A simple breakdown of what is i 130 used for

If you're looking into bringing a relative to the U.S., you've probably wondered what is i 130 used for and how it actually kicks off the whole immigration process. Basically, this form is the very first step in the long journey of getting a family-based green card. It's officially called the "Petition for Alien Relative," but that sounds a bit more intimidating than it actually is. In plain English, it's just a way for a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (someone with a green card) to tell the government, "Hey, this person is my family member, and I want them to be able to live here legally." ...

April 25, 2026 · 6 min · Coughlin Samuels