Do I need a lawyer to file I-130?

In general, hiring a lawyer is not necessary to file the I-130 form, but doing so can increase your chances of success by ensuring that your application is prepared and submitted correctly. The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is a critical step in obtaining a green card for a foreign national relative.

Can we file I-130 without attorney?

Yes, it is possible to complete the process without legal representation. However, the complexities of immigration law and the importance of family reunification make seeking professional guidance essential for many individuals and families.

Is it better to file I-130 online or in person?

Form I-130 can be filed through the mail or online by registering for an account on the USCIS website, submitting all supporting documents, and responding to evidence requests. Nevertheless, although this may be more convenient, it does not affect the processing time for your submission, which may take over a year.

How much does an I-130 cost?

The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. The filing fee for this petition cannot be waived.

Can an immigration lawyer speed up I-130?

Yes, they can! Experienced immigration attorneys can help you avoid common mistakes, submit all necessary documents correctly, and anticipate potential wait times based on your country of origin. Don't let bureaucratic backlog slow you down.

Better to file I-130 online or on paper?

How can I get I-130 approved fast?

How long does it take to get the I-130 approved in 2023?

Form I-130 (officially called the “Petition for Alien Relative”): When the sponsor is a U.S. citizen (known as the CR1 visa) is 11.9 months. When the sponsor is a green card holder (known as the F2A visa) is: 25 months.

Can I file I-130 myself?

The first step is to create an account. To learn more, visit our How to Create a USCIS Online Account page. You can file Form I-130 online even if your relative is in the United States and will file Form I-485 by mail. Once you submit your Form I-130 online, we will send a receipt notice to your USCIS online account.

Does I-130 require an interview?

For family-based applications, USCIS generally requires the Form I-130 petitioner to appear for the interview with the principal adjustment of status applicant. In addition, derivatives are also required to appear regardless of the filing category.

How long do I have to wait after my I-130 is approved?

After approval of the I-130, USCIS sends the case to the Department of State, National Visa Center. It can take 3 to up to 8 weeks for it to get to NVC. After NVC receives the case, it issues a welcome email with the case ID number and invoice ID number.

What documents do I need to send with I-130?

Do I need to submit photos with I-130?

Each I-130 must be accompanied by one your photo and one photo of the person you petition for immigration. Each I-485 must be accompanied by 2 photos of the person applying for the green card. Each I-765 must be accompanied by 2 photos of the person applying for the work permit.

How much is the fee for I-130 in 2023?

Currently, the biometrics is $725; the increase would be $35 to $760. Also, the I-130, the petition for alien relative (the form used to file for a family member or spouse), has a current fee of $535, a proposed fee of $710 online, and $810 if you file by paper.

Can USCIS approve I-130 without interview?

Yes, it is possible to be approved for an I-130 without an interview. Many I-130 petitions are approved with an interview waiver. However, whether or not an interview is required is ultimately up to the USCIS officer reviewing the petition.

Who Cannot file an I-130?

No one can file an I-130 on behalf of an aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, in-law relative or grandparent.

What is the next step after I-130 approval for spouse 2023?

If your I-130 Petition is approved, this means that USCIS agrees that your spouse qualifies for a green card. The next step is to apply either for an Adjustment of Status, if your spouse is within the US, or for an Immigrant Visa from a US consulate overseas.

Which gets approved first I-130 or I-485?

In most cases, you must wait until I-130 approval before filing an I-485 application. However, there are two exceptions to this rule: Concurrent filing is allowed for all immediate relatives of U.S. citizens because there is an unlimited number of visas for this group; and.

Are I-130 and i485 approved together?

When the foreign husband or wife is present in the United States, it is often possible to file the I-130 and the I-485 at the same time (a process known as “concurrent filing”).

Does USCIS do background check I-130?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs criminal background checks on U.S. petitioners in such cases, to find out whether the FBI, sex offender registries, or a related agency have a record of any crimes.

What is the longest processing time for I-130?

- The processing time for U.S. citizens filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 13-54.5 months. - The processing time for legal permanent residents filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 32-67.5 months.

Is USCIS moving faster in 2023?

As cycle times improve, processing times will follow, and applicants and petitioners will receive decisions on their cases more quickly. USCIS will increase capacity, improve technology, and expand staffing to achieve these new goals by the end of FY 2023.

How long does it take USCIS to make a decision on I-130?

For a spouse of a U.S. lawful permanent resident, the processing time of Form I-130 takes between 14 and 37 months. Because every case is different, some I-130 forms may take longer to resolve than others. Typically, USCIS handles the cases in the order they are received.

Can I travel while waiting for I-130 approval?

The answer is yes, but there are essential guidelines and evidence required to ensure you maintain non-immigrant intent during your travels. We explain the process of entering the U.S. as a visitor with a pending or approved I-130 petition here.

What happens after submitting I-130?

Within two to three weeks after you file, the USCIS will send you written notification that they have received your I-130 petition. In addition, a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, will arrive in the mail, providing you with a receipt number you can use online to check your case status.

Which state is easy to get green card?

In the fiscal year of 2021, about 135,181 people who obtained legal permanent resident status in the United States, otherwise known as green card recipients, lived in California. Florida, Texas, New York, and New Jersey rounded out the top five states for green card recipients in that year.