Form I-130A, officially titled “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is a supplemental form that is used in the process of sponsoring a spouse for a family-based immigrant visa or green card in the United States. The primary purpose of Form I-130A is to provide additional biographical information about the beneficiary spouse. This form is typically submitted along with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which is filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to establish the qualifying relationship with their foreign national spouse.
The key purposes of Form I-130A are as follows:
- Biographical Information: Form I-130A collects essential biographical details about the spouse beneficiary, including their full name, address, date and place of birth, marital history, contact information, and more.
- Criminal and Immigration History: The form also asks questions about the spouse beneficiary’s criminal history and immigration history, including any prior visa denials, removals, or deportations.
- Marital History: Information related to the marital history of the petitioner and beneficiary, including the dates and locations of previous marriages, if any, is recorded on this form.
- Consent and Acknowledgment: The spouse beneficiary signs and acknowledges the information provided in the form, affirming its accuracy.
Form I-130A is designed to assist U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the processing of the immigrant petition and to gather the necessary background information to determine the eligibility of the spouse beneficiary for immigration benefits. It is essential to complete Form I-130A accurately and honestly to avoid delays or potential issues in the immigration process. Additionally, the form is typically filed together with Form I-130 as part of the overall petition package.
Who needs to submit Form I-130A?
Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is typically submitted in conjunction with Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative.” The primary purpose of Form I-130 is to establish the qualifying family relationship between a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and their foreign national family member, who is seeking an immigrant visa or green card in the United States.
Form I-130A is specifically designed for spouses of U.S. citizens or LPRs who are beneficiaries of the I-130 petition. In other words, it is typically required when you, as a U.S. citizen or LPR, are petitioning to sponsor your foreign national spouse for a family-based immigrant visa or green card.
So, if you are a U.S. citizen or LPR and you are filing Form I-130 to sponsor your spouse for immigration benefits, you will also need to include Form I-130A as part of the petition package. The I-130A collects additional biographical information about the spouse beneficiary, and it is used to support the I-130 petition in establishing the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary.
If you are petitioning for other family members, such as parents, children, or siblings, you would not typically use Form I-130A. Instead, you would file Form I-130 for the specific family relationship, and additional forms or documentation may be required, depending on the specific family category. Always refer to the official USCIS instructions and guidelines for your specific case to ensure that you are using the correct forms and providing the necessary information and supporting documents.
How to fill out Form I-130A
Form I-130A, “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is a relatively straightforward form to fill out. It is typically filed along with Form I-130, “Petition for Alien Relative,” when sponsoring a foreign national spouse for a family-based immigrant visa or green card in the United States. Here are the steps to fill out Form I-130A:
- Download the Form: You can download the most up-to-date version of Form I-130A from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Make sure you are using the latest version of the form to ensure accuracy.
- Read the Instructions: Before completing the form, carefully read the instructions provided with Form I-130A. The instructions will provide guidance on how to fill out the form correctly and what documentation you may need to submit with it.
- Personal Information: Begin by providing your (the petitioner’s) personal information in Part 1 of the form. This includes your full name, address, contact information, and other biographical details.
- Information About Your Spouse: In Part 2, provide the requested information about your foreign national spouse (the beneficiary). This includes their full name, address, contact information, date of birth, place of birth, and other biographical details.
- Marital History: In Part 3, provide details about your marital history. This includes the date and place of your marriage, your marriage certificate number, and information about any previous marriages for both you and your spouse.
- Criminal and Immigration History: In Part 4, answer the questions related to criminal history and immigration history. You must disclose any criminal convictions and immigration violations, if applicable.
- Spouse’s Consent: Your spouse (the beneficiary) must sign and date the consent and acknowledgment section in Part 5. This confirms that they are aware of the information provided in the form and consent to its submission.
- Complete the Preparer Information (if applicable): If someone helped you complete the form, they should provide their information in Part 6, including their name, address, and contact information.
- Sign and Date: Both you (the petitioner) and your spouse (the beneficiary) must sign and date the form where indicated.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Depending on your specific case, you may need to provide supporting documents, such as a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decrees if applicable, and any other requested evidence. Check the form’s instructions for guidance on which documents to include.
- Check for Accuracy: Review the entire form for accuracy and completeness. Ensure that all information provided is true and correct.
- Submit the Form: Include Form I-130A along with Form I-130 and any required supporting documents in your immigrant petition package. Pay the appropriate filing fee, if required, and submit the package to the USCIS address specified in the instructions.