Family Sponsorship– Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is the first legal step to help a qualifying relative immigrate to the United States based on a family relationship. USCIS uses the I-130 to verify the legitimacy of the family relationship between the petitioner (sponsor) and the foreign relative (beneficiary). Approval does not itself grant any immigration status, it only establishes eligibility for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status later.
Who Can File Form I-130? (Petitioner Eligibility)
1. U.S. Citizens
A U.S. citizen may file an I-130 for:
- Parents (mother or father) — if the U.S. citizen is 21 years or older.
- Siblings (brothers or sisters) — if the U.S. citizen is 21 years or older.
Citizens can also petition for spouses, children (various ages and marital statuses), and other relatives in other categories.
2. U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
A permanent resident (LPR) may file I-130 for:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under or over 21
Note: Lawful permanent residents cannot sponsor parents or siblings directly. Only U.S. citizens can sponsor those family members.
Sponsoring Parents — Immediate Relatives
Who Qualifies
- Your mother or father qualifies as an Immediate Relative if you are a U.S. citizen 21+ years old.
- Immediate relatives are given priority — there are no annual numerical limits on visas for parents of U.S. citizens.
Sponsoring Siblings — Family Preference (F4)
Who Qualifies
- You must be a U.S. citizen 21+ to file for a sibling (brother/sister).
- Siblings must share at least one biological or legal parent. Evidence (e.g., birth certificates for both showing a common parent) is needed.
Can Parents or Siblings Visit the U.S. While an I-130 Is Pending?
- Parents: May apply for a visitor visa, but must prove non-immigrant intent
- Siblings: Visitor visas are often denied due to strong immigrant intent
Each case must be evaluated carefully to avoid misrepresentation issues.
Why Legal Guidance Matters for I-130 Family Sponsorship:
Although Form I-130 appears straightforward, errors can result in:
- Years of delay
- Petition denial
- Permanent immigration consequences
An experienced U.S. immigration lawyer ensures:
- Correct classification (immediate vs preference)
- Strong evidence preparation
- Strategic timing
- Compliance with USCIS and NVC requirements
- Long-term planning for families worldwide
I-130 Family Sponsorship – Global Legal Assistance:
Family sponsorship is one of the most powerful tools under U.S. immigration law. Whether you are sponsoring parents or siblings, understanding eligibility, timelines, and legal obligations is essential.
Professional guidance is especially critical for:
- International families
- Long-backlog sibling cases
- Complex family histories
- Prior visa refusals or overstays
Speak With a U.S. Immigration Lawyer:
If you are considering filing Form I-130 for parents or siblings, professional legal advice can help protect your family’s future and avoid costly mistakes. Contact our professional legal team at YA Law if you need help.