Petition for Alien Relative

Are you filing with an attorney or accredited representative who has signed Form G-28?. Select No if you are filing pro se (without a lawyer). Most pro se petitioners do.

• Pro se filers leave unchecked. If you have an attorney or accredited representative, file Form G-28 with this petition.
• Notarios cannot file G-28; they are not licensed to represent before USCIS.

Volag number (if your representative is from a recognized non-profit, otherwise leave blank). A four-digit number issued to recognized non-profit immigration legal-aid organizations. Pro se filers leave this blank.

• Only filled for accredited representatives at recognized organizations (BIA-recognized voluntary agencies).
• Pro se filers and attorneys leave blank.

Attorney state bar number (if applicable). Your attorney's state bar number, if represented. Pro se filers leave this blank.

• Attorney's state bar number; pro se filers and accredited representatives leave blank.
• Use the bar number for the state where the attorney is admitted to practice.

Attorney's USCIS Online Account Number (if any). Your attorney's USCIS Online Account Number (not yours). Pro se filers leave this blank.

• 12 digits if the attorney has a myUSCIS account; otherwise leave blank.
• Different from the attorney's bar number; this is a USCIS-specific identifier.

The single most consequential field on the form. Drives the visa category, eligibility for adjustment of status, and the wait time. U.S. citizens can file for spouse, parent, brother or sister, and child (married or unmarried). LPRs can only file for spouse and unmarried child or son or daughter (categories F2A and F2B).

• LPR petitioning for sibling: USCIS denies. Only U.S. citizens can file for siblings under INA 203(a)(4).
• LPR petitioning for parent: USCIS denies. Only U.S. citizens 21+ can file for parents under INA 201(b).
• Selecting Brother / Sister when the relationship is a half-sibling without confirming parent overlap; USCIS may deny if the half-sibling tie is through a non-shared step-parent.

If you are filing for your child or your parent, which best describes the relationship?. Required only when relationship is parent or child. Stepchild relationships require the marriage that created the step-relationship to have occurred before the child's 18th birthday. Adopted-child relationships require the adoption to have been finalized before the child's 16th birthday (or 18th for siblings of an adopted child) and two years of legal custody plus two years of joint residence.

• Required only when the relationship is child / parent. Pick the precise type (born to married parents, born to unmarried parents, adopted, stepchild, etc.) because each has different evidence requirements under 8 CFR 204.2(d).
• Filers picking 'biological child' for an adopted child fails because the legal relationship for I-130 is the adoption, not biology.

If the beneficiary is your brother or sister, are you related by adoption?. Required only when relationship is brother or sister. Yes if you and your sibling share an adoptive parent rather than a biological parent.

• Yes if the sibling relationship was created by adoption; the adoption order documents the relationship for I-130.
• Half-siblings (sharing one biological parent) are not 'related by adoption' even if step-relationships exist.

Did you gain lawful permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship through adoption?. Important when you are petitioning for a biological parent or sibling. Once you gain LPR or citizenship through adoption you generally cannot petition for biological relatives, with narrow exceptions (immediate relatives in some cases).

• If the petitioner became a U.S. citizen or LPR through adoption (not birth), there are special evidentiary rules at 8 CFR 204.2(d)(2)(iv); attach adoption order + naturalization documents.
• Adoption-acquired status creates lifetime restrictions on petitioning the natural parents.

Required for LPR petitioners; optional for citizen petitioners (only if you have an A-Number from a prior immigration matter).

• Inventing an A-Number when none exists triggers an RFE and 60-90 day delay.
• Mistyping the A-Number (e.g. transposing digits) causes USCIS to fail to match the petitioner's A-File and pause the case.

Your USCIS Online Account Number, if any. If you have a USCIS Online Account, your 12-digit Online Account Number is in the upper-left corner of your account dashboard. Pro se filers without an account leave this blank.

• 12 digits from the myUSCIS dashboard; not the A-Number or receipt number.
• Pro se filers without a myUSCIS account leave blank.

Your U.S. Social Security Number, if any. If you have an SSN, enter it. If you have never had one (e.g. you are an LPR who filed without work authorization), leave blank. Do not enter a fake or expired number.

• Typing the ITIN instead of the SSN; USCIS treats them differently and an ITIN can suggest the petitioner has not been work-authorized.

Petitioner's full legal last name as it appears on the most recent U.S. government identity document.

• Spelling differs from passport / green card / naturalization certificate. USCIS rejects when the name on the form does not match the supporting evidence.

Petitioner's full legal first name.

• Petitioner given name: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Your Middle Name (if any). Leave blank if you do not have a middle name. If you have multiple middle names, list them in the order they appear on your identity document.

• Petitioner middle name: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Other family name you have used (maiden name, alias, prior married name; leave blank if none). List the family-name version you have used most often besides your current legal name. If you have used more than one other name, the first one goes here; additional aliases go in Part 9 Additional Information.

• List maiden name and any prior married names; aliases used in any prior immigration filing must appear here.
• Filers omit transliterations of the same name (e.g., 'Yusef' on visa, 'Yousef' on passport); list both spellings.

Other given name you have used (leave blank if none). Pair this with petitioner_other_family_name. If you have only ever changed your last name (e.g. through marriage), leave this blank.

