Form I-130A is a supplemental form that is used in conjunction with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Form I-130 is used to establish the qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) and a foreign national who wishes to immigrate to the United States as their relative. The purpose of Form I-130A is to provide additional biographic information about the beneficiary (the foreign national) who is the intended recipient of the immigration benefits sought through Form I-130.
Form I-130A typically requests information such as the beneficiary’s name, address, date of birth, marital status, employment history, and other relevant personal details. This form helps U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the identity and background of the beneficiary and to ensure that they are eligible for the immigration benefits requested.
Form I-130 and Form I-130A are often filed together by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioner on behalf of their qualifying relative as part of the family-based immigration process. It’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided by USCIS and to ensure that both forms are completed accurately and submitted with the required supporting documents and fees. Keep in mind that immigration forms and requirements may change over time, so it’s advisable to check the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information.
Who is required to file Form I-130A?
Form I-130A is typically required to be filed by the beneficiary of a family-based immigrant visa petition when the petitioner is submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. In other words, the beneficiary, who is the foreign national seeking to immigrate to the United States, is the one who should complete and submit Form I-130A.
The purpose of Form I-130A is to provide additional biographical information about the beneficiary to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form helps USCIS verify the identity and background of the beneficiary and ensures that they meet the eligibility requirements for the immigration benefits sought through Form I-130.
It’s important to note that Form I-130A is not required for all family-based immigration petitions. The specific instructions and requirements can vary depending on the type of family relationship and the immigrant category under which the beneficiary is applying. Therefore, it’s essential to review the current USCIS instructions and guidelines for the specific family-based immigration category to determine if Form I-130A is required in your particular case.
Additionally, immigration laws and regulations can change over time, so it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or visit the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and guidance on the immigration process.
How to fill out Form I-130A
Filling out Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, or Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Child Beneficiary, involves providing detailed biographic information about the beneficiary (spouse or child) of a family-based immigrant visa petition. Here are the general steps to fill out Form I-130A:
- Download the Form: You can find the most up-to-date version of Form I-130A on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Download and print the form.
- Read the Instructions: Before you begin, carefully read the instructions provided with the form. The instructions will provide important guidance on how to complete the form and what supporting documentation you may need.
- Section 1: Personal Information a. Beneficiary’s Full Name: Provide the beneficiary’s full legal name. b. A-Number (if any): If the beneficiary has an A-Number (Alien Registration Number), provide it here. c. USCIS Online Account Number (if any): If the beneficiary has a USCIS online account, provide the account number, if applicable.
- Section 2: Information About You a. Relationship to the Petitioner: Indicate the beneficiary’s relationship to the petitioner (e.g., spouse or child). b. Current Immigration Status: Provide information about the beneficiary’s current immigration status, if any. c. Current Address: Enter the beneficiary’s current address.
- Section 3: Biographic Information a. Date of Birth: Provide the beneficiary’s date of birth. b. Place of Birth: Indicate the city or town, state or province, and country of birth. c. Gender: Mark the appropriate box for the beneficiary’s gender. d. Marital Status: Indicate the beneficiary’s current marital status (e.g., single, married, divorced, etc.). e. Social Security Number (if any): If the beneficiary has a Social Security Number, provide it here. f. USCIS Online Account Number (if any): If the beneficiary has a USCIS online account, provide the account number, if applicable.
- Section 4: Other Information a. Provide any other requested information, such as the beneficiary’s physical address, mailing address, and information related to previous immigration applications or petitions.
- Signature and Date: The beneficiary must sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is true and accurate.
- Interpreter’s Contact Information: If the beneficiary used an interpreter to assist in completing the form, the interpreter should provide their contact information and sign the form.
- Contact Information: Provide the beneficiary’s contact information, including their daytime phone number and email address (if applicable).
- Filing Location: Refer to the USCIS website or the Form I-130 instructions for the appropriate filing address. The filing location may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
- Supporting Documents: Include any required supporting documents as specified in the form instructions. This may include copies of identification documents, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other relevant documents.
- Filing Fee: Pay the required filing fee (if applicable). Check the USCIS website for the current fee amount and payment instructions.
