Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is a form used in the context of family-based immigration to the United States. It is typically submitted as a supplement to Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
Form I-130 is used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to petition for certain qualified relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. Form I-130A is specifically designed to provide additional information about the beneficiary spouse. It includes details such as the beneficiary’s biographic information, address history, employment history, and other relevant background information.
How to fill out Form I-130A
Filling out Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” involves providing detailed information about the beneficiary spouse. Below are general guidelines on how to fill out the form. However, keep in mind that the instructions may change, and it’s essential to refer to the most recent version of the form and its instructions on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the latest guidance.
- Download the Form:
Obtain the latest version of Form I-130A and its instructions from the USCIS website.
- Read the Instructions:
Before you begin filling out the form, carefully read the instructions provided with the form. The instructions will guide you through each section and provide essential information on how to complete the form accurately.
- Personal Information:
Provide the beneficiary spouse’s full legal name, including any other names used.
Include the beneficiary spouse’s contact information, date and place of birth, and other biographic details.
- Address and Employment History:
Document the beneficiary spouse’s address history for the past five years.
Provide details about the beneficiary spouse’s employment history for the past five years, including the names and addresses of employers.
- Biographical Information:
Answer questions related to the beneficiary spouse’s physical appearance, such as height, weight, eye color, etc.
- Other Names Used:
If the beneficiary spouse has used any other names, such as aliases or maiden names, provide that information.
- Biographic Information Continuation Sheet (if needed):
If there is not enough space on the form to provide all the necessary information, use additional sheets and clearly indicate which part of the form the extra information refers to.
- Signature:
The beneficiary spouse must sign and date the form.
- Check for Accuracy:
Review the completed form for accuracy and completeness before submitting it. Ensure that all required fields are filled, and information is consistent with other immigration forms.
- Supporting Documentation:
Include any required supporting documentation as specified in the instructions. This may include evidence of the beneficiary spouse’s relationship with the petitioner, such as marriage certificates, as well as other relevant documents.
- Submit the Form:
Follow the instructions on where and how to submit the completed Form I-130A. This may include mailing the form to the appropriate USCIS address along with any required fees.
Form I-130 checklist of required documents
The checklist of required documents for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, typically includes the following:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
- The completed and signed Form I-130, filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner.
- Filing Fee:
- The appropriate filing fee for Form I-130. Check the USCIS website or the form instructions for the current fee amount and acceptable payment methods.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency:
- For U.S. citizen petitioners, this may include a copy of the petitioner’s U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship.
- For lawful permanent resident petitioners, a copy of the petitioner’s green card (Form I-551) or other evidence of permanent residency.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Evidence establishing the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. This may include:
- Marriage certificate for spousal relationships.
- Birth certificates for parent-child relationships.
- Other relevant documents demonstrating the familial relationship.
- Evidence establishing the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. This may include:
- Photographs:
- Passport-sized photos of the petitioner and beneficiary. Follow the USCIS photo requirements.
- Form G-325A (if applicable):
- Biographic Information, G-325A, for the petitioner and, in some cases, the beneficiary. Check the form instructions to determine if it’s required.
- Supporting Documentation:
- Any additional supporting documentation that strengthens the case, such as:
- Joint financial documents.
- Evidence of shared property or assets.
- Affidavits from friends or family confirming the bona fide nature of the relationship.
- Any additional supporting documentation that strengthens the case, such as:
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):
- If the beneficiary is seeking an immigrant visa based on a family relationship, the petitioner may need to submit an Affidavit of Support. This form demonstrates that the petitioner has the financial means to support the intending immigrant.
- Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable):
- If either the petitioner or beneficiary has changed their name, provide legal documentation of the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).
- Translations:
- If any document is not in English, include a certified English translation.
- Check the USCIS Website:
- Visit the USCIS website or contact USCIS for the most up-to-date information and any additional requirements.