Completing the I-130 Form: Information About Your Parents in Part 2

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plays a crucial role in the process of family-based immigration, making it possible for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to unite with their foreign national relatives. One key document in this journey is the I-130 form, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative. This form serves to establish and confirm the familial relationship between the petitioner and the foreign national relative, thereby determining eligibility for immigration benefits.

The I-130 form is comprehensive and requires meticulous attention to detail. Among its sections, the “Information About Your Parents” stands out as an essential component. This section, though seemingly straightforward, is of paramount importance in the eyes of the USCIS.

Parent 1’s Information:

• Full Name of Parent 1: This is the complete name of the first parent, including their family name (last name), given name (first name), and middle name (if applicable).
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): The birthdate of the first parent should be provided in the format month/day/year.
• Sex: Indicate the gender of the first parent (male or female).
• Country of Birth: Specify the country where the first parent was born.
• City/Town/Village of Residence: Include the name of the city, town, or village where the first parent currently resides.
• Country of Residence: This field requires information about the current country of residence for the first parent.

Parent 2’s Information:

• Full Name of Parent 2: Similar to the first parent, provide the complete name of the second parent, including their family name (last name), given name (first name), and middle name (if applicable).
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): The second parent’s birthdate should be provided in the same format, month/day/year.
• Sex: Specify the gender of the second parent (male or female).
• Country of Birth: Indicate the country where the second parent was born.
• City/Town/Village of Residence: Include the name of the city, town, or village where the second parent currently resides.
• Country of Residence: This field requires information about the current country of residence for the second parent.

Completing the Form: A Fictional Example

To better understand how to navigate the “Information About Your Parents” section of the I-130 form, let’s consider a fictional persona, Maria Silva, from Brazil. We will walk you through the process of filling out this section with the required information for both Parent 1 and Parent 2.

Introducing Maria Silva

Maria Silva is a hypothetical petitioner who resides in the United States and is seeking to sponsor her parents, who currently live in Brazil, for family-based immigration. To assist her in completing the I-130 form, we will provide detailed information about Maria’s parents, including their full names, dates of birth, gender, country of birth, and their current residence details.

Parent 1’s Information

• 24.a. Family Name (Last Name): Silva
• 24.b. Given Name (First Name): Maria
• 24.c. Middle Name: –
• 25. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 05/15/1960
• 26. Sex: Female
• 27. Country of Birth: Brazil
• 28. City/Town/Village of Residence: Rio de Janeiro
• 29. Country of Residence: United States

Parent 2’s Information

• 30.a. Family Name (Last Name): Silva
• 30.b. Given Name (First Name): João
• 30.c. Middle Name: Luiz
• 31. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 03/22/1958
• 32. Sex: Male
• 33. Country of Birth: Brazil
• 34. City/Town/Village of Residence: São Paulo
• 35. Country of Residence: Brazil

In this example, we’ve provided comprehensive information about both of Maria’s parents, in accordance with the “Information About Your Parents” section of the I-130 form. By following this example, applicants can ensure accuracy and completeness when providing details about their parents, which is essential for the successful processing of their immigration petition.

Where to File Form I-130

When filing your Form I-130 petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you have two options: online submission or mailing a paper application. The choice of filing location depends on your place of residence and whether you are concurrently filing Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Filing Your Form I-130 Online

1. The first step in the online filing process is to create an account. For detailed instructions on creating a USCIS online account, you can visit the USCIS website’s “How to Create a USCIS Online Account” page.
2. It’s important to note that you can file Form I-130 online even if your relative is in the United States and plans to submit Form I-485 by mail. After submitting your Form I-130 online, USCIS will send a receipt notice to your USCIS online account. You should provide a copy of this receipt notice to your relative for inclusion in their Form I-485 packet.
3. Please be aware that you cannot file your Form I-130 online if you are applying for a fee waiver.
4. Also, online filing for Form I-485 and Form I-129F is not currently available. Refer to the specific form instructions for proper completion and submission guidelines. USCIS only accepts and adjudicates forms that have been correctly filed. Form I-485 and I-129F filed online will not be accepted or adjudicated as supporting evidence for an online-filed Form I-130.

Filing Your Form I-130 By Mail

1. If you reside in the United States, your filing location for Form I-130 depends on your place of residence and whether your relative is concurrently filing Form I-485. Options include the Chicago, Dallas, Elgin, or Phoenix Lockbox facilities. For detailed addresses, you can refer to the USCIS “Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-130” page.
2. If you reside outside of the United States, you have several options:
   • File at the USCIS Elgin Lockbox. Refer to the USCIS “Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-130” page for the appropriate address.
   • File online using the USCIS website.
   • Request to file at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in limited circumstances as described in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part B, Chapter 3. This option is available to U.S. citizens filing Form I-130 for immediate relatives (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent if you are 21 or older). For a list of U.S. Embassies and Consulates, visit the Department of State’s website.