DIY Step 1 of the US Immigrant Visa Processing | Form I-130 | Family Based

by: Robelyn M. Yambao

Hello guys!
Today, I'm gonna be talking about the immigrant visa process. Do you have a foreign family members that you wanted to bring to US so, they can live with you? We will discuss further what to do and how to process it.

Step 1: You will need to submit a PETITION

Who are the qualified persons for this petition?
Immigrating based on Family. If you, a US citizen, have a foreign spouse, parents and children, you can file for them an immigrant visa petition to live with you in US. A US lawful permanent resident can only file a petition for foreign spouse and unmarried son or daughter. You should submit Form I-130, a petition for alien relative, on behalf of your foreign family member with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

This petition is required to file in the US.
Filing outside the US is limited. Check the USCIS website for the address where you can file properly your petition in the US. Before you can begin the immigrant visa process, your petition must be approved first by the USCIS.

What is Form I-130?
This is the correct form you are going to file in behalf of your foreign family member. This form shows the family relationship that exists between you and your foreign relative. You will need to complete the form neatly and accurately. Do not forget to sign the Petitioner's Signature part. This is the first step to do in order to help your foreign family member immigrate to US. Download this form at the USCIS website and be updated with the correct edition of the form. The edition date of the form as of the moment is 02/27/17 and it has 12 pages. You will need to print out the instructions too for your guide in completing the form. Print the form on one side only. The filing fee for this petition is $535, please check the USCIS website for the increase of the fee. You must file a separate Form I-130 for each eligible foreign family member.

How Do I File?
If your foreign family member lives in another country, you may file the petition with a USCIS lockbox based on your place of residence. If your foreign family member is already in the US entered legally,  then they may be able to file an I-485 application to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident at the same time as you file the form I-130. 

Assemble Your Packet

This packet is just an example. You will need to submit all the required documents that the USCIS will ask from you to submit to establish your relationship with your foreign family member.
Sample of Cover Letter for Relative's Child
_____________________________________________________________________
                                                                                                    Address of the Petitioner
                                                                                                     Date

USCIS
Attn: I-130
PO Box 21700
Phoenix, AZ 85036

                  RE:    I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
                             Petitioner: (Petitioner Name)
                             Relative: (Relative's Child Name)

To Whom It May Concern:

I am filing the enclosed Form I-130, Petition on behalf of (Relative's Child Name), the beneficiary. I, (Petitioner's name), am a US citizen petitioner, and (Relative's Child Name) is my step-Child.

The following documents accompany and support this petition:
1. A money order for the amount of $535 to cover the filing fee;
2. Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative;
3. Birth certificate of the Petitioner;
4. Copy of petitioner's U.S passport and Driver's license;
5. Birth Certificate of  the Beneficiary;
6. Proof of Relationship to the Beneficiary.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at (phone number) or email at (email address). Thank you for your prompt consideration of this I-130 Petition.

Sincerely,
(Signature of the Petitioner Over Printed name)

_____________________________________________________________________

That's all for today! I hope you guys informed a little bit about this petition and see you again next time. Thank you!
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