• Other given names you have used (nicknames adopted on documents, religious names, transliteration variants).

Other middle name you have used (leave blank if none). Same logic as the other family and given name fields.

• Other middle names; blank if none.

City, town, or village of birth. Use the place name as it appears on your birth certificate. Use the current name if the city has been renamed since your birth (e.g. Mumbai, not Bombay).

• City as on your birth certificate; if your country uses villages or districts, write the closest equivalent.
• Some birth certificates list only the country and region; in that case write the region and explain in Part 9 (additional information).

Country of birth. Use the country's current name. If the country no longer exists, use its current successor (e.g. write Russia for someone born in the Soviet Union, Slovakia or Czech Republic for someone born in Czechoslovakia).

• Use the country name as it existed when you were born (e.g., 'Soviet Union' for someone born in 1985 Ukraine, with explanation if relevant).
• Stateless petitioners write the country of habitual residence at birth and 'Stateless' in Part 9.

Petitioner's date of birth.

• Use MM/DD/YYYY (U.S. format), even if your birth certificate uses DD/MM/YYYY.
• Match the date on your most authoritative identity document; corrections later require evidence.

Petitioner's sex.

• Pick from listed options; the choice is biographic.
• If you have changed your gender marker, list the current marker and attach supporting documentation.

Mailing address: in care of name (if mail is sent to you through someone else). Use this when you receive mail at a friend or family member's address. Leave blank if your mail is addressed directly to you.

• Use 'in care of' (c/o) when mail goes to a third party (attorney, family, sponsor); list their name.
• Without c/o, mail addressed only to your name at the third party's address may be returned.

Mailing address: street number and name. Where USCIS will send all mail about this petition. Use a U.S. address you actually receive mail at; mail forwarding is unreliable for USCIS notices.

• Petitioner mailing: U.S. street addresses need full number + name; do not abbreviate.
• Petitioner mailing: list the actual street, not a P.O. Box for residential / physical address fields.

Mailing address: unit type (Apt / Ste / Flr). Pick one only if your address has a unit, suite, or floor number. Leave blank for single-family homes.

• Petitioner mailing: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Mailing address: unit number (if any). The number that goes with your Apt/Ste/Flr selection. Leave blank if you do not have a unit number.

• Petitioner mailing: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Mailing address: city or town.

• Petitioner mailing: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Mailing address: state (USPS two-letter abbreviation). Required for U.S. addresses; leave blank for foreign mailing addresses (use province and country instead).

• Petitioner mailing: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Mailing address: ZIP code. 5-digit U.S. ZIP. Leave blank for foreign mailing addresses.

• Petitioner mailing: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Mailing address: province (foreign address only).

• Petitioner mailing: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Mailing address: postal code (foreign address only).

• Petitioner mailing: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Mailing address: country.

• Petitioner mailing: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Is your mailing address the same as your current physical address?. Pick Yes if you live at your mailing address. Pick No if your mail goes one place but you actually live somewhere else (P.O. box, parents' house, attorney's office). If you pick No, fill out items 12-13 with your current physical address.

• If yes, leave the physical-address block blank; if no, fill in the physical address.
• Filers list both the same address twice; use the 'same as' checkbox instead.

Physical address 1 (current physical address): street number and name. Required only if you answered No to item 11 (mailing address differs from physical). USCIS uses this to confirm jurisdiction and may schedule a biometrics appointment near it.

• Listing a P.O. box. The 5-year physical address history rejects P.O. boxes; use the actual residence.

Physical address 1: unit type.

• Petitioner physical addr 1: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Physical address 1: unit number.

• Petitioner physical addr 1: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Physical address 1: city or town.

• Petitioner physical addr 1: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Physical address 1: state.

• Petitioner physical addr 1: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Physical address 1: ZIP code.

• Petitioner physical addr 1: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Physical address 1: province (foreign only).

• Petitioner physical addr 1: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Physical address 1: postal code (foreign only).

• Petitioner physical addr 1: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Physical address 1: country.

• Petitioner physical addr 1: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Physical address 1: date from. When you started living at this address. Format mm/dd/yyyy.

• Date you started living at this address (MM/DD/YYYY).
• If you are unsure of the exact day, use the 1st of the month.

Physical address 1: date to (leave blank or write PRESENT if current). If this is your current address, the form text says PRESENT. Format mm/dd/yyyy otherwise.

• Date you left this address; 'Present' if you still live there.

Physical address 2 (prior physical address within last 5 years): street number and name. If you have lived at your current address for less than 5 years, list your prior address here. If your full 5-year history needs more than 2 rows, list additional addresses in Part 9 Additional Information.

• Listing a P.O. box. The 5-year physical address history rejects P.O. boxes; use the actual residence.

Physical address 2: unit type.

• Petitioner physical addr 2: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Physical address 2: unit number.

• Petitioner physical addr 2: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Physical address 2: city or town.

• Petitioner physical addr 2: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Physical address 2: state.

• Petitioner physical addr 2: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Physical address 2: ZIP code.

• Petitioner physical addr 2: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Physical address 2: province (foreign only).

• Petitioner physical addr 2: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Physical address 2: postal code (foreign only).

