Family Immigration Petition
Preparation assistance for petitions filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident on behalf of a family member.
Confidential
Your privacy and data are protected
Accurate & Reliable
Carefully reviewed and error-free
Language support
Communication in your language and English
Updates & Guidance
We keep you informed at every step
About this service
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the form a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files to establish a qualifying family relationship — the first formal step toward a spouse, child, parent, or sibling immigrating to the United States. On its own, an approved I-130 doesn't grant any immigration status; it establishes the relationship so the relative can later apply for a Green Card, either through adjustment of status inside the U.S. or consular processing abroad. Because the required evidence and typical wait times differ sharply depending on which relationship category applies and the relative's country of chargeability, getting the category and supporting evidence right at filing matters. DocPrep prepares the petition based on the relationship you describe and helps you organize the documentary evidence — such as marriage or birth certificates — that supports it.
Who this may apply to
- U.S. citizens petitioning for a spouse
- U.S. citizens petitioning for a child, parent, or sibling
- Lawful permanent residents petitioning for a spouse or unmarried child
What DocPrep can help prepare
- Preparing Form I-130 based on the specific qualifying relationship
- Organizing evidence of the family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates and proof of the petitioner's status
- Explaining the general next steps after the petition is filed, including what typically happens after approval
How it works
- 1
Identify the relationship category
We confirm whether you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and which relationship category applies — this determines the evidence needed and the relative's place in line.
- 2
Gather relationship evidence
You provide documents such as marriage or birth certificates and proof of your own citizenship or permanent resident status.
- 3
Prepare the petition
We prepare Form I-130 based on the relationship and evidence you've provided.
- 4
Review before filing
We walk through the completed petition and document package with you before you submit it.
Documents you may need
Requirements vary depending on your situation. Commonly requested information may include:
- Proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- Marriage certificate, if petitioning for a spouse
- Birth certificate(s) establishing the parent-child or sibling relationship
- Divorce or death certificates showing termination of any prior marriages, if applicable
- Passport-style photographs of the petitioner and relative
Important notes
- Approval of Form I-130 does not by itself grant immigration status — it establishes the relationship for a later Green Card application.
- Wait times vary significantly by relationship category and the relative's country of chargeability, and are set by the government, not DocPrep.
Why choose DocPrep
Accuracy-focused
Every form is prepared and reviewed against current agency instructions.
Plain-language guidance
We explain each step clearly, without unnecessary legal jargon.
Help when you need it
Reach our team by phone, email, or message with questions about your request.
Related questions
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step for a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. We help prepare the petition and organize evidence of your relationship. Keep in mind that approval of the petition doesn't by itself grant immigration status — it establishes the relationship for a later application, and wait times vary significantly by relationship category and country.
U.S. citizens can generally petition for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. Lawful permanent residents can petition for a spouse or unmarried child. The specific category affects both the required evidence and how long the process typically takes. Tell us about your relationship and status when you submit a request, and we'll help confirm the right form and category.
Processing times are set by USCIS, the immigration court, or the relevant government agency, not by DocPrep. You can check current USCIS processing times using our Check Status tools or on the official USCIS website.
No. Government filing fees are paid separately to the relevant agency (such as USCIS) and are not included in our document preparation fee. We will let you know the applicable government fee for your filing before you submit it.
Ready to get started?
Tell us which service you need, and our team can help you understand the document preparation process and next steps.
Request a serviceThis service is document preparation assistance based on information you provide. DocPrep is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Outcomes are determined solely by the relevant government agency.
Submit a full request