Immigration based on family relationships entails some forms and documents with special concern towards the USA. Indeed, one of them includes Form I-130A, which is a critical form that requires considerable attention. It is noteworthy that knowing who is supposed to fill it, how to do it right, and strictly adhering to guidelines will greatly facilitate immigration. In this guide, you will find the basic information on Form I-130A and how it contributes to the family-based petition process.
Who is required to file Form I-130A?
The form I-130A is called the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary to be completed when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files the form I-130 on behalf of his or her foreign spouse. Due to this form, it becomes easier to obtain further elaborate biographical data about the foreign spouse.
Here’s who needs to file:
- Foreign Spouses: Every foreigner who is married to a US citizen or permanent resident is required to fill out this particular form. It will apply to those spouses who live in the United States as well as those who live in another country.
- Not for Other Relatives: This form is unique for the spouses and you have to fill it only if you are married. Unlike other relatives like parents or children, they do not have to file Form I -130A when applying from Form I -130.
In other words, Form I-130A is completed strictly for the spouses intending to relocate to the United States under an immigration enticement, to avail the immigration officer a proper history of the foreign spouse.
How to fill out Form I-130A
It is important not to make mistakes when completing Form I-130A, in order to avoid the possibility of a delay. Here’s a step-by-step Form I-130A guide to help:
- Part 1: Biographical Information
- Please insert your first and last name, your date of birth and your country of birth, as well as your citizenship.
- Enter your present address, if in America or any other country.
- Part 2: Work Experience and Residence.
- Employment History – last 5 yrs Take the names of the employers, job title, and location where the person served during the last five years.
- Address History: Rubric 2.6 All the places where you stay within the last five years and include any place you stayed in outside of the United States.
- Part 3: Outlook and Other Information
- Give your particulars such as height, weight, hair colour and eye color.
- Alise if you have ever had any other names.
- Signature: The foreign spouse must sign and date the form at the end. If this step is skipped, USCIS won’t accept the application.
Form I-130 instructions
Fortunately, completing the Form I-130 is not a very hard process but to avoid making any mistakes and leave no gaps, it is advised to follow the instructions provided by the USCIS. Here’s a concise breakdown of key Form I-130 instructions:
- Accompanying Form I-130A
Form I-130 has to be attached to form I-130A, which is filed by the foreign spouse. You also cannot file this through only Form I-130. This is deemed as a supplement to the main petition.
- Required Documents
Documentation support is therefore highly essential in any given application. Along with Form I-130, you will need to submit:
- Passport-style Photos: Two passport sized photographs of the foreign spouse taken within the last two months.
- Proof of Marriage: The legal capacity certificate that the marriage is legal.
- Proof of Legal Status in the U.S.: If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S., attach documents that show the legal ability to live in the U.S – a visa or I-94.
- Filing Fee
Form I-130 filing fee is $625.
- Where to File
Form I-130 must be attached and submitted to Form I-130A at the proper filing USCIS Lockbox. The USCIS website has the actual addresses depending on the residential location of the applicant.
It is one of the most rigorous processes that those wishing to be enlisted as spouses of a U.S. citizen or those with a green card are required to fulfil the letter. It will make the process of applying more manageable if you know who has to do it, how to complete the form, and what instructions are being given. If you pay attention to these details you will not only save time for your loved one but also help him/her get closer to receiving a permanent residency in the United States.
