Practice Areas · I-130

I-130Family-based immigrant petition

Petition used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States.

Family immigrationCitizens and residentsFirst step to Green Card
Overview

What the I-130 petition is

Form I-130 is used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. The petition establishes a valid family relationship and is the first step for the beneficiary to apply for a family-based Green Card.

The petition formally establishes a valid family relationship before USCIS. Its approval enables the beneficiary to seek permanent residence, either through adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing.

Eligibility

Who can petition

  • U.S. citizens petitioning spouses, children, parents or siblings.
  • Lawful permanent residents petitioning spouses and unmarried children.
  • Documentary evidence of the valid family relationship.
  • Financial capacity of the petitioner (Affidavit of Support).
Benefits

Key benefits

  • Legal path to family reunification in the United States.
  • Enables the beneficiary to seek permanent residence.
  • Priority categories for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
  • Well-recognized formal legal framework.

Talk to our team about I-130.

Assess with our attorneys whether I-130 is the most suitable strategy for your professional and family trajectory.

Process

How we handle the I-130 petition

  1. 01

    Analysis of the family relationship and applicable category.

  2. 02

    Documentary curation to prove a valid relationship.

  3. 03

    Filing of the I-130 petition with USCIS.

  4. 04

    Case management through adjustment of status or consular processing.

“Immigration is a strategic decision. Every trajectory requires an individualized analysis and a legal structure built around the client's objectives.”

André Linhares, Esq.Founding Attorney · Linhares Law
Frequently Asked Questions

Clarifications on I-130.

Spouses, children, parents and siblings of U.S. citizens; spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents.

Not directly. It establishes the valid family relationship; permanent residence is applied for afterwards, through adjustment of status or consular processing.

Timelines vary with the family category and the beneficiary's nationality, following the monthly Visa Bulletin.

Yes. Each beneficiary requires an individual I-130 petition.

Yes. The petitioner signs the Affidavit of Support, committing to support the beneficiary under official parameters.

Schedule a strategic consultation.

Start an institutional conversation with our attorneys and assess whether I-130 is the right strategy for your objectives.