# Form I-130, Explained Navigating the I-130 Process: Eligibility, Timeline, Costs, and More ## What Is Form I-130 Used For? The I-130 Form is used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to prove they have a family relationship that makes their relative eligible to immigrate to the United States. It proves you have a [real family relationship](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/how-do-we-prove-our-marriage-is-real) with the person you’re sponsoring for a green card and shows you’re willing to support them financially if they’re approved. This is especially important when getting a [marriage-based green card](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/marriage-based-green-cards-explained); it shows your marriage is real and not just a way to get a green card. ## Form I-130 Required Documents The I-130 petition must be filed with [supporting documents](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/what-documents-for-marriage-green-card) to prove that the sponsor is allowed to file an I-130 and that they have a valid family relationship with the person seeking a green card. The required supporting documents for an I-130 petition typically include: - Proof that the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or green card holder - Proof that a legally valid relationship exists - Proof that the relationship is not fraudulent - Proof of name changes for the sponsor and/or the person seeking a green card, if any - Proof of nationality of the person seeking a green card ### What if I’m missing some documents for my Form I-130? If you don’t have one of the primary documents required, such as a birth certificate, you must submit a letter from the relevant authorities to confirm that this document does not exist. Learn about secondary evidence that you can submit along with your letter. If you submit your petition and are missing any of the documents in your application in your I-130, then USCIS might send you a [Request for Evidence](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/what-is-a-request-for-evidence-rfe-and-what-should-i-do-about-it) (or RFE). ## Alternative Documents for Form I-130 If a [required document](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/what-documents-for-marriage-green-card) is _not_ available, you must submit alternative documents (officially called “secondary evidence”) so that USCIS can make a decision on your I-130 petition. ## Form I-130 Processing Time The average processing time for Form I-130 is **around 14 months**. This estimate is based on analysis by Boundless partner [Track My Visa Now](https://www.boundless.com/lp/importance-of-immigration-processing-times/). The time it takes to get your I-130 petition approved in 2025 depends on two key factors: - **Where you apply from:** Are you applying from within the United States or from abroad? - **Your relationship to the U.S. petitioner:** Are you an immediate relative (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen) or within another family preference category? ### Form I-130 Processing Cost The cost to file Form I-130 is **$675**. The payment submitted to the government is not refundable, even if your petition is denied. #### Additional Tips: - Be sure to submit the exact amount of the filing fee. You can pay this via check or credit card, using [Form G-1450](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/g-1450-explained). - **Always check the USCIS website for Form I-130 to confirm the filing fee before you file.** - If you’re sponsoring more than one person, you’ll need to file separate Form I-130s for each family member. ## Form I-130 Eligibility ### Who Can File Form I-130? - U.S. citizens can file I-130 petitions for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings. - Current green card holders can file I-130 petitions for their spouses and unmarried children. ### Who Cannot File Form I-130? There are some eligibility exclusions that prevent the filing of an I-130 petition, even when the above family relationships exist: - A grandparent, grandchild, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, cousin, or parent-in-law. - An adoptive parent or adopted child, if the child was adopted after he or she turned 16 years old. - A biological parent, if you became a green card holder or obtained [U.S. citizenship](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/naturalization-explained) through adoption. - A stepparent or stepchild, if the marriage that created the step relationship happened after the child turned 18 years old. ### How Do I File Form I-130? You can file Form I-130 either online or [via mail](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/how-to-file-uscis-forms-by-mail). ### To file Form I-130 online You need to create an online account with USCIS. ### To file Form I-130 by mail When filing by mail, it’s important to send your application to the correct Form I-130 filing address. If you live in the United States, you will need to verify [the correct address to send your petition](https://www.uscis.gov/i-130-addresses). ## What Happens After Form I-130 Is Approved? Once USCIS approves your I-130 petition, your relative still needs to apply for a green card. This typically involves: - Immediate Relatives: They can apply for their green card right away. - Family Preference Categories: If your relative is in a different family category, they will probably have to wait until a visa is available.