What is Form I-130A?
Form I-130A, officially known as the “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is a supporting form that is often filed along with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Both Form I-130 and Form I-130A are used in the process of sponsoring a family member for a green card in the United States.
Form I-130A is specifically used when the petitioner (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) is sponsoring their spouse as the beneficiary. It collects additional biographical information about the spouse beneficiary, and it helps provide more detailed information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the bona fide nature of the marriage.
Key points about Form I-130A:
- Purpose: The primary purpose of Form I-130A is to gather biographical information about the spouse beneficiary and to verify the details of the marital relationship.
- Relationship to Form I-130: Form I-130A is not filed independently. It is submitted as a supplement to Form I-130, which is the petition to establish the qualifying relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
- Biographical Information: Form I-130A collects information about the spouse beneficiary’s name, address, date and place of birth, employment history, marital history, and other personal details.
- Supporting Marital Evidence: Form I-130A can help support the authenticity of the marital relationship by providing additional information about the spouse beneficiary and the circumstances of the marriage.
- Consistency with Form I-130: It’s important that the information provided on Form I-130A is consistent with the information provided on Form I-130 and any other related documents.
- Filing Process: Form I-130A is typically filed together with Form I-130. Both forms should be submitted concurrently to USCIS, following the instructions provided in the USCIS guidelines.
- Filing Fee: there is no separate filing fee for Form I-130A. However, USCIS fees can change, so it’s important to check the USCIS website for the most current fee information.
- Submission Method: Form I-130A is submitted as a paper form. Make sure to follow the instructions for properly completing and mailing the form.
Remember that immigration forms and processes can change over time, so it’s important to refer to the most current version of Form I-130A and the USCIS website for accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any doubts or questions about the forms or the immigration process, consider seeking guidance from an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional.
Who needs to file Form I-130A?
Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, needs to be filed by the beneficiary’s spouse who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and is sponsoring their foreign national spouse for a family-based immigrant visa (green card). This form is specifically used when the spouse is the beneficiary of the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
In other words, Form I-130A is required when a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is filing Form I-130 to petition for their foreign national spouse’s immigration to the United States. The purpose of Form I-130A is to collect additional biographical information about the spouse beneficiary and to provide more details about the marital relationship to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Form I-130A is designed to support the Form I-130 petition by providing additional information that helps establish the authenticity of the marital relationship between the petitioner (U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse) and the beneficiary (foreign national spouse). This form is meant to be filed along with Form I-130 as a supplement, and both forms should be submitted concurrently to USCIS as part of the family-based immigration process. Read more “list your business in the” “free and paid submission to the” “add your site” statistics
Remember that immigration processes and forms can change over time, so it’s important to refer to the most current version of Form I-130A and the USCIS website for accurate and up-to-date information. If you have questions about your specific situation, it’s advisable to seek guidance from an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional.
How to fill out Form I-130A?
Filling out Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, is a necessary step when sponsoring a foreign national spouse for a family-based immigrant visa (green card) in the United States. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out Form I-130A:
Note: This guide provides a general overview of the form-filling process. It’s crucial to consult the most current version of Form I-130A and follow the specific instructions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on their website.
- Download and Review Form I-130A: Obtain the most current version of Form I-130A from the USCIS website. Review the instructions thoroughly to understand the requirements and guidelines.
- Beneficiary’s Information (Part 1):
- Provide the beneficiary’s full name, gender, date of birth, country of birth, and city or town of birth.
- Indicate whether the beneficiary has previously used other names.
- Other Information (Part 2):
- Provide information about the beneficiary’s marital history, including details about any previous marriages or engagements.
- If the beneficiary has ever applied for a U.S. visa or immigration benefit, provide the relevant information.
- Spouse’s Information (Part 3):
- Provide information about the spouse petitioner (the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsoring the beneficiary).
- Include the spouse petitioner’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Petitioner’s Contact Information (Part 4):
- Provide the spouse petitioner’s current address, phone number, email address, and information about their current immigration status.
- Statement (Part 5):
- Read and respond to the statement affirming the accuracy of the information provided.
- Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature (Part 6):
- Provide the contact information for the person preparing the form (if someone other than the beneficiary) and sign and date the form.
- Checklist (Part 7):
- Review the checklist to ensure you have included all required documentation and supporting evidence.
- Submitting the Form:
- Form I-130A is submitted as a supplement to Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Both forms should be submitted concurrently to USCIS.
- Keep a Copy of the Form: Before sending your forms to USCIS, make sure to keep a copy of Form I-130A and any accompanying documentation for your records.
Note: Always ensure that the information you provide is accurate and truthful. Inconsistencies or inaccuracies can lead to delays or denials in the immigration process.
Remember that USCIS forms and processes can change, so it’s important to refer to the most current version of Form I-130A and the USCIS website for accurate and up-to-date information. If you have questions about the form or the immigration process, consider seeking advice from an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional.