Understanding the I-130 Form: Additional Information About Beneficiary in Part 4

Introduction

The United States immigration system is known for its complexities and rigorous procedures, requiring individuals to navigate through a series of forms and documents to petition for family members’ immigration. Among these forms, the I-130, officially titled the “Petition for Alien Relative,” holds significant importance. This document serves as the initial step in bringing family members, such as spouses, parents, children, and siblings, to the United States.

At the core of the I-130 form lies a section that plays a pivotal role in the application process, the “Additional Information About Beneficiary.” In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this section, shedding light on why it is essential to complete it with precision and attention to detail. Moreover, we will guide you through the specific questions within this section: Question 53, Question 54, Question 55.a, Question 55.b, and Question 56.

For your convenience, it’s vital to note that the information provided here pertains to the edition of the I-130 form dated 07/20/21. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions. Ensuring you use the correct edition of the form is of utmost importance, as any inconsistencies or the use of an outdated form may lead to complications in the processing of your immigration petition.

Understanding Question 53-56

The “Additional Information About Beneficiary” section, located within Part 4 of the I-130 form, is designed to gather crucial information about the beneficiary of the immigration petition. This section includes several key questions:

Question 53: Was the beneficiary EVER in immigration proceedings? Yes or No

This is the initial question that sets the tone for the subsequent questions in this section. It seeks to determine whether the beneficiary has had any prior involvement with immigration proceedings. Your response to this question will significantly impact the documentation required and the scrutiny your case may undergo.

Question 54: If you answered ‘Yes,’ select the type of proceedings and provide the location and date of the proceedings.

If you answered ‘Yes’ to Question 53, you must specify the type of immigration proceedings in which the beneficiary was involved. There are four options to choose from: Removal, Exclusion/Deportation, Rescission, and Other Judicial Proceedings. Select the option that accurately represents the beneficiary’s situation.

Question 55.a: City or Town

This part of the form collects basic information about the beneficiary’s residence. You are required to provide the city or town in which the beneficiary resides. This data aids in processing the petition and establishing the beneficiary’s geographic location.

Question 55.b: State

Accompanying the previous question is Question 55.b, which pertains to the beneficiary’s state of residence. This information complements the city or town details, providing a comprehensive overview of the beneficiary’s location within the United States.

Question 56: Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Lastly, Question 56 seeks the date (in mm/dd/yyyy format) when the beneficiary began residing in the United States. This information is significant for establishing the beneficiary’s period of residence within the country.

Each of these questions holds its unique importance within the immigration process. Inaccurate or incomplete responses may lead to delays, requests for additional evidence, or even the rejection of your immigration petition.

Providing a Fictitious Example

To better illustrate the practical application of the “Additional Information About Beneficiary” section in the I-130 form, let’s create a fictitious persona from India who is seeking to immigrate to the United States. We’ll populate the form with this fictitious individual’s responses to questions 53-56 and include a sample response for each question.

Fictitious Persona:

• Name: Priya Patel
• Country of Origin: India
• Relationship to Petitioner: Spouse
• Edition Date: 07/20/21

Now, let’s proceed to fill out the relevant questions:

Question 53: Was the beneficiary EVER in immigration proceedings?

• Sample Response: Yes

Question 54: If you answered ‘Yes,’ select the type of proceedings and provide the location and date of the proceedings.

• Sample Response: Exclusion/Deportation

Question 55.a: City or Town

• Sample Response: New Delhi

Question 55.b: State

• Sample Response: Blank

Question 56: Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

• Sample Response: 05/10/2018

In this example, Priya Patel, our fictitious beneficiary from India, has been involved in immigration proceedings, specifically an “Adjustment of Status” proceeding in New York City, NY, on 03/15/2019. She currently resides in New Delhi, Delhi, and started living in the United States on 05/10/2018.

The edition date of the form, 07/20/21, is clearly indicated at the bottom of the page, as instructed. Ensuring that the edition date is visible and matches all pages of the form is essential for a successful immigration application.

This fictitious example illustrates how the “Additional Information About Beneficiary” section is filled out within the I-130 form. Remember that when completing this section for a real immigration case, accuracy and transparency are of utmost importance. Inaccurate information can lead to complications in the immigration process.