The purpose of Form I-130a in the immigration process

Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, plays a crucial role in the immigration process by gathering additional background information about the alien spouse seeking to immigrate to the United States based on marriage. 

This form collects details such as the spouse beneficiary’s address and employment history for the last five years, their last physical address outside the United States, and parental information.

The purpose of Form I-130A is to provide comprehensive biographical information about the alien spouse to supplement Form I-130, which establishes the relationship between the petitioner (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) and the beneficiary. 

While Form I-130 focuses on proving the marital relationship, Form I-130A delves into specific background details of the immigrant spouse to further support the authenticity of the spousal relationship.

It is important to note that Form I-130A must be completed accurately and submitted along with Form I-130 as part of the initial petition for a marriage-based green card. 

The information gathered through Form I-130A helps immigration authorities assess the validity of the marriage and ensure that all necessary background details are provided for processing the spousal immigration application successfully.

The difference between Form i-130 and Form i-130a

Form I-130 and Form I-130A serve different purposes in the immigration process. Form I-130 is used to establish a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse’s relationship with their eligible relative, specifically proving the marriage between the petitioner and the beneficiary. 

On the other hand, Form I-130A acts as a supplement to gather additional information that further establishes the spousal relationship, focusing on details about the immigrant spouse’s background, residential history, employment history, and parental information.

Here are the key differences between Form I-130 and Form I-130A:

• Purpose: Form I-130 establishes the marital relationship, while Form I-130A gathers additional background information about the immigrant spouse.

• Information Requested: Form I-130 focuses on proving the marriage, while Form I-130A requests details about the immigrant spouse’s personal history.

• Filing Requirement: Both forms are typically filed together to provide a comprehensive view of the spousal relationship in a marriage-based green card application.

It’s important to note that while the immigrant spouse fills out and files both forms if they are not residing in the U.S., their citizen spouse or an immigration lawyer can complete the forms on their behalf. The completion of both forms is crucial to ensure a thorough submission for sponsoring a spouse for a green card in the United States.

Can form i-130a be filed separately from form i-130?

Form I-130A cannot be filed separately from Form I-130 when sponsoring a spouse for a marriage-based green card. Both forms must be filed together as part of the initial petition submission to USCIS. 

Form I-130 establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, while Form I-130A collects additional biographical information about the immigrant spouse to further support the authenticity of the spousal relationship. 

Failing to file Form I-130A along with Form I-130 can result in USCIS issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE), requiring the submission of Form I-130A by the deadline provided in the notice. It is crucial to submit both forms simultaneously to avoid delays or potential denial of the petition.

What is the filing fee for Form i-130?

The filing fee for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is $535. This fee is required when submitting the petition to sponsor a qualifying relative for permanent residence in the United States. It’s important to note that this filing fee cannot be waived, and it is non-refundable regardless of any action taken by USCIS on the petition. 

The fee must be paid in the exact amount and can be submitted via a personal check, bank draft, or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Continue reading: Benefits of obtaining a green card through marriage