• Petitioner physical addr 2: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Physical address 2: country.

• Petitioner physical addr 2: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Physical address 2: date from.

• Prior physical address: date you started living there.

Physical address 2: date to.

• Prior physical address: date you left.

How many times have you been married (including the current marriage if any)?. A whole number. Count every legal marriage including any that ended in divorce, annulment, or your spouse's death. If never married, enter 0.

• Count all marriages including current; if you are on your second marriage, write 2.
• Religious-only marriages may or may not count depending on the laws of the country where formed.

Your current marital status. Pick exactly one. If you are filing a spouse petition (relationship_type = spouse) you must be Married. If your prior marriage ended via divorce, annulment, or your spouse's death, USCIS needs the official document with the petition.

• Match the legal status; legal separation is still 'married' for I-130 purposes.
• Annulled marriages are not 'divorced' but 'annulled'; pick the closest option and explain in Part 9 if needed.

Date of your current marriage (if currently married). Format mm/dd/yyyy. Match the marriage certificate. Required when relationship_type is spouse and marital_status is married.

• Estimating the marriage date instead of copying from the marriage certificate; USCIS cross-checks against the certificate at interview.

Place of current marriage: city or town.

• City where current marriage was registered.

Place of current marriage: state.

• State or province of current marriage; blank if abroad.

Place of current marriage: province (foreign only).

• Province for non-U.S. marriages.

Place of current marriage: country.

• Country where current marriage was registered.

Spouse 1: family name (current spouse if married, otherwise most recent prior spouse). Item 20a. Provide your current spouse first if currently married, otherwise your most recent prior spouse. Match the spelling on the marriage certificate or divorce decree.

• Spouse 1 / current spouse family name: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Spouse 1 / current spouse family name: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Spouse 1: given name.

• Spouse 1 / current spouse given name: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Spouse 1: middle name.

• Spouse 1 / current spouse middle name: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Spouse 1: date marriage ended (if applicable). Item 21. The date your divorce was finalized, the marriage was annulled, or your spouse died. Leave blank if you are still married to Spouse 1. Format mm/dd/yyyy.

• Leaving blank when a prior marriage ended; USCIS RFEs because the petitioner appears to be in two marriages at once.

Spouse 2: family name (an additional prior spouse, if any). Item 22a. Use this only if you have had two or more spouses. If you have had three or more, list the additional spouses in Part 9 Additional Information.

• Spouse 2 / prior spouse family name: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Spouse 2 / prior spouse family name: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Spouse 2: given name.

• Spouse 2 / prior spouse given name: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Spouse 2: middle name.

• Spouse 2 / prior spouse middle name: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Spouse 2: date marriage ended.

• Leaving blank when a prior marriage ended; USCIS RFEs because the petitioner appears to be in two marriages at once.

Parent 1: family name. Item 24a. List your biological or legal parent. If you were adopted, list your adoptive parents here. If a parent is unknown or deceased, write the name as it appears on your birth certificate or write 'Unknown'.

• Parent 1 family name: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Parent 1 family name: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Parent 1: given name.

• Parent 1 given name: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Parent 1: middle name.

• Parent 1 middle name: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Parent 1: date of birth.

• Parent 1 date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY); estimate if unknown.

Parent 1: sex.

• Parent 1 sex; choice.

Parent 1: country of birth.

• Parent 1 country of birth; the country at the time of their birth.

Parent 1: current city, town, or village of residence (or last known if deceased).

• Parent 1 current city of residence; if deceased, write 'Deceased' here.

Parent 1: current country of residence (or last known if deceased).

• Parent 1 current country of residence.

Parent 2: family name.

• Parent 2 family name: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Parent 2 family name: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Parent 2: given name.

• Parent 2 given name: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Parent 2: middle name.

• Parent 2 middle name: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Parent 2: date of birth.

• Parent 2 date of birth.

Parent 2: sex.

• Parent 2 sex; choice.

Parent 2: country of birth.

• Parent 2 country of birth.

Parent 2: current city, town, or village of residence.

• Parent 2 current city of residence; 'Deceased' if applicable.

Parent 2: current country of residence.

• Parent 2 current country.

U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Drives which beneficiary categories are eligible.

• Pick U.S. citizen or LPR; LPRs cannot petition for siblings or married children, only spouses and unmarried children.
• Conditional residents (CR1/IR1 with conditions) can petition; the condition does not bar petitioning.

If a U.S. citizen, how was your citizenship acquired? (item 37 is not fillable on the PDF; mark by hand on the printed form). Item 37 has no AcroForm checkboxes in the 04/01/24 edition; we surface the question here for completeness, but you must mark the correct box by hand on the printed form before mailing. Pick birth_in_us if you were born inside U.S. territory; naturalization if you naturalized as an adult; parents if you acquired or derived citizenship through a parent under INA 301, 320, or 322.

• Birth in the U.S., birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent, or naturalization. Pick the actual route.
• Derivation through a parent's naturalization while you were under 18 (CCA 2000) is 'naturalization' for this question.

Yes if petitioner is a citizen who naturalized or derived / acquired citizenship through a parent and holds the certificate. No for born-in-the-U.S. citizens.

