Form I-130 Document Checklist

How to use this checklist

Start with common petition materials. Then open the spouse, child, or parent page that matches your filing. Do not assemble every item on this page.

CivicNest prepares Form I-130. It does not prepare Form I-130A and does not submit to USCIS for you.

Common petition materials

Most filings need proof of the petitioner’s qualifying status, the correct USCIS fee, and certified translations of any foreign-language documents.

• Proof you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

  Citizens often use a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or CRBA. Lawful permanent residents typically submit both sides of the Green Card. Follow the current I-130 instructions for acceptable documents.

• USCIS filing fee

  Current G-1055 scenarios CivicNest tracks include paper $675 · online $625 (other amounts apply in some situations). CivicNest currently tracks $675 for many paper filings and $625 for many online filings. Confirm Form G-1055 before you pay. CivicNest preparation is not a USCIS filing fee.

• Certified English translations

  Any foreign-language document generally needs a complete English translation and a translator certification.

Beneficiary information

The beneficiary is the relative named on the petition. Identity and civil documents should match the names and dates you enter on Form I-130.

• Identity and civil records for the beneficiary

  A birth certificate and, where relevant, a passport biographical page help USCIS match the person named on the petition. Requirements vary by relationship.

Proof of qualifying relationship

Relationship evidence is not interchangeable. Use the spouse, child, or parent pages for relationship-specific preparation, and read the current Form I-130 instructions for your situation.

Spouse petitions

Spouse filings commonly include a civil marriage certificate, Form I-130A in the same package, evidence that the marriage is genuine, and proof that prior marriages ended when applicable. See the spouse page for detail.

• Civil marriage certificate

  A marriage license is generally not enough. Include the civil marriage certificate.

• Form I-130A for the spouse beneficiary

  USCIS wants Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, in the same package as a spousal I-130. CivicNest does not prepare I-130A.

• Evidence the marriage is genuine

  Examples can include joint leases, combined finances, children born of the marriage, photographs, and third-party affidavits. These are examples, not a universal mandatory list.

• Proof prior marriages ended, if either of you was married before

  Divorce decrees, annulments, or death certificates, as applicable.

Child petitions

Child petitions usually start with a birth certificate that shows the parent-child relationship. Stepchild and adopted-child situations generally need additional documents described in the I-130 instructions. See the child page.

• Birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship

  Stepchildren and adopted children generally need additional documents described in the I-130 instructions.

Parent petitions

Parent petitions commonly use the petitioner’s birth certificate showing the parent named on the form. Fathers and stepparents often need extra marriage or legitimation evidence under the current instructions. See the parent page.

• Your birth certificate showing the parent you are petitioning for

  Fathers and stepparents often need extra marriage or legitimation evidence. Check the current instructions for your family situation.

Sibling petitions

• Birth certificates for you and your sibling

  The records should show at least one common parent. Half-siblings may need the parents’ marriage and divorce records. Follow the current I-130 instructions.

What not everyone needs

Do not submit a spouse evidence packet for a parent petition. Do not assume photographs are required in every I-130 case. Relationship evidence follows the relative you selected on the form.

Official USCIS sources

• USCIS Form I-130
• Form I-130 instructions (PDF)
• USCIS Form I-130A
• Form I-130A instructions (PDF)
• USCIS filing fees (G-1055)