Form I-130?

Let's make things simple. Form I-130 is a petition that helps you confirm that you and the alien relative have a legitimate relationship. It's the beginning of the entire process, and the first step is to complete the form so that you can get your green card.

You're approved once you satisfy the government that your relationship is legitimate. Then, the relative can apply and become a lawful permanent resident.
Likewise, there's the Adjust Status option, which is used when the relative is in the US and has an available visa. They're sometimes eligible to file Form I-485 - the Adjust Status or Application to Register a Permanent Residence.

A US citizen can sponsor a foreign-born wife or husband for their green card, which is called lawful permanent residence, through Form I-130. Traditionally, you will not need to file the Application for Lawful Permanent Residence because you will be in your original country waiting to come to the United States permanently.

Basic Requirements for Filling out Form I-130

Anyone who wishes to file Form I-130 has to be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, and they must also be 18 or older. The person must verify their immigration status, which often requires them to present a green card or copy of a US passport. If you don't do that, you cannot file.

There must be proof that a valid family relationship exists to get an immigrant visa. To validate that, you'll have to use a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a record that outlines any adoptive relationships. The alien relative has to meet all medical, security, and other requirements, as well.

Family members may have to go through adjustment of status or consular processing to get the job done.

Case Could Be Forwarded to the NVC (National Visa Center)

Typically, the NVC gets involved once you've filed Form I-130 and have been approved. You'll still need an immigrant visa, and the case is often forwarded to the NVC if an adjustment of status or consular processing is necessary.

Who's Ineligible to File for an Immigrant Visa?

Let's take a moment to go deeper into how someone becomes ineligible to file a petition. These rules apply even if you prove you have a relationship in the following section:

Any relative whereby the USCIS feels that marriage fraud took place (two people were married only for immigration benefits) is ineligible.
A stepparent or stepchild is ineligible if the marriage creating the relationship happened after that child turned 18.
Family members, including parents-in-law, grandchildren, cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and grandparents, are often ineligible.
A biological parent who got US citizenship or a green card through adoption is typically ineligible.
Any adopted parent or child is ineligible if the adoption happened after that child was 16 years old.
Any spouse marrying the filing person during any immigration court proceedings. This also includes people facing deportation.
Any spouse who was a green card holder because of prior marriage to a US citizen or green card holder is ineligible. Exceptions could be made for green card holders who've had that status for under five years or naturalized US citizens.
A spouse from a marriage where both parties weren't physically present at the ceremony is often ineligible.

Some exclusions have exceptions to the rule, but only when the supporting documents are given. Citizen Concierge is a great source of information and can help people identify if those exclusions might apply. Therefore, it's best to work with this company for the best results.

What's Family Member Eligibility Mean?

You've chosen to get professional help in your journey, but you have to know what an eligible relative is. However, you can't simply file for anyone you want in the US. Understanding the requirements is only one part of the equation.

The USCIS office claims that you may file for a family member who would also be eligible for the family-based green card. This includes any immediate relative, such as offspring, spouses, and parents of those US citizens. However, children must be under 21 years of age.

Married children, unmarried children over 21 years old, and siblings will fall under this category. However, the others are prioritized, so they are often processed faster.

There's also the family preference category. Typically, this includes any unmarried child of any age, brothers, sisters, married children, and more. The family preference option seems more common, so it's best to understand that processing times might be longer.

How You File the Petition for Alien Relative

The petition for alien relative is filed online or by mail. You must create an online account with the USCIS if you wish to go the online route. While you might think it's a challenge, it's helpful because you can easily upload your supporting documents, check your case status, and view case correspondence. This works for an immediate relative or one based on family preference.

Regardless of how you file, there will be a filing fee to pay.

Alternatives and Missing Documents

You could find yourself in a predicament because you can't find the primary documents necessary for filing Form I-130. For example, you might have issues getting a birth certificate or marriage certificate. That doesn't mean your application will be denied on the spot. Instead, you'll have to send a letter to the appropriate authorities that confirm the document doesn't exist.

If you submit the petition without appropriate documents, the USCIS can send an RFE (Request for Evidence). This doesn't automatically mean you're denied, but it can take much longer to complete the process.

Likewise, missing documents could make your application void, though that doesn't always happen.

Typically, when you can't provide a required document, you'll have to give secondary evidence. This is alternative documentation that will help the USCIS make its decision. The type you must offer varies based on what you're missing. However, you will likely need confirmation of some sort from the agency or body that would normally hand out such documentation.

Why Is It Beneficial to Get Your Petition for Alien Relative Approved?

Getting approval for a family member is a huge step, but it might not be the entire process you have to deal with. There might also be a consideration for an immigrant visa. Still, this is a big victory.

The foreign national in question is one step closer to becoming a US lawful permanent resident and can be with their family. Likewise, they can work and live like regular United States citizens. This means they can travel back to their original country without fearing that they won't be allowed to return to their families.

However, the benefits don't end with relatives. The United States now understands that the sponsor for the alien relative is responsible enough to support the family member. They've paid the filing fee, they know what's at stake, and they're willing to go through the legal process to do the job right. If the sponsor chooses to file more applications later, this demonstration is crucial.

Often, this is the gateway for families to stay united that goes beyond a regular visit. Everyone can live in the home of the free, and the family members can become citizens, access public benefits, and much more!

What to Do If You're Denied

Approval of Form I-130 isn't guaranteed, though you'd like to think it was. Still, you must focus on reality, and some people will likely get denied for various reasons. Thankfully, a denial doesn't mean the journey is finished because they can reapply after a specific time frame.

Traditionally, the USCIS processes cases in two to three weeks. Once it gets an application, the applicant receives a receipt notice, which includes the processing time you might expect. Then, the petition is taken over by a US consular officer.

The final decision is left up to them, which might make you feel vulnerable and unable to do anything. However, your chances are improved when you meet the requirements of the application. That's where Citizen Concierge can assist.

Overall, the law explicitly and carefully lays out the qualifications which are used to determine if denial or approval occurs. Likewise, the applicant is told the reason for the decision.

Therefore, if you didn't meet the requirements, you can choose to reapply at a later date or ask for an appeal of your denied petition. The BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals) does allow this. When a computer or human error was to blame for the denial, you could fix them and appeal. That will help you avoid a denial or delay, and Citizen Concierge can assist, giving you a stress-free way to handle the issue.

Breaking Down Immigrant Visa Petitions

Fulfilling the requirements of the form isn't easy if you don't have professional assistance. There are five parts, and "your relative" and "beneficiary" are used to refer to the immigrant wanting a green card. Let's focus a bit on what to expect here:

The first section is where you focus on the type of relationship with the relative. You should list whether they are a child, spouse, parent, or sibling. Typically, US citizens are allowed to sponsor people in any of these categories, but lawful permanent residents can sponsor unmarried children or spouses only. If you have an unmarried child, you can use this form. Adoptive relationships have more questions, but they're easy to handle.

In the second section, you'll confirm your address and marital information details.

The third section requires you to provide biographic information, such as the race and ethnicity of the immigrant in question.

In the fourth section, this focuses on the person you're filing for, which includes details about the entry information, unauthorized stay, family, unlawful entry, and more. Marital information is also included and is crucial for the process. You might have to provide additional information, so be ready for that!

The fifth section includes details about the filings you have done for other family members or beneficiaries.

Though it sounds easy enough, it can be challenging; your life and ability to live with your family are at stake. Therefore, it's wise to work with a professional, and

Citizen Concierge is an excellent solution. It will save you time, reduce stress, and make the process easier on everyone involved.

Tips for Filing Form I-130

People often make simple mistakes when filing Form I-130, which causes the applications not to get accepted. Here are a few tips to help you:

Make sure you add your signature in the designated space. Unsigned forms are denied immediately, without exception.
The USCIS updates the forms periodically, so make sure you've got the most current one. Citizen Concierge can help you here.
Don't mail a physical copy of your form if you submitted online using the USCIS website.
You should complete the full form unless the instructions tell you to skip certain items based on your situation. Failure to do this might cause it to be denied because of that missing information.
Printed pages require the edition and page numbers at the bottom. You should use the same edition at all times. However, if there is an edition mismatch or unclear page numbers, your application could get rejected.
If you're filing multiple applications, it's best to send a separate filing fee and form for each one. Making one large payment could cause one or all of the forms to be rejected.
Always use black ink when writing handwritten answers. The handwriting must be clear and easily readable.
Highlighters, tape, and correction fluid aren't allowed. The USCIS scanners won't be able to read the information.
You must pay the correct fee, or the application will get rejected. There's a fee calculator on the USCIS website to help you determine the amount.
Whenever you're filing multiple forms, it's crucial to ensure that any personal details are written the same on each. Likewise, you should send the documents required, such as a birth certificate, with the application to avoid confusion.

Do You Require Legal Assistance to File the Petition for Alien Relative?

There are no laws in place that say you must get outside help to file the petition. The USCIS website allows anyone to file alone. However, Citizen Concierge has experience in this industry and can often help you improve your chances of getting approved the first time.

Why Choose Citizen Concierge

Citizen Concierge has helped clients accurately file Form I-130 and other petitions to maximize their chances of approval through the USCIS. It has expertise in the field that ensures people see and experience the value offered.