• Yes if you have a Certificate of Naturalization (N-550) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561).
• U.S. passport is evidence of citizenship but is not 'a certificate' for this question; check 'no' if you have only a passport.

Number on the Naturalization Certificate (N-550 / N-570) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 / N-561).

• 8-digit number on the upper-right of N-550 / N-560 / N-561.
• Filers omit leading zeros; preserve them.

Place of issuance of certificate. Item 39b. City and state of the USCIS field office where the certificate was issued.

• USCIS field office (city + state) where the certificate was issued.

Date of issuance of certificate. Item 39c. Date on the certificate (mm/dd/yyyy).

• Date on the certificate (MM/DD/YYYY).

LPR category code on the green card (e.g. IR1, F2A, EB-1).

• LPR class code from the green card or I-485 approval (e.g., 'IR1', 'CR1', 'F2A', 'EB-1').
• Filers write 'LPR' or 'permanent resident'; use the specific code.

Resident-since date on the green card.

• Date you became an LPR (the 'Resident Since' date on the green card).
• Different from the date you were admitted to the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa.

Place of admission: city or town.

• City of LPR admission (port of entry for consular cases; USCIS field office for adjustment of status).

Place of admission: state.

• State of LPR admission.

Yes if petitioner gained LPR status through a prior marriage; triggers INA 204(a)(2)(A) bona-fide-marriage scrutiny if now petitioning a different spouse.

• Petitioner married, divorced, and re-married within 5 years and now petitions the new spouse: USCIS may require evidence the prior marriage was bona fide before approving.

Current employer or 'Unemployed'. USCIS uses to track residency.

• Most recent employer's legal name; if self-employed, write 'Self-employed' + business name.
• If unemployed, leave the row blank and explain in Part 9.

Employer 1: street number and name.

• Listing an unaffiliated address (e.g. headquarters). Use the actual worksite or report Self-Employed if there is no employer.

Employer 1: unit type.

• Petitioner employer 1: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Employer 1: unit number.

• Petitioner employer 1: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Employer 1: city or town.

• Petitioner employer 1: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Employer 1: state.

• Petitioner employer 1: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Employer 1: ZIP code.

• Petitioner employer 1: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Employer 1: province (foreign only).

• Petitioner employer 1: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Employer 1: postal code (foreign only).

• Petitioner employer 1: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Employer 1: country.

• Petitioner employer 1: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Employer 1: your occupation. Item 44. Your job title or occupation at this employer. If self-employed, write 'Self-employed' and the type of work.

• Specific role (e.g., 'software engineer', 'restaurant server'); 'employee' is too vague.

Employer 1: date from.

• Date you started this job (MM/DD/YYYY).

Employer 1: date to (leave blank or write PRESENT if current).

• Date you left; 'Present' if current job.

Employer 2: name of prior employer or company (if any in last 5 years). Item 46. Required if you have had a prior employer within the last 5 years. Additional prior employers go in Part 9 Additional Information.

• Prior employer's legal name; the form covers 5-year employment history.
• Self-employment, gig work, and contract work all count; describe them with specifics.

Employer 2: street number and name.

• Listing an unaffiliated address (e.g. headquarters). Use the actual worksite or report Self-Employed if there is no employer.

Employer 2: unit type.

• Petitioner employer 2: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Employer 2: unit number.

• Petitioner employer 2: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Employer 2: city or town.

• Petitioner employer 2: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Employer 2: state.

• Petitioner employer 2: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Employer 2: ZIP code.

• Petitioner employer 2: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Employer 2: province (foreign only).

• Petitioner employer 2: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Employer 2: postal code (foreign only).

• Petitioner employer 2: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Employer 2: country.

• Petitioner employer 2: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Employer 2: your occupation.

• Specific role at prior employer.

Employer 2: date from.

• Date prior job started.

Employer 2: date to.

• Date prior job ended.

Ethnicity. USCIS collects this for federal demographic reporting. Hispanic or Latino is anyone of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.

• Hispanic / Latino or Not Hispanic / Latino (the form follows the federal OMB format).
• If you are not sure, pick 'Not Hispanic / Latino'.

Race: White. Select all that apply. White, Asian, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

• Multi-select with race columns; check all that apply.

Race: Asian.

• Multi-select; check all that apply.

Race: Black or African American.

• Multi-select; check all that apply.

Race: American Indian or Alaska Native.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Race: Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

• Multi-select; check all that apply.

Height: feet. Single digit (4-7).

• U.S. customary units; convert from cm/m if needed (1 m = 3.28 ft).
• Round down to whole feet; the form has a separate inches box.

Height: inches. Two-digit number (00-11).

• 0-11 inches additional height beyond whole feet.

Weight (pounds, three digits). Three single-digit boxes; pad with leading zero if needed (e.g. 095 for 95 lbs).

• Convert kg to pounds (1 kg = 2.205 lb); round to whole pounds.

Eye color.

• Pick from listed options on the form; 'hazel', 'green', 'blue', 'brown', etc.

Hair color.

• Pick from listed options; if you dye your hair, use the natural color.

Beneficiary's Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if any. If your relative has a prior A-Number from a previous case (visa application, asylum application, prior I-130, removal proceedings), enter it. Many beneficiaries have no A-Number; leave blank.

