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I-130 Petition

The I-130 Petition for Relative Alien is the cornerstone of family-based immigration, serving as the first step in bringing your loved ones to the United States.

At Altius Immigration Law in Washington, D.C., our immigration attorneys guide you through this process, ensuring a strong foundation for your family’s reunification.

What is the I-130 Petition?

The I-130 Petition, officially known as the “Petition for Alien Relative,” is a form filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign family member. This petition is the crucial first step in the family-based immigration process.

Key aspects of the I-130 Petition include:

  • Establish the legitimacy of your family relationship
  • Determines the visa category for your relative
  • Sets the priority date for visa processing
  • Forms the basis for subsequent immigration applications
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Who Can File an I-130 Petition?

US citizens can file an I-130 petition for:

  • Spouse
  • Unmarried children under 21
  • Unmarried children 21 or older
  • Married children of any age
  • Parents (if the petitioner is 21 or older)
  • Siblings (if the petitioner is 21 or older)

Lawful permanent residents can file for:

  • Spouse
  • Unmarried children under 21
  • Unmarried children 21 or older
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Why Choose Altius Immigration Law for Your I-130 Petition?

At Altius, we bring more than just legal experience to your case:

  • Experienced Attorneys: Our team has successfully handled countless I-130 petitions, navigating complex family relationships and immigration laws with precision.
  • Personalized Approach: We understand that every family’s story is unique. Our approach combines professional experience with genuine care for your specific situation.
  • Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to petition approval, we’re by your side at every stage.
  • Multilingual Services: We offer services in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication throughout the process.
  • Strategic Planning: We develop tailored strategies for each case, addressing potential challenges proactively to minimize delays and maximize success rates.

The I-130 Petition Process: Building Your Family's Future

Filing an I-130 petition involves several crucial steps. Here’s an overview of the process:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Verify that you and your relative meet the requirements for filing.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect evidence of your relationship and other required documents.
  3. Complete the Form: Fill out Form I-130 accurately and completely.
  4. Pay the Filing Fee: Submit the required government filing fee.
  5. File the Petition: Submit your completed petition and supporting documents to USCIS.
  6. Receive Receipt Notice: USCIS will send you a receipt confirming they’ve received your petition.
  7. Respond to Requests: If USCIS needs more information, they’ll send a Request for Evidence (RFE).
  8. Await Decision: USCIS will review your petition and make a decision.

 

At Altius Immigration Law, we guide you through each of these steps, ensuring your petition is strong, complete, and positioned for success.

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Common Challenges in I-130 Petitions

While the I-130 petition process may seem straightforward, many families encounter challenges:

  • Proving Relationship Legitimacy: Demonstrating the authenticity of your relationship, especially in marriage-based petitions, can be complex.
  • Document Issues: Obtaining and translating necessary documents from foreign countries can be difficult.
  • Overcoming Past Immigration Violations: Prior visa overstays or unauthorized entries can complicate the process.
  • Navigating Stepchildren and Adopted Children Cases: These cases often require additional documentation and careful handling.
  • Dealing with USCIS Requests for Evidence: Responding effectively to RFEs is crucial for avoiding delays or denials.


Our experienced attorneys at Altius are well-versed in handling these challenges. We anticipate potential issues and address them proactively, ensuring a smoother process for your family.

Benefits of a Well-Prepared I-130 Petition

A properly prepared I-130 petition offers numerous advantages:

  • Faster Processing: A complete, well-documented petition can lead to quicker USCIS processing times.
  • Reduced Risk of RFEs: Thorough preparation minimizes the chances of receiving time-consuming Requests for Evidence.
  • Strong Foundation for Future Steps: A solid I-130 petition sets the stage for smoother consular processing or adjustment of status.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your petition is professionally prepared allows you to focus on preparing for your family’s future together.

 

The journey to family reunification begins with the I-130 petition. By starting now, you’re taking the first step towards bringing your loved ones to the United States. Immigration processes take time, and the sooner you begin, the sooner your family can be together.

At Altius Immigration Law, we’re ready to help you navigate this important process. Our team of dedicated attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure your I-130 petition is strong, complete, and positioned for success.

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Get Started with Altius Immigration Law

Don’t let the complexities of immigration paperwork stand in the way of your family’s reunification. Take the first step towards bringing your loved ones to the United States with a professionally prepared I-130 petition.

Contact Altius Immigration Law today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and develop a personalized strategy for your I-130 petition.

Let us help you lay the foundation for your family’s future in the U.S. Your journey to family reunification begins with a call to Altius Immigration Law.

Check out the benefits of the family green card and immigrating to the USA

The Benefits of the Family-Based Green Card

Obtaining a Green Card through family sponsorship to the USA brings a number of benefits for you and your loved ones:

Family reunion

With a family sponsorship visa, you can build a life together with your family in the United States, strengthening bonds and creating unforgettable memories.

Access to opportunities

The United States offers a wide range of educational, professional, and other opportunities. With a family sponsorship green card, you can take advantage of these benefits.

In addition, the United States is known for its diversity and inclusion, providing a welcoming and receptive environment for people from different backgrounds and cultures. Regardless of where you come from, there is a community for everyone, which makes it easy to adapt and feel at home.

What’s more, the country is renowned for its excellence in various sectors, such as technology, medicine, research, and entrepreneurship, which means you’ll have access to some of the best career opportunities in the world. Whatever your area of interest, the United States offers an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

Security and stability

The United States is known for its solid legal system and quality infrastructure. By obtaining a family sponsorship green card, you and your loved ones can enjoy security and stability in a new country.

The United States offers many educational opportunities for its citizens. With a family sponsorship green card, your children will have access to a quality education, from elementary school to higher education. Educational institutions in the United States are recognized worldwide for their academic excellence and offer a wide variety of courses and study programs.

Cultural diversity is also an attractive aspect of the United States. By moving to the country on a family sponsorship green card, you will have the opportunity to experience a unique mix of cultures, traditions and experiences. From the vibrant arts and music scene to the internationally renowned cuisine, the United States offers a plethora of possibilities to explore and appreciate different cultures.

In addition, the USA is known for its job opportunities and entrepreneurship. With a family sponsorship green card, you’ll be able to pursue new career opportunities or even start your own business. The country offers a favorable environment for professional and economic growth, enabling you and your family to achieve your goals and prosper in a new country.

Simplified Family Sponsorship Green Card Process

At Altius, we are committed to facilitating the process of obtaining your Family-based Green Card. Our team will help you with

1. Initial assessment

2. Collecting documents

3. Preparing the application forms and evidences

4. Preparing for the interview

Read the details of each step below

Frequently Asked Questions, Answered

Processing times vary depending on the specific USCIS office and the complexity of your case. Currently, it can take anywhere from 7 to 15 months. Our attorneys will provide you with the most up-to-date processing times for your situation.

Benefits of a family-based green card with Altius

Altius’ specialized team has experience in family immigration and is ready to guide you through every step of the process of obtaining a family sponsorship visa for the USA. We know that each case is unique, so we offer customized solutions that suit your individual needs.

Get in touch
If you're looking forward to reuniting your family in the United States, Altius is ready to help. Our team of family immigration specialists is committed to providing exceptional service and high-quality legal advice. Contact us today and let us help you achieve your family immigration goals.