I-130 Petition Lawyer | Sponsoring a Spouse or Family Member for a Green Card
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in helping a spouse or qualifying family member obtain a U.S. green card. Whether your loved one is inside the United States or abroad, the I-130 establishes the family relationship and begins the immigration process.
At AB Legal Consult, we help U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents prepare strong I-130 petitions, ensuring all documents are accurate, complete, and supported with clear evidence to avoid delays or denials.
What Is the I-130 Petition?
The I-130 petition is submitted by a U.S. citizen or green card holder to establish a qualifying family relationship with the intending immigrant.
Family members who may qualify include:
• Spouse
• Parent (if petitioner is 21 or older)
• Child (under 21, unmarried)
• Adult son or daughter
• Sibling (if petitioner is 21 or older)
For spousal petitions, the I-130 is the foundation of the marriage-based green card process.
What the I-130 Petition Does
The I-130:
• Proves a valid parent, child, spouse, or sibling relationship
• Establishes priority dates for green card processing
• Allows USCIS to confirm the legitimacy of the relationship
• Begins the green card process for both adjustment of status and consular cases
A well-prepared I-130 reduces the risk of delays, RFEs, and denials.
Eligibility Requirements
To file Form I-130, the petitioner must:
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Prove the qualifying relationship with acceptable documentation
• Sign and submit the required USCIS forms
• Provide evidence of intent for a genuine relationship (for spouses)
The beneficiary must meet immigration eligibility requirements and submit supporting documents when their green card application begins.
Evidence Required for the I-130 Petition
Typical documentation includes:
• Proof of petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other relationship documents
• Passport-style photos of both parties
• Proof of legal termination of prior marriages (if applicable)
• Evidence of a bona fide marital relationship for spousal cases
For marriage-based petitions, evidence may include:
• Joint leases or mortgages
• Photos together
• Shared financial accounts
• Travel history
• Communication records
• Affidavits from friends and family
We help organize and present strong evidence to support the petition.
The I-130 Petition Process
The process often includes the following steps:
Step 1: Filing the I-130
We prepare and submit the petition, documentation, and supporting evidence to USCIS.
Step 2: USCIS Processing
USCIS reviews the petition and may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional documentation is needed.
Step 3: Approval Notice
Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular cases or allows the beneficiary to proceed with an adjustment of status application inside the U.S.
Step 4: Green Card Application
Depending on the case, the beneficiary either submits Form I-485 (inside the U.S.) or DS-260 (abroad).
Spousal I-130 Petitions
Spousal petitions are the most common type of I-130 filing. They require detailed evidence to prove the marriage is genuine.
Common challenges include:
• Lack of shared finances
• Recent marriages
• Long-distance relationships
• Language or cultural differences
• Missing documentation
• Prior marriages or immigration history
We assist couples in preparing thorough and well-organized evidence packages.
I-130 for Parents, Children, and Siblings
In addition to spouses, the I-130 can be filed for:
• Parents (U.S. citizens 21+)
• Children under 21
• Unmarried adult sons and daughters
• Married adult sons and daughters
• Siblings (U.S. citizens 21+)
Each category has its own priority date and visa availability timeline.
Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status
Depending on where the family member is located, the green card process will continue through:
• Adjustment of Status (Inside the U.S.)
• Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)
We help determine the best path based on immigration history, eligibility, and timing.
Common Issues in I-130 Cases
I-130 petitions may face setbacks due to:
• Incomplete forms
• Insufficient evidence of relationship
• Missing civil documents
• Discrepancies in timelines
• Prior immigration violations
• Incorrect priority dates
• Inconsistencies in marital evidence
We identify potential weaknesses early and address them proactively.
How AB Legal Consult Helps With I-130 Petitions
We provide complete support for family sponsorship cases, including:
• Eligibility review and strategy
• Preparation and filing of the I-130 petition
• Guidance on collecting strong evidence
• Verification of civil documents
• Handling RFEs or complex cases
• Coordination with NVC for consular processing
• Support for I-485 or DS-260 applications
We ensure the process is clear, organized, and efficient.
Start Your I-130 Petition Today
Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, we are ready to help you begin the immigration process. Our firm provides professional guidance, complete documentation, and personalized support throughout your case.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an I-130 petition lawyer.