• Typing the receipt number from a prior I-797 instead of the A-Number; the A-Number is on the green card, not on a receipt notice.

Beneficiary's USCIS Online Account Number, if any.

• Beneficiary's myUSCIS account number if any; pro se beneficiaries usually leave blank.

Beneficiary's U.S. Social Security Number, if any. Only if your relative has a U.S. SSN (e.g. they previously had work authorization). Foreign relatives without a U.S. SSN leave blank.

• Typing the ITIN instead of the SSN; USCIS treats them differently and an ITIN can suggest the petitioner has not been work-authorized.

Beneficiary's full legal family name. Match passport.

• Spelling differs from passport: triggers an RFE asking for evidence of identity.

Beneficiary's full legal given name.

• Beneficiary given name: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Beneficiary's middle name.

• Beneficiary middle name: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Other family name your relative has used (maiden name, alias). Item 5a. If your relative has used multiple names (e.g. maiden plus alias), list the most prominent one here and any others in Part 9 Additional Information.

• Beneficiary's maiden name and prior names used in any official document.
• Particularly important if beneficiary's name has changed since marriage; the I-130 must list the maiden name to match birth certificates.

Other given name your relative has used.

• Other given names used by beneficiary.

Other middle name your relative has used.

• Other middle names; blank if none.

Beneficiary's city, town, or village of birth. Item 6 (visible). Match the birth certificate.

• Beneficiary's city of birth as on birth certificate.

Beneficiary's country of birth. Drives chargeability under the visa bulletin (cross-chargeability under INA 202(b) may shift this for spouses with different countries of birth).

• Country at time of beneficiary's birth.
• Stateless beneficiaries write the country of habitual residence at birth and 'Stateless' in Part 9.

Beneficiary's date of birth.

• Beneficiary's date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
• Critical for child preference categories; beneficiary 21+ on the day petition is approved is no longer an 'immediate relative' as a child of a U.S. citizen, but Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may apply.

Beneficiary's sex.

• Beneficiary's sex; choice.

Yes / No / Unknown. USCIS uses this to detect duplicate filings and prior denials. Pick Unknown only when neither petitioner nor beneficiary knows.

• Yes if anyone has ever filed an I-130 or other immigrant petition for the beneficiary.
• Required to disclose; USCIS cross-checks with prior petitions and inconsistency triggers RFE.

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: street number and name. Item 11a. Required if your relative is currently living in the U.S. If they live outside the U.S., leave blank and use item 13 instead.

• Beneficiary U.S.: U.S. street addresses need full number + name; do not abbreviate.
• Beneficiary U.S.: list the actual street, not a P.O. Box for residential / physical address fields.

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: unit type.

• Beneficiary U.S.: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: unit number.

• Beneficiary U.S.: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: city or town.

• Beneficiary U.S.: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: state.

• Beneficiary U.S.: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: ZIP code.

• Beneficiary U.S.: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: province (rare; territories).

• Beneficiary U.S.: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: postal code.

• Beneficiary U.S.: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Beneficiary's U.S. physical address: country (write United States if in the U.S.).

• Beneficiary U.S.: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Beneficiary's U.S. mailing address: street number and name (item 12). Item 12. Where the beneficiary receives mail in the U.S., if different from item 11. Leave blank if same as 11 or if beneficiary is outside the U.S.

• Beneficiary U.S. mailing: U.S. street addresses need full number + name; do not abbreviate.
• Beneficiary U.S. mailing: list the actual street, not a P.O. Box for residential / physical address fields.

Beneficiary's U.S. mailing address: unit type.

• Beneficiary U.S. mailing: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Beneficiary's U.S. mailing address: unit number.

• Beneficiary U.S. mailing: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Beneficiary's U.S. mailing address: city or town.

• Beneficiary U.S. mailing: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Beneficiary's U.S. mailing address: state.

• Beneficiary U.S. mailing: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Beneficiary's U.S. mailing address: ZIP code.

• Beneficiary U.S. mailing: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Beneficiary's address outside the U.S. (write SAME if same as item 11): street number and name. Item 13. Required if your relative lives outside the U.S. (this is most family-based petitions). If the beneficiary lives somewhere without a street number or name, leave 13a-b blank and fill 13c-f with the city, province, postal code, country.

• Beneficiary foreign: U.S. street addresses need full number + name; do not abbreviate.
• Beneficiary foreign: list the actual street, not a P.O. Box for residential / physical address fields.

Beneficiary's foreign address: unit type.

• Beneficiary foreign: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Beneficiary's foreign address: unit number.

• Beneficiary foreign: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Beneficiary's foreign address: city or town.

• Beneficiary foreign: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Beneficiary's foreign address: province.

• Beneficiary foreign: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Beneficiary's foreign address: postal code.

• Beneficiary foreign: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Beneficiary's foreign address: country.

• Beneficiary foreign: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Beneficiary's daytime telephone number. Item 14. Include country code for foreign numbers (e.g. +52 for Mexico).

• 10 digits with area code; for foreign numbers include country code.

Beneficiary's mobile telephone number.

• Beneficiary's cell phone; for foreign numbers include country code.

Beneficiary's email address.

• Email beneficiary checks regularly; consular and USCIS communications can use this address.

