Establishes a qualifying family relationship (spouse, child, parent, sibling) so the relative can pursue a green card.
Key fields to get right
- Relationship evidence must be specific — marriage certificate, joint accounts, birth records.
- Petitioner's status (USC vs. LPR) decides the category and the wait.
- Beneficiary's biographic details must match their passport/birth certificate.
Common mistakes
- Thin marriage evidence in bona-fides — one document instead of a pattern over time.
- Mismatched names across the marriage certificate, passport and prior filings.
Documents to have ready
- Proof of petitioner's citizenship/residency
- Marriage or birth certificates establishing the relationship
- Bona-fide-relationship evidence (for spouses)
Tip. For spouse cases, build the bona-fides file from day one — joint lease, accounts, photos over time beat a last-minute stack.
Frequently asked
What does the I-130 do?
It establishes a qualifying family relationship — spouse, child, parent or sibling — so the relative can pursue a green card. It does not by itself grant any status.
Does the petitioner's status matter?
Yes. Whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident decides the category and how long the beneficiary waits.