Can I File Form I-130 If My Spouse or Relative Is Already in Removal Proceedings?Yes, you can file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) even if your spouse or qualifying relative is already in removal proceedings. However, the process becomes more complex and will require coordination between U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the [...]

 Can I File Form I-130 If I Live Outside the United States?You can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, even if you live outside the United States. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can file I-130 petitions from abroad.Filing Options:U.S. Citizens:If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S., you may be [...]

 Will I Need an Interview for My I-130 Application?Whether you will need an interview for your Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, depends on your case and the discretion of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Not all I-130 petitions require an interview, but USCIS may schedule one if it determines it’s necessary to verify [...]

 How Long Is an I-130 Valid for After Approval?An approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, does not expire as long as the underlying family relationship remains valid and the petitioner maintains their U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. This means the petition can remain valid for years—even indefinitely—while the beneficiary waits for a [...]

 Does an Approved I-130 Mean a Green Card?No, an approved Form I-130 does not automatically mean that the beneficiary will receive a green card.What an Approved I-130 MeansIt confirms that a valid family relationship exists between the U.S. petitioner (a citizen or permanent resident) and the foreign beneficiary.It makes the beneficiary eligible to apply for [...]

 What Is the Difference Between I-130 and I-485?The main difference between Form I-130 and Form I-485 lies in their purpose and who can use them during the immigration process.Form I-130 – Petition for Alien RelativePurpose: To establish a qualifying family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (the petitioner) and a foreign national [...]

 How Do I Petition an Alien Relative Living Outside the US?To petition for an alien relative living outside the United States, you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is used to establish a qualifying family relationship between you (the petitioner) and your relative (the [...]

 What is the Fee for a Petition for an Alien Relative? The filing fee for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is:$675 for paper filings$625 for online filingsThese fees represent an increase from the previous fee of $535. The fee adjustment is part of a broader USCIS fee schedule update aimed at aligning fees with operational [...]

 What Happens after Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative Is Approved? Once Form I-130 is approved by USCIS, it means your family relationship has been officially recognized, but your relative has not yet been granted a green card. The next steps depend on whether your relative is inside or outside the U.S. and their visa category:If [...]

 How Long Does It Take to Petition for an Alien Relative?The time it takes to petition for an alien relative using Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) depends on several factors, including the status, the relationship to the beneficiary, and USCIS processing times.The processing time to petition for an alien relative typically takes 12 to [...]