The U.S. relative (the petitioner) will get the ball rolling by submitting a petition to USCIS. The petitioner sends a completed Petition for Alien Relative packet to the USCIS office designated for the U.S. relative's geographic location. The petition will include required forms and a variety of documents and supporting materials. These include:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
- Form G-325A Biographic Information (husband and wife)
- Proof that the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Proof of a family relationship between petitioner and beneficiary Filing fee
USCIS will confirm receipt of the petition by sending Form I-797, Notice of Action. Once approved, USCIS will send a second Notice of Action to the petitioner. USCIS then sends the approved petition to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC).