The company recognizes that each situation is different. Therefore, it wants to ensure that you file your form and offer the documents needed based on your requirements.

Overall, Citizen Concierge isn't associated with a government entity, such as the USCIS or NVC. Likewise, the company doesn't offer legal advice and cannot provide it because the professionals working here aren't attorneys.

Regardless, the company's framework was planned by lawyers, and the goal is to ensure full accuracy with the application. You can avoid being a statistic for dismissal and refusal because the framework was designed to make sure that the USCIS will endorse the request you put in.

A Few Simple Steps!

You can be on your way to owning a green card with a few simple steps and Citizen Concierge on your side:

First visit the Citizen Concierge website:

Answer some online questions to determine your eligibility before investing time or making payments.
Save your progress; you only pay once you've finished the application and are happy.
Download a checklist that's tailored to your needs. This includes the accompanying forms and application that are then ready to sign and send.
Get peace of mind knowing that things were done correctly. Well-prepared applications are often processed faster than others!

Less Expensive than a Lawyer

Typically, people spend less to work with Citizen Concierge than they do when they hire an immigration lawyer. It only costs $139 for this company, and you receive the immigrant visa petition package, which includes:

Form I-130
Form I-130-A, if necessary
Personalized guidelines for the supplemental information
e-Notifications
Help with questions whenever you need them

Start Your Petition for Alien Relative Today!

Using form I-130 can be challenging, but you don't have to stress about it. High attorney fees can put you off the entire thing, but Citizen Concierge is here to assist and costs much less.
The straightforward process is simplified and helps you reunite with your loved ones while becoming a green card holder or permanent resident in time. Please call Citizen Concierge at 786-511-1119 today or simply get started now.

FAQs About Immigrant Visas (Form I-130)

There was a lot of information on this page, which can be overwhelming. Though you may have read through it all, you may have forgotten a few things or simply need more assistance in understanding what was said. The FAQs below will help you, though you may also call Citizen Concierge to ask questions or seek assistance as needed.

Feel free to come back to this article as often as necessary. You may wish to bookmark it so that it's readily available when you need to reread anything within.

What's the List of Required Supporting Documents Include?

When you file Form I-130, it's crucial to know about the required supporting documents and provide them. This is part of the process to determine if the sponsor can file because they have an appropriate relationship with the relative they're filing for.

The required documents are based on the relationship's nature and will validate the parameters of the sponsor. Examples can include:

Proof of a genuine relationship
Proof that the sponsor is actually a US citizen or green card holder
Proof of any name changes for the relative or sponsor

Citizen Concierge can help you and offers a tailored and curated list of requirements that will apply to your situation. Don't worry; there's no guesswork here!

What Chances Do I Have of Being Approved for Form I-130?

Typically, the approval rates for Form I-130 have been high in recent years. Roughly 99 percent of all applications get approved. This is because the US citizen or green card holder does the filing for the immediate relatives. There are no limits on how many they can bring in, so the chances of approval are relatively decent.

Where Do I Get More Details About the Petition for Alien Relative?

If you still have questions about Form I-130, you can go to the USCIS website to get more information. Likewise, you may call Citizen Concierge for assistance on filling out the form.

How Long Will It Take to Approve Form I-130?

Several factors can affect the processing time of Form I-130. Primarily, the family relationship and where the application gets made are chief among them.

For example, if a US citizen files for an immediate relative that lives abroad, there are generally wait times of 13.75 to 15.75 months. If they're already living in the US, it's 12.5 to 22.5 months.

However, the times can be longer when the US green card holder files for their immediate relatives, and the times could be anywhere from 24.5 to 32.5 months.

Can One Form Be Used for Multiple Filings?

If you want to sponsor more than one person, including an unmarried child, you should file Form I-130 separately for each of them.

Overall, this includes unmarried children, spouses, and other immediate relatives.

Does Citizen Concierge Mail in the Completed Form and Pay the Filing Fee?

No. You must ensure that you print and sign Form I-130 and mail it to the USCIS. Likewise, you're responsible for any applicable fees and must pay them using the appropriate methods, which are found on the website (USCIS).

What Should You Expect Once Form I-130 Is Approved?

Once you have filed Form I-130 and get approved, the relative may then apply for their green card. However, immediate relatives are allowed to apply immediately.

Will the Filing Fee Ever Change?

Generally, the USCIS adjusts its fees periodically. Therefore, when you start to file Form I-130, it's best to verify the appropriate amount you must pay. Its website features a fee calculator that will help you determine the price.

Get professional filing assistance with Citizen Concierge today!

Disclaimer : The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.