How many times has your relative been married?. Whole number including current marriage. If never married, enter 0.

• Total marriages including current; matters for spouse petitions because USCIS verifies the bona fides of the marriage chain.

Beneficiary's current marital status. Item 18 uses six XFA radio options indexed 0-5: Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed, Separated, Annulled.

• Match legal status; legal separation is still 'married'.

Date of beneficiary's current marriage.

• Estimating the marriage date instead of copying from the marriage certificate; USCIS cross-checks against the certificate at interview.

Place of beneficiary's current marriage: city or town.

• City of current marriage.

Place of beneficiary's current marriage: state.

• State or province; blank if abroad.

Place of beneficiary's current marriage: province (foreign only).

• Province for non-U.S. marriages.

Place of beneficiary's current marriage: country.

• Country of current marriage.

Spouse 1: family name (current spouse if married, otherwise most recent prior spouse). Item 21a (visible). Field name is Pt4Line16a (template offset).

• Beneficiary spouse 1: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Beneficiary spouse 1: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Spouse 1: given name.

• Beneficiary spouse 1: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Spouse 1: middle name.

• Beneficiary spouse 1: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Spouse 1: date marriage ended (if applicable). Item 22 (visible). Field name Pt4Line17_DateMarriageEnded[0].

• Leaving blank when a prior marriage ended; USCIS RFEs because the petitioner appears to be in two marriages at once.

Spouse 2: family name (additional prior spouse, if any).

• Beneficiary spouse 2: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Beneficiary spouse 2: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Spouse 2: given name.

• Beneficiary spouse 2: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Spouse 2: middle name.

• Beneficiary spouse 2: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Spouse 2: date marriage ended.

• Leaving blank when a prior marriage ended; USCIS RFEs because the petitioner appears to be in two marriages at once.

Person 1: family name (beneficiary's spouse or child). Item 25a (visible). List the beneficiary's current spouse first if married, then children regardless of age, gender, or marital status. If your relative has more than 5 spouse-or-children, additional rows go in Part 9 Additional Information.

• Beneficiary related person 1: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Beneficiary related person 1: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Person 1: given name.

• Beneficiary related person 1: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Person 1: middle name.

• Beneficiary related person 1: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Person 1: relationship to beneficiary (e.g. Spouse, Son, Daughter).

• Relationship to beneficiary (child, sibling, parent).

Person 1: date of birth.

• DOB (MM/DD/YYYY).

Person 1: country of birth. Item 28 (visible). Field name is Pt4Line49[0] (template offset).

• Country of birth.

Person 2: family name.

• Beneficiary related person 2: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Beneficiary related person 2: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Person 2: given name.

• Beneficiary related person 2: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Person 2: middle name.

• Beneficiary related person 2: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Person 2: relationship.

• Relationship to beneficiary.

Person 2: date of birth.

• DOB.

Person 2: country of birth.

• Country of birth.

Person 3: family name.

• Beneficiary related person 3: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Beneficiary related person 3: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Person 3: given name.

• Beneficiary related person 3: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Person 3: middle name.

• Beneficiary related person 3: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Person 3: relationship.

• Relationship to beneficiary.

Person 3: date of birth.

• DOB.

Person 3: country of birth.

• Country of birth.

Person 4: family name.

• Beneficiary related person 4: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Beneficiary related person 4: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Person 4: given name.

• Beneficiary related person 4: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Person 4: middle name.

• Beneficiary related person 4: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Person 4: relationship.

• Relationship to beneficiary.

Person 4: date of birth.

• DOB.

Person 4: country of birth.

• Country of birth.

Person 5: family name.

• Beneficiary related person 5: family / last name as on the most authoritative identity document (passport, U.S. document).
• Beneficiary related person 5: spelling drift across filings can trigger an RFE; pick one transliteration and stick to it.

Person 5: given name.

• Beneficiary related person 5: legal first / given name; not a nickname.

Person 5: middle name.

• Beneficiary related person 5: blank if no middle name; do not write 'NMN'.

Person 5: relationship.

• Relationship to beneficiary.

Person 5: date of birth.

• DOB.

Person 5: country of birth.

• Country of birth.

Yes if beneficiary has ever entered the U.S. Drives whether they can adjust status (INA 245) or must consular process abroad.

• Yes if beneficiary has ever been in the U.S., even briefly.
• Required disclosure; USCIS cross-checks I-94 records and inconsistency triggers RFE.

Class of admission for current or last U.S. entry.

• Beneficiary entered without inspection (EWI) but writes a visa class: USCIS will detect via biometrics and find misrepresentation. Be honest; EWI does not by itself bar I-130 approval (though it complicates adjustment of status).

11-digit I-94 number from i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

• 11 digits from the most recent I-94; check at i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94.
• Old paper I-94 cards have a different number than electronic ones; use the most recent.

Date of arrival.

• Most recent U.S. arrival date.
• Visa-issuance date is not the arrival date; use physical entry date.

Date authorized stay expired or will expire (or D/S for Duration of Status). Item 46d. The date on the I-94, or write 'D/S' for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain other categories whose stay is tied to maintaining status rather than a specific date.

• I-94 expiration date; if beneficiary overstayed, the date is still the original expiration.

