Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: Filing, Fees and Timeline

Form I-130 establishes a qualifying family relationship between a petitioner in the United States and a relative abroad or already in the U.S. Learn more about how to file it.
Last Updated
August 24, 2026
Written by
Content Lead
Reviewed By
Les Williams
US Passport
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Form I-130 the same as a green card?

No, it isn't. Form I-130 confirms a family relationship and fixes a priority date. The green card comes later, from an immigrant visa application at a consulate or a Form I-485, and only once a visa number is available.

Can Form I-130 be filed online?

Yes, and online filing reduces the fee by US$50 under 8 CFR 106.1(g). It is not open in every petitioner situation, so confirm your case qualifies on the USCIS form page before relying on the lower figure.

Does Form I-130 qualify for a fee waiver?

No, it does not. 8 CFR 106.3 lists the forms for which you may request a fee waiver, and Form I-130 is on neither the unconditional nor the conditional list.

Can Form I-130 be expedited?

No, it cannot. Premium processing is not available because it is designated only for specific nonimmigrant and employment-based classifications, and family petitions are not among them.

How many I-130 petitions can one person file?

There's no numerical limit. A citizen may file separately for a spouse, each child, each parent, and each sibling, and each petition carries its own fee and priority date.

Does an approved Form I-130 expire?

An approved petition generally stays valid as long as the relationship continues, and can be revoked if the relationship ends or fraud is found. Confirm the position with an attorney before relying on an old approval.