Petitioner Info
Contains petitioner status, contact details, and U.S. citizenship or LPR evidence; this anchors the petition and must be verifiable.
Filing Form I-130 begins the family-based immigration process, documents a qualifying relationship, and triggers downstream action by the National Visa Center and consular posts.
Typical filers and professionals involved in I-130 consular processing include petitioners, beneficiaries, and legal representatives who prepare the petition and supporting evidence.
Knowing each party's role helps assign tasks like gathering birth certificates, preparing the affidavit of support, and handling consular communications efficiently.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Enable eSignature or place for wet signature if required |
| Date Field | Format MM/DD/YYYY and auto-fill on signature |
| Attachments | Accept PDF scans, limit 10 MB per file |
| Authentication | Use email + SMS code or stronger verification for signer identity |
Select a platform that supports PDF, audit trails, authentication, and secure storage for immigration documents.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 env/user/yr | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Include the USCIS fee ($675) with the initial petition
USCIS issues Form I-797C to confirm accepted filing
Submit all supporting civil documents with petition to avoid RFEs
Approved petitions move to NVC for consular processing
Consular schedule varies; follow NVC guidance
File Form I-130 with correct fee and supporting evidence.
USCIS reviews the petition and issues approval or RFE.
NVC collects fees and civil documents after USCIS approval.
Consulate conducts interview; visa issuance follows if eligible.
Contains petitioner status, contact details, and U.S. citizenship or LPR evidence; this anchors the petition and must be verifiable.
Records the beneficiary’s identity, birthplace, and nationality; matching passport and civil records are essential for consular processing.
Lists required documentary proof (marriage certificate, birth certificates, photos) that demonstrates the claimed family relationship.
Includes copies of passports, evidence of termination of prior marriages, translations, and other documents required by USCIS or consular posts.
Specifies the required USCIS filing fee; incorrect payment format or amount can cause rejection.
Indicates intent to pursue consular processing (CP) so USCIS and the NVC route the case appropriately after approval.
Provide certified birth certificates for petitioner and beneficiary where needed; if unavailable, provide secondary evidence per USCIS guidance.
Submit a certified marriage certificate for spouse petitions; include translations and previous marriage terminations where applicable.
Attach U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card copy to prove petitioner’s citizenship or LPR status.
Expect to supply I-864-related financial evidence later in the consular stage to demonstrate sponsor ability to support.
A U.S. citizen files I-130 for a spouse living abroad to begin consular processing.
A lawful permanent resident files I-130 for an adult child outside the U.S.