Beneficiary's passport number.

• Listing an expired passport number without noting the expiration; consular post needs current passport for visa stamp.

Beneficiary's travel document number (if any). Item 48. Most beneficiaries have a passport but no separate travel document. Refugees and stateless persons may have a travel document instead of a passport.

• Passport or travel document number from the document used to enter the U.S.

Country of issuance for passport or travel document.

• Country that issued the beneficiary's passport (may differ from country of nationality for refugees / stateless).

Expiration date of passport or travel document.

• Passport expiration date (MM/DD/YYYY).
• Filers list 'expired' instead of the date; list the date even for expired passports.

Name of current employer (write Unemployed if not employed). Item 51a. Even if the beneficiary works outside the U.S. Required for adults; minors and unemployed write Unemployed.

• Beneficiary's current employer; if unemployed, write 'unemployed' and explain in Part 9.
• Self-employment: 'Self-employed' + business name + nature of business.

Beneficiary's employer: street number and name.

• Listing an unaffiliated address (e.g. headquarters). Use the actual worksite or report Self-Employed if there is no employer.

Beneficiary's employer: unit type.

• Beneficiary employer: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Beneficiary's employer: unit number.

• Beneficiary employer: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Beneficiary's employer: city or town.

• Beneficiary employer: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Beneficiary's employer: state.

• Beneficiary employer: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Beneficiary's employer: ZIP code.

• Beneficiary employer: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Beneficiary's employer: province (foreign only).

• Beneficiary employer: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Beneficiary's employer: postal code (foreign only).

• Beneficiary employer: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Beneficiary's employer: country.

• Beneficiary employer: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Date employment began.

• Date beneficiary started current employment (MM/DD/YYYY).

Yes / No. Prior or pending removal proceedings significantly affect downstream adjustment of status; the I-130 itself can still be approved but the beneficiary may need to reopen or terminate proceedings to adjust.

• Filing an I-130 without flagging an active removal order; the beneficiary's case is not eligible for adjustment until the removal order is reopened or terminated. USCIS may approve the I-130 as a stand-alone but the beneficiary cannot use it for adjustment until the removal issue is resolved.

Proceedings type: Removal. Select all that apply (item 54). Modern proceedings since 1997 are 'removal'.

• Marking No when the beneficiary has any prior contact with immigration courts. USCIS cross-checks EOIR records and a missed disclosure can be construed as misrepresentation.

Proceedings type: Exclusion or deportation (pre-1997).

• Marking No when the beneficiary has any prior contact with immigration courts. USCIS cross-checks EOIR records and a missed disclosure can be construed as misrepresentation.

Proceedings type: Rescission (revocation of LPR status).

• Marking No when the beneficiary has any prior contact with immigration courts. USCIS cross-checks EOIR records and a missed disclosure can be construed as misrepresentation.

Proceedings type: Other judicial proceedings.

• Marking No when the beneficiary has any prior contact with immigration courts. USCIS cross-checks EOIR records and a missed disclosure can be construed as misrepresentation.

Location of proceedings: city or town.

• Marking No when the beneficiary has any prior contact with immigration courts. USCIS cross-checks EOIR records and a missed disclosure can be construed as misrepresentation.

Location of proceedings: state.

• Marking No when the beneficiary has any prior contact with immigration courts. USCIS cross-checks EOIR records and a missed disclosure can be construed as misrepresentation.

Date of proceedings.

• Marking No when the beneficiary has any prior contact with immigration courts. USCIS cross-checks EOIR records and a missed disclosure can be construed as misrepresentation.

Beneficiary's family name in native written language (only if not Roman alphabet). Item 57a. Only required when the beneficiary's native language uses non-Roman script (e.g. Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Cyrillic). Leave blank if the native language uses Roman letters (e.g. Spanish, French, German).

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's given name in native written language.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's middle name in native written language.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's foreign address in native script: street number and name.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's native-script address: unit type.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's native-script address: unit number.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's native-script address: city or town.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's native-script address: province.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's native-script address: postal code.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Beneficiary's native-script address: country.

• Transliterating into Roman characters when the form asks for native script; that defeats the purpose (the consular post needs the original-language string for matching).

Last address you and your spouse physically lived together: street. Item 59a. Only relevant for spouse petitions. If you have never lived together, write 'Never lived together' here. USCIS uses this to test bona-fide marriage; long never-lived-together gaps trigger an interview and need explanation.

• Lived-together address: U.S. street addresses need full number + name; do not abbreviate.
• Lived-together address: list the actual street, not a P.O. Box for residential / physical address fields.

Last address lived together: unit type.

• Lived-together address: pick from listed options (Apt / Ste / Flr); leave blank if no unit.

Last address lived together: unit number.

• Lived-together address: blank if no unit number; do not write 'NA'.

Last address lived together: city or town.

• Lived-together address: legal city name (not a neighborhood).

Last address lived together: state.

• Lived-together address: two-letter state abbreviation for U.S. addresses.

Last address lived together: ZIP code.

• Lived-together address: 5 digits (ZIP+4 acceptable in some boxes).

Last address lived together: province (foreign only).

• Lived-together address: state, province, or department for non-U.S. addresses; leave blank for U.S.

Last address lived together: postal code (foreign only).

