Understanding the I-130 Form: Information About Beneficiary’s Family
The I-130 Form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document in the United States immigration process. This form is specifically designed for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to sponsor a family member for immigration to the United States. The I-130 form is the initial step in uniting family members, and one of its essential sections is “Information About Beneficiary’s Family.”
The Significance of the “Information About Beneficiary’s Family” Section
The “Information About Beneficiary’s Family” section is a critical component of the I-130 form, designed to gather essential details about the beneficiary’s family. It plays a crucial role in assessing the beneficiary’s eligibility and their relationship to the petitioner. Accurate completion of this section is paramount to prevent delays or denials in the immigration process, making a clear understanding of its requirements essential.
Completing the “Information About Beneficiary’s Family” Section
The “Information About Beneficiary’s Family” section is divided into several subsections, each requiring specific details about the beneficiary’s immediate family members. These include the beneficiary’s spouse and children. The form includes spaces for up to five individuals in total, identified as “Person 1” through “Person 5.”
Person 1:
- Family Name (Last Name): Enter the last name or surname of the first family member.
- Given Name (First Name): Provide the first name or given name of this family member.
- Middle Name: If applicable, enter the middle name.
- Relationship: Specify the relationship of this family member to the beneficiary. Common examples include “spouse,” “child,” or “parent.”
- Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): Enter the family member’s date of birth in the format month/day/year.
- Country of Birth: Indicate the country where the family member was born.
Repeat these steps for each additional family member, starting with Person 2 and continuing through Person 5.
Sample Persona: A Fictitious Family from the Philippines
To illustrate how to complete the “Information About Beneficiary’s Family” section, let’s consider a fictitious family from the Philippines. This example will provide a practical demonstration of the information you should include:
Person 1:
- Family Name (Last Name): Dela Cruz
- Given Name (First Name): Maria
- Middle Name: Sofia
- Relationship: Spouse
- Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 02/15/1985
- Country of Birth: Philippines
Person 2:
- Family Name (Last Name): Dela Cruz
- Given Name (First Name): Juan
- Middle Name: Luis
- Relationship: Child
- Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 08/03/2010
- Country of Birth: Philippines
Person 3:
- Family Name (Last Name): Dela Cruz
- Given Name (First Name): Rosa
- Middle Name: Maria
- Relationship: Child
- Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 05/21/2015
- Country of Birth: Philippines
Person 4:
- Family Name (Last Name): Dela Cruz
- Given Name (First Name): Eduardo
- Middle Name: Antonio
- Relationship: Child
- Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 11/29/2019
- Country of Birth: Philippines
Person 5:
- Family Name (Last Name): Dela Cruz
- Given Name (First Name): Carlos
- Middle Name: Jose
- Relationship: Child
- Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 03/07/2022
- Country of Birth: Philippines
By following this template and providing accurate information about each family member, you can ensure a smooth and efficient completion of the “Information About Beneficiary’s Family” section.
Filing Fee Information
As you prepare your I-130 form for submission, it’s essential to be aware of the filing fee and the payment methods accepted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Filing Fee: The filing fee for the I-130 form is $535. This fee covers the cost of processing your petition and related services.
Accepted Payment Methods: You can pay the filing fee using one of the following methods:
- Money order
- Personal check
- Cashier’s check
- Credit card (using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)
If you choose to pay by check, make it payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Important Considerations:
- Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application or if you choose to withdraw your request.
- It’s crucial to use USCIS’s Fee Calculator to determine your exact fee based on your specific circumstances.
- Each filing fee must be paid separately. USCIS is transitioning to electronic processing, and combining payments for multiple forms in a single check may result in the rejection of your entire application package.
Understanding the filing fee and payment process is essential to ensure that your I-130 form submission is complete and successful.