I-130 Visa: Bringing Family Together
Helping Family Members Come to America
You can bring your spouse to live with you in the United States and assist them in becoming legal permanent residents.
How to Help Your Family Become Legal Residents
- If You’re a U.S. Citizen Living in the U.S.: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) simultaneously.
- If You’re a U.S. Citizen Living Abroad: File Form I-130. Once approved, it will proceed to consular processing, and you’ll receive notification and instructions from the consulate or embassy.
- If You’re a Legal Resident in the U.S.: File Form I-130. After a visa number is available, apply for status adjustment using Form I-485. Note: The beneficiary must have maintained lawful status unless they had a petition or certification pending before April 30, 2001.
- If You’re a Legal Resident Living Abroad: File Form I-130. Upon approval and visa availability, it will proceed to consular processing, with instructions provided by the consulate or embassy.
Special Conditions for Military Families
If you or a family member is in the U.S. military, special conditions may apply. Visit the “Military” section of our website for more information.
Required Documents
- Form I-130 (signed with fee) and required documentation, including:
- Two G-325A forms (one for you and one for your spouse)
- Civil marriage certificate
- Divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees for previous marriages
- Passport-style photos of you and your spouse
- Evidence of legal name changes
Proof of Status
- For U.S. Citizens: Provide a copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.
- For Green Card Holders: Provide a copy of Form I-551 (green card) or a foreign passport with a stamp showing temporary evidence of permanent residence.
Conditional Resident Status
If married for less than two years when your spouse receives permanent resident status, it will be conditional. To remove conditions, file Form I-751 within 90 days before the conditional resident card expires. Failure to do so may result in termination of resident status and potential removal from the U.S.