How to fill out Form I-130A?
Filling out Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” can be a crucial step in the process of petitioning for a family member to immigrate to the United States. This form is often submitted along with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and is designed to provide additional information about the foreign national spouse who is being sponsored. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out Form I-130A:
Make sure to check the latest instructions on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website before filling out the form.
Step 1: Download the Form
- Visit the USCIS website and locate Form I-130A. Download and print the form.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Collect the necessary information and documents before you start filling out the form. This might include personal details, addresses, employment history, and more.
Step 3: Personal Information
- Section 1: Provide your personal information, including name, date of birth, gender, and marital status.
- Section 2: Provide your physical address, mailing address (if different), and contact information.
Step 4: Spouse’s Information
- Section 3: Provide information about your spouse, the beneficiary of the Form I-130 petition. This includes their full name, date of birth, gender, and other details.
Step 5: Employment History
- Section 4: Provide information about your current and past employment. Include your current employer’s name, address, and occupation. Also, list any previous employment within the past five years.
Step 6: Previous Marriages
- Section 5: If either you or your spouse has been previously married, provide details about those marriages, including dates, locations, and reasons for the marriages ending.
Step 7: Criminal History
- Section 6: Answer questions about your criminal history. If applicable, provide details about any arrests, convictions, or other legal issues.
Step 8: Contact Information for Other Person or Organization Assisting With This Application (if applicable)
- Section 7: If someone else is assisting you with the application, provide their contact information in this section.
Step 9: Certification and Signature
- Read the certification statement carefully. Sign and date the form. If you are preparing the form for someone else, you must provide your information in the preparer’s section.
Step 10: Supporting Documents
- Review the USCIS instructions to determine if any supporting documents are required to be submitted along with Form I-130A. These could include copies of identity documents, passport-style photos, etc.
Step 11: Review and Assemble
- Review the form to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- Organize the completed form along with any required supporting documents.
Step 12: Submit the Form
- Mail the completed Form I-130A and supporting documents to the address provided in the USCIS instructions.
Remember that immigration forms can be complex, and it’s important to fill them out accurately. If you have any doubts or concerns, you may want to seek advice from an immigration attorney or an authorized immigration consultant to ensure that your application is correctly filled out and submitted.
Who needs to sign Form I-130A?
Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” must be signed by the foreign national spouse who is the beneficiary of the Form I-130 petition. The signature is usually required in the “Certification” section of the form, which is located at the end of the form. This signature certifies that the information provided on the form is true and correct to the best of the beneficiary’s knowledge. Read more “list your business in the” “free and paid submission to the” “add your site” statistics
If the foreign national spouse is unable to sign the form due to a physical disability or other valid reasons, the form may be signed by a designated legal representative, but this should be done following proper legal procedures and documentation.
Additionally, if someone else assisted in completing the form on behalf of the beneficiary, that person would need to provide their information in the “Preparer’s Information” section of the form. However, the beneficiary’s signature is the most important one, as it attests to the accuracy and truthfulness of the information provided on the form.
It’s crucial to follow the USCIS instructions and guidelines when completing and signing Form I-130A to ensure that the form is properly filled out and submitted. If you have any doubts or concerns, consulting with an immigration attorney or an authorized immigration consultant can provide you with expert guidance.
When must the Form I-130A be filed?
Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is typically filed as part of the overall process when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) is petitioning for their foreign national spouse to obtain a green card through family sponsorship. Form I-130A is meant to provide additional information about the foreign national spouse being sponsored.
In most cases, Form I-130A is submitted along with Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative.” Form I-130 establishes the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen or green card holder and the foreign national spouse. Form I-130A supplements this petition by providing additional details about the foreign national spouse.
Both Form I-130 and Form I-130A are typically submitted together to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the initial visa application process. The exact timing may vary depending on individual circumstances and the USCIS processing times at the time of application.
It’s important to note that immigration processes and requirements can change, so it’s advisable to check the official USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information before submitting any immigration forms.
