OUR IMMIGRATION SERVICESComprehensive Form I-130 Support

Author: Attorney Vitaly Malyuk. License: MO No. 73573

Understanding Form I-130 and its importance

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a critical step in family-based immigration that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor relatives for green cards. The process requires precise documentation and adherence to USCIS guidelines, where mistakes can result in delays or denials.

Arvian Immigration provides expert assistance, guiding clients through eligibility, documentation and filing with customized strategies. Their services ensure compliance, maximize chances of approval, and help reunite families efficiently, addressing diverse needs with professionalism and clarity.

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Core Services for Form I-130 Petitions

Eligibility Assessment and Case Strategy Development

Arvian Immigration begins with a detailed eligibility assessment for the Form I-130, confirming the petitioner’s status (U.S. citizen or LPR) and the beneficiary’s qualifying relationship (e.g., spouse, child, parent, sibling). U.S. citizens may petition for immediate relatives or preference categories, while LPRs are limited to spouses and unmarried children. Arvian evaluates factors such as immigration history, beneficiary location, and processing type (adjustment of status or consular processing) to develop a customized case strategy. This minimizes risks such as Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or delays due to visa caps, and aligns with USCIS policy as of April 2025.

Arvian advises on required documentation, such as marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children, ensuring authenticity and compliance. They handle complex cases, such as fee waiver petitions for Afghan nationals (valid until September 30, 2025) or beneficiaries in immigration court. By providing multilingual support and navigating jurisdictional nuances (e.g., filing abroad), Arvian ensures accessibility and accuracy, improving approval rates that exceed 99% for properly filed immediate relative petitions.

Document Preparation and Filing Assistance

Arvian Immigration excels in preparing and filing Form I-130, starting with a customized document checklist. For spousal petitions, this includes proof of a bona fide marriage (e.g., joint leases, photographs); for siblings, proof of a common parent. Her team ensures that documents meet USCIS standards, including certified translations, and verifies Form I-130 for accuracy, catching errors such as missing signatures. They also prepare Form I-130A for spousal cases to ensure consistency.

Arvian advises clients on filing options-online for convenience or by mail for certain exemptions, calculates fees ($535 starting in 2024), and includes Form G-1145 for notifications. After filing, they monitor progress, prepare for potential RFEs, and coordinate next steps such as NVC transfer or Form I-485 filing. Arvian’s expertise, transparency of timelines (6-12 months for immediate relatives), and support for complex cases ensure a reliable, client-focused process.

Answers to FAQs

What is Form I-130 and how can Arvian Immigration help?

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor relatives for green cards. Arvian Immigration provides comprehensive support, including eligibility assessments, customized case strategies, document preparation, and filing assistance. Their team of experts ensures compliance with USCIS requirements, minimizing delays and maximizing the chances of approval.

Who is eligible to file Form I-130 and how does Arvian verify eligibility?

U.S. citizens can petition for immediate relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents) or preference categories (unmarried children over 21, married children, siblings), while LPRs are limited to spouses and unmarried children. Arvian conducts a thorough eligibility assessment, analyzing the petitioner’s status, the beneficiary’s relationship, and potential issues such as past immigration violations to confirm eligibility and develop a tailored strategy.

What types of documents are required for Form I-130, and how does Arvian help prepare them?

Required documents vary by relationship, but may include marriage certificates, birth certificates, joint financial records, or photographs proving a bona fide relationship. Arvian provides a customized checklist, ensures documents meet USCIS standards (e.g. certified translations), and verifies documents for authenticity and completeness to avoid rejections or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

What is the difference between online and mail filing for Form I-130, and how does Arvian guide clients?

Online filing offers convenience and real-time updates, but may not support certain waivers, such as the Afghan fee waiver. Mail filing allows for paper submissions, but requires precise mailing instructions. Arvian advises on the best method, calculates the fees ($535 as of 2024), includes Form G-1145 for notifications, and ensures compliance with USCIS protocols.

How long does it take to process Form I-130 and what timelines does Arvian provide?

Immediate relative petitions typically take 6-12 months, while preference categories can take years due to visa caps. Arvian provides transparent timelines based on USCIS processing times and monitors progress, preparing clients for next steps such as consular processing or adjustment of status to keep the process on track.

What happens if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) and how does Arvian respond?

An RFE occurs when USCIS requires additional evidence, which can delay processing by 1-3 months. Arvian’s proactive document preparation reduces the likelihood of an RFE, but if one is issued, the team prepares a prompt, comprehensive response with clear evidence to address USCIS concerns and maintain petition momentum.

Can Arvian assist with complex cases, such as beneficiaries with prior deportations or petitions filed from abroad?

Yes, Arvian specializes in complex cases, including beneficiaries with immigration violations or petitioners filing from abroad. They navigate jurisdictional nuances, such as filing at U.S. embassies, and handle special circumstances, such as Afghan fee waivers (valid until September 30, 2025), ensuring a smooth process with expert guidance.