Form I-130A, officially titled “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is a supplementary form used in conjunction with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which is used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish the relationship to certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. The purpose of Form I-130A is to provide additional biographical information about the beneficiary spouse (the foreign national seeking to immigrate to the U.S.) to support the I-130 petition.
The form collects details such as the beneficiary spouse’s contact information, address history, employment history, and other biographical details. It helps the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assess the legitimacy of the marital relationship and the eligibility of the beneficiary spouse for immigration benefits. Form I-130A is typically filed along with Form I-130, although there may be exceptions depending on individual circumstances or USCIS instructions.
How to complete Form I-130A
To complete Form I-130A, follow these general steps:
- Download the Form: You can download Form I-130A from the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Read the Instructions: Before filling out the form, carefully read the instructions provided by USCIS. This will help you understand each section of the form and ensure that you provide accurate information.
- Provide Biographical Information: Fill out the form with the beneficiary spouse’s biographical information, including their full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and Social Security Number (if applicable).
- Address History: Provide details of the beneficiary spouse’s address history for the past five years, including the dates they lived at each address.
- Employment History: List the beneficiary spouse’s employment history for the past five years, including the name and address of each employer, job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of duties.
- Additional Information: Answer any additional questions on the form, such as whether the beneficiary spouse has ever been in removal proceedings, whether they have previously applied for immigration benefits, etc.
- Certification: Sign and date the form. If the beneficiary spouse is unable to sign the form due to a physical disability or age, someone else may sign on their behalf, but they must indicate the reason why the beneficiary spouse could not sign.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Along with Form I-130A, you may need to submit supporting documents, such as copies of the beneficiary spouse’s passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. Refer to the instructions for Form I-130 for a list of required documents.
- Submit the Form: Once you have completed the form and gathered all necessary documents, submit them according to the instructions provided by USCIS. This may involve mailing the form and documents to the appropriate USCIS address or submitting them electronically, depending on the specific instructions provided for your case.
- Keep Copies for Your Records: Make copies of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records before submitting them to USCIS.
It’s essential to ensure that all information provided on Form I-130A is accurate and up-to-date. If you have any questions or concerns about completing the form, you may consider seeking assistance from an immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Form I-130 instructions
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish the relationship to certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. Below are general instructions for completing Form I-130:
- Download the Form: Obtain Form I-130 from the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Read the Instructions: Before filling out the form, carefully read the instructions provided by USCIS. The instructions will provide guidance on who can file Form I-130, where to file, and what supporting documents are required.
- Complete the Petition: Fill out the petition accurately and completely. Provide information about yourself (the petitioner), including your name, address, date of birth, and citizenship or immigration status.
- Provide Information about the Beneficiary: Include information about the beneficiary (the relative seeking to immigrate to the U.S.), such as their full name, date of birth, place of birth, and relationship to you (the petitioner).
- Provide Information about the Relationship: Describe the nature of your relationship with the beneficiary, including how and when you met, details about your marriage or familial relationship, and any other relevant information that establishes the relationship.
- Provide Information about Previous Marriages: If either you or the beneficiary have been previously married, provide details about those marriages, including dates, locations, and how they ended (e.g., divorce, annulment, death).
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect supporting documents to submit with Form I-130. These may include copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and any other documents requested in the instructions.
- Sign and Date the Form: Sign and date Form I-130. If you are filling out the form on behalf of someone else (e.g., a minor child), you must sign as the preparer and provide your contact information.
- Submit the Form and Supporting Documents: Follow the instructions provided by USCIS for submitting Form I-130 and supporting documents. This may involve mailing the documents to the appropriate USCIS address or submitting them electronically, depending on the specific instructions for your case.
- Keep Copies for Your Records: Make copies of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records before submitting them to USCIS.
It’s essential to ensure that all information provided on Form I-130 is accurate and up-to-date. If you have any questions or concerns about completing the form, you may consider seeking assistance from an immigration attorney or accredited representative. Additionally, USCIS periodically updates its forms and instructions, so always refer to the most current version available on their website.
