Form I-130
Petition for Alien Relative
Establish the qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor and an eligible foreign-born relative.
Filing fee
$675 (paper) / $625 (online)
Processing time
9–96 months
Varies by service center
Online filing
Available
File via my.uscis.gov
Form edition
2024
Only the current edition is accepted
Who files Form I-130?
U.S. citizens sponsoring spouses, parents, children, or siblings; LPRs sponsoring spouses or unmarried children.
Where to file
Online via USCIS account, or by mail to the Chicago, Phoenix, or Dallas Lockbox.
Always verify the current address or online filing option on the official USCIS Form I-130 page before sending — lockbox assignments change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing I-130 without including Form I-130A for a spouse beneficiary
- Failing to submit primary evidence of the relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Confusing preference categories — LPRs cannot sponsor parents or married children
Filing tips
- File online for faster receipt and easier status tracking
- For spouses of U.S. citizens physically present in the U.S., concurrently file I-485
- Approval of I-130 alone does not grant status — it only creates a priority date
Frequently asked questions
What is Form I-130?
Establish the qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor and an eligible foreign-born relative.
Who files Form I-130?
U.S. citizens sponsoring spouses, parents, children, or siblings; LPRs sponsoring spouses or unmarried children.
How much is the Form I-130 filing fee?
The current filing fee is $675 (paper) / $625 (online). Confirm the current amount on USCIS.gov before filing — fees changed most recently in the 2024 USCIS fee rule.
How long does Form I-130 take to process?
USCIS currently reports 9 months to 96 months for most cases. Processing times vary by service center and workload. Check the USCIS Case Processing Times tool for the latest estimates.
Can I file Form I-130 online?
Yes. Form I-130 can be filed online through a free USCIS account at my.uscis.gov. Online filing provides faster receipt notices and easier status tracking.
Related forms
Cost deep dive
Looking for a full cost breakdown including biometric fees, fee waivers, and payment methods? See the Form I-130 cost page.
Sources & Citations
All claims in this guide link to primary government sources.
- 1
- 2USCIS Case Processing Times— USCIS
- 3
Not legal advice. This page is a plain-English summary for educational use. Current fees, processing times, and filing locations are controlled by USCIS and may change without notice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.