You may not be alone in the circumstance where you reside in the United States with a certain immigration status while the rest of your loved ones do not. Well, you may like to know that there is a way for you to advocate for a change in their status on their behalf to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is primarily done by filling out and filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Please continue reading to learn what a Form I-130 application is used for and how an experienced green card lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, at Sesini Law Group, S.C., can help determine whether it is within your rights to file one.
What is Form I-130 used for, and who can file it?
Essentially, when you file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you are petitioning for your relative to come to or stay in the United States permanently. In other words, this may be the first step you take on behalf of your relative so they may eventually apply for permanent resident status, or a green card. That said, filing and getting this form approved by the USCIS in and of itself does not give your relative an immigration status in the country.
Further, you may only be eligible to submit this form if you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a national. In turn, your relative, the beneficiary of this application, may only be eligible for this path toward a green card if they are your spouse or child, or your sibling or parent if you are a citizen.
What evidence do I need to supplement an I-130 application with?
Since only certain individuals are eligible to apply for and be sponsored by an I-130 application, supplemental evidence must establish this. More specifically, you may need the following:
- Evidence that you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a national:
- A copy of your birth certificate.
- A copy of your naturalization or citizenship certificate.
- A copy of your unexpired U.S. passport.
- A copy of your permanent resident card.
- Evidence that you have a family relationship with the beneficiary of this application:
- For your spouse: a copy of your marriage certificate.
- For your child: a copy of their birth certificate listing your name as the parent.
- For your sibling: copies of your and your sibling’s birth certificates listing the same parents’ names.
- For your parent: a copy of your birth certificate listing your parents’ names.
It is worth mentioning that if any of these documents are in a foreign language, you must supply an English translation. This is in addition to a certification from the translator, ensuring they have the competency to make this English translation complete and accurate.
In the end, if you are ready to fight for your loved one’s access to this country, please retain the services of a skilled family immigration lawyer in Milwaukee, WI. Our team at Sesini Law Group, S.C. awaits your phone call.