I-130 Checklist

FORMS

• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative.
• I-130A Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, if applicable.

SIGNATURE

• Make sure the petition is properly signed and filed. USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature.

FEES

Note: Check current fees as they may change: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees

• Filing Fees – Spouse Petition is ($535).
• Make the check or money order for the USCIS filing fees payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” Do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.”

PHOTOS

• 2 color passport photos of Petitioner (the US Citizen or Green Card Holder); and 
• 2 of the Beneficiary (the person seeking the Green Card) if they are in the U.S.

DOCUMENTS

Note: You may submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document.

ELIGIBILITY: Proof that Petitioner is a US citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

• Naturalization Certificate;
• Permanent Resident Card/Green Card;
• Birth Certificate; 
• Unexpired Passport; or
• An original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying that you are a U.S. citizen with a valid passport; and
• Proof of annulment or divorce from past spouses/marriages, if any.

PROOF OF DOMICILE/RESIDENCE IN U.S. OF PETITIONER (if petitioner is living abroad)

• Bills sent to an U.S. address;
• Bank Accounts in the U.S.;
• Driver’s License;
• Tax Returns;
• Health Insurance; and
• Any other documents showing ties and home in the U.S.

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

• Copies of all passports and visas of Petitioner, Beneficiary, and children;
• I-94;
• Birth Certificates of Beneficiary;
• Birth Certificates of any children you have together and/or that Beneficiary has from separate relationship;
• Social Security Cards;
• Marriage Certificate;
• State ID; and
• Proof of legal name change, if you have changed your name

FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

• Tax returns/IRS tax transcripts of Petitioner for the last three years and Beneficiary (where applicable). Tax returns should list the adjusted gross income. If you filed an extension or paid back taxes, please provide documentation. (All U.S. citizens living abroad must still file tax returns); and

• Employment letter from Petitioner’s Employer; and

• Pay stubs of Petitioner.

BONA FIDE MARRIAGE DOCUMENTS: Proof of Bona Fide marriage/evidence that you live together and are married. Examples include:

• Joint tax returns;
• Bills/mail addressed to the both of you at the same address and/or mail addressed to each of you separately but at the same address;
• Lease agreements;
• Joint bank accounts;
• Life insurance/medical insurance/car insurance;
• Photos together (from wedding, reception, with family, different events, some everyday activities – about 20 photos or so);
• Three affidavits. (Must be notarized and include government photo ID of the person writing the affidavit);
• Joint tenancy or property ownership documents; and
• Any other documents proving you live together and are married.

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS:

• If a student, include I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status; and
• Any other immigration related documents showing a previous immigration visa or current valid immigration status.

TRANSLATED DOCUMENTS

• All foreign documents should be translated into English by someone who is sufficient as required by USCIS.