Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is a form used in the context of family-based immigration to the United States. This form is typically filed in conjunction with Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative.” Form I-130 is used by a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to establish the qualifying familial relationship with a foreign national relative who seeks to immigrate to the U.S.
Form I-130A is specifically designed to provide additional information about the beneficiary spouse. It collects biographical information and other details about the spouse beneficiary, supplementing the information provided in Form I-130.
Who needs to file Form I-130A?
Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is typically filed by a petitioner who is submitting Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative,” on behalf of a spouse. The purpose of Form I-130A is to provide additional information about the beneficiary spouse.
The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who is sponsoring their foreign national spouse will file Form I-130 to establish the qualifying familial relationship. The beneficiary spouse is the individual for whom the Form I-130A is completed.
How to fill out Form I-130A?
The instructions for filling out immigration forms, including Form I-130A, can change, and it’s essential to refer to the most recent instructions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here is a general guide on how to fill out Form I-130A:
- Access the Form: Download the most recent version of Form I-130A from the USCIS website.
- Read the Instructions: Carefully read the instructions that accompany Form I-130A. The instructions will provide guidance on how to complete each section of the form.
- Provide Personal Information:
- Include your full legal name, address, date of birth, and other required personal information.
- Provide details about your immigration history, if applicable.
- Biographic Information:
- Include information about your physical appearance, such as height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
- Marriage Information:
- Provide details about your marital history, including information about your current spouse and any previous marriages.
- Include information about your spouse’s immigration status and history.
- Employment and Education:
- Provide information about your current and previous employment.
- Include details about your educational background.
- Travel Information:
- If applicable, provide details about your international travel history.
- Criminal History:
- Disclose any criminal history, if applicable. Provide details about any arrests, charges, or convictions.
- Sign and Date:
- Review the completed form carefully to ensure accuracy.
- Sign and date the form where required.
- Supporting Documentation:
- Include any required supporting documentation as specified in the form instructions. This may include evidence of the marital relationship, such as marriage certificates, photographs, and other relevant documents.
- Submit the Form:
- Follow the submission instructions provided by USCIS. This may involve attaching Form I-130A to Form I-130 and mailing both forms to the address specified in the instructions.
Form I-130A checklist of required documents
The specific documentation required with Form I-130A can depend on individual circumstances and the nature of the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. USCIS often updates its requirements, so it’s crucial to check the most recent instructions on the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the latest information. Below is a general checklist of documents that may be required with Form I-130A:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency:
- For U.S. citizens: A copy of a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
- For permanent residents: A copy of the green card (Form I-551) or other proof of permanent residency.
- Proof of Identity:
- A valid government-issued photo identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Marriage Certificate:
- A copy of the official marriage certificate to establish the marital relationship.
- Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable):
- If either the petitioner or beneficiary has been previously married, provide divorce certificates or death certificates as applicable.
- Passport-Style Photos:
- Passport-style photographs of the petitioner and beneficiary as specified in the form instructions.
- Evidence of a Bona Fide Marriage:
- Documents that demonstrate the authenticity of the marital relationship, such as joint bank account statements, lease agreements, utility bills, and photographs.
- Biographical Information:
- Information regarding the beneficiary’s biographical details, including education and employment history.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):
- If the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, they may need to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate that they can financially support the beneficiary.
- Payment:
- The required filing fee or a fee waiver request, as applicable.
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Any additional documents specified in the current form instructions or required based on the specific circumstances of the case.