• Lived-together address: foreign postal code; leave blank if U.S.

Last address lived together: country.

• Lived-together address: country name; 'United States' for U.S. addresses.

Lived together: date from.

• Date you began living with beneficiary (MM/DD/YYYY); critical for spouse petitions because USCIS uses cohabitation evidence to assess marriage bona fides.

Lived together: date to.

• Date you stopped living together; 'Present' if you still live together.

If beneficiary will adjust status in the U.S., the USCIS office (city). Item 61a. Use only if the beneficiary is currently in the U.S. with a valid status that allows adjustment under INA 245. Otherwise leave blank and use item 62 (consular processing abroad).

• Required only if beneficiary will adjust status (file I-485) inside the U.S.; leave blank for consular processing.
• Pick the USCIS field office serving beneficiary's address.

USCIS office: state.

• State where USCIS field office is located.

If beneficiary will consular-process abroad, the U.S. embassy or consulate (city). Item 62a. Use this for any beneficiary who is outside the U.S. or who is in the U.S. but not in a status allowing adjustment. The form note warns that selecting an embassy or consulate outside the country of last residence does not guarantee acceptance.

• Required only if beneficiary will consular process (interview at U.S. embassy / consulate abroad); leave blank for adjustment.
• Pick the city / consulate where beneficiary will interview, usually in beneficiary's country of residence.

Consulate: province.

• Province / state of the consulate.

Consulate: country.

• Country where consular processing will occur.

Yes if petitioner has filed any prior I-130 (or other immigrant petition) for ANY beneficiary.

• Yes if you have ever filed an I-130 (or any immigrant petition) for any other person.
• Required disclosure; USCIS cross-checks against prior petitions.

Prior beneficiary: family name.

• Forgetting prior I-130 petitions for prior spouses or children; if USCIS finds them in the system and they are not disclosed, the current petition is RFEd or denied for misrepresentation.

Prior beneficiary: given name.

• Given name of prior beneficiary you have filed for.

Prior beneficiary: middle name.

• Middle name of prior beneficiary.

Prior petition filed at: city or town.

• City where prior petition was filed.

Prior petition filed at: state.

• State where prior petition was filed.

Date the prior petition was filed.

• Date prior petition was filed (MM/DD/YYYY).

Result of prior petition (approved, denied, withdrawn, revoked).

• Outcome: approved, denied, withdrawn, pending.

Other relative you are also petitioning for (Relative 1): family name. Part 5 item 6a. Use only if you are filing a separate I-130 for another relative at the same time as this petition. The wizard helps you reference each one but does not file them; each I-130 is its own filing with its own fee.

• Other relative for whom you are filing I-130 concurrently with this one.

Concurrent relative 1: given name.

• Given name.

Concurrent relative 1: middle name.

• Middle name.

Concurrent relative 1: relationship to you.

• Relationship of concurrent relative to you (spouse, child, parent, sibling).

Concurrent relative 2: family name.

• Second concurrent relative family name.

Concurrent relative 2: given name.

• Given name.

Concurrent relative 2: middle name.

• Middle name.

Concurrent relative 2: relationship to you.

• Relationship to you.

I can read and understand English, and I read and understand every question on this petition. Item 1.a. Most pro se filers select Yes. If you needed an interpreter to read the form, select No here and complete item 1.b instead.

• If no, an interpreter must complete the interpreter's certification on the form.
• Filers say yes when they need help; honesty matters because the signed certification under penalty of perjury (28 USC 1746) requires understanding.

An interpreter named in Part 7 read the petition to me in a language in which I am fluent. Item 1.b. Required if you did not select item 1.a. The interpreter must complete and sign Part 7.

• Selecting No while having marked item 1.b (interpreter); the two answers must agree.

Language the interpreter used (if applicable).

• Language used by interpreter; required if 'reads English' is no.

At my request, the preparer named in Part 8 prepared this petition for me. Item 2. Select Yes only if someone else (a notario, friend, paid form-filler, attorney) prepared the petition for you. The preparer must complete Part 8. Pro se filers leave this blank.

• Selecting No while having paid a notario or form-filler; this is the most common Part 8 error and a frequent UPL referral.

Preparer's name (if a preparer assisted).

• Name of preparer who completed the form for you (notario, family member, attorney); blank if you completed it yourself.
• Notarios who fill the form must list themselves; failure to do so is preparer fraud.

Petitioner's daytime telephone number. Item 3. USCIS may call this number to schedule biometrics or an interview.

• 10 digits with area code.

Petitioner's mobile phone number (if any).

• Petitioner's cell phone; 10 digits with area code.

Petitioner's email address (if any). Item 5. USCIS uses email for case-status updates if you have a Online Account paired to this petition.

• Email petitioner checks regularly; USCIS sends notices to this address.
• Avoid shared family or work emails that change frequently.

Petitioner must sign the printed form in black ink. USCIS rejects unsigned petitions at intake.

• Typed signature on the printable PDF; the wet-ink signature goes on the printed form.
• Match the spelling on Part 2.

Date of signature; USCIS rejects when older than 30 days from postmark.

• Date you sign (MM/DD/YYYY); should match the filing date.
• Pre-dated or future-dated signatures may be rejected.