Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial step in helping your spouse obtain a green card. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, proper preparation is key. This includes gathering the necessary documents and understanding the eligibility requirements. A critical piece of information is the beneficiary’s travel document number. This article will guide you through understanding what this number is and where to find it.
Before diving into the specifics of Form I-130, remember that your spouse (the beneficiary) needs a valid marriage certificate or license to be eligible for a green card.
Navigating Form I-130: A Step-by-Step Guide
Form I-130 can be found on the USCIS website. It is a comprehensive 12-page document that can be completed either online or by hand. To assist you, a sample form is also available.
The form is divided into several parts, each requiring specific information. Let’s break down the key sections:
Part I: Relationship (Petitioner and Beneficiary)
This section clarifies the relationship between you (the petitioner) and your relative (the beneficiary). Provide detailed information about how your relationship was formed.
Part II: Information About You (Petitioner)
This section requests your personal details, including familial background, marital status, and employment history. Ensure all information is accurate and detailed to establish credibility.
Important Notes for Part II:
- Alien Registration Number: This can be found under the “USCIS#” category on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card). This number is only applicable to lawful permanent residents. U.S. citizens should enter “N/A.”
- Place of Current Marriage: Enter the location where you and your spouse were legally married. This refers to the official wedding location, such as the city hall.
- Naturalized U.S. Citizen: The certificate number is located on the top right-hand side of your naturalization certificate (not the USCIS Registration No.). Include the city and state where your oath ceremony was held for the place of issuance.
- Employer History: If you are not currently employed, leave the employer entries blank. In Question 44 (Occupation), specify your current status (e.g., “student,” “self-employed,” “unemployed”) and enter the relevant dates in Question 45.
Part III: Biographic Information
This section gathers information about your race and ethnicity. It asks whether you are Hispanic or Latino (originating from Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South or Central America, or another Spanish culture or origin). It also specifies the definitions of race, including White, Asian, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
Part IV: Information About Beneficiary
This crucial section focuses on your spouse, the beneficiary. It requires detailed information ranging from personal details to employment history. Provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays.
Key Points for Part IV:
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Social Security Number: Immigrants are typically granted a Social Security Number only after residing in the U.S. and possessing a work permit or U.S. residence. Leave this field blank if your spouse doesn’t have one.
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Beneficiary’s Full Name: Use the married last name and include any other names used on your spouse’s paperwork, such as their maiden name, in Question 5.
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Names of Beneficiary’s Spouses: List yourself as the first spouse and provide all marriage details. USCIS will verify this information to prevent marriage fraud and other visa-related issues.
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Information About Beneficiary’s Family: Include yourself and any children your spouse may have. This list is crucial if the beneficiary intends to immigrate with their children or petition for them in the future. Omission of names can lead to future petition denials.
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Lawful Entry into the U.S.: Indicate whether your spouse entered the U.S. legally. Negative immigration history, such as overstaying a visa, can affect green card eligibility. Consulting with an attorney or Visa2US is advisable in such cases.
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Travel Document Number: This is what is the beneficiary’s travel document number, and it’s typically found on your spouse’s passport. It might also be on the card received upon entering the U.S. from border/port officials. You can also retrieve Form I-94 online from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. This number is essential for verifying your spouse’s legal entry into the United States.
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Date of Authorized Stay: This date indicates the period your spouse is legally permitted to stay in the U.S., as stated on Form I-94.
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Immigration Proceedings: If your spouse is involved in immigration proceedings, seek legal counsel or consult with Visa2US. This situation may affect green card eligibility.
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Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Question 61 is relevant if your spouse currently resides in the U.S. and is applying for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). Contact Visa2US if you’re unsure if this applies to your situation.
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Consulate Information: If your spouse is ineligible to file Form I-485, provide the consulate in their home country. USCIS determines which consulate will handle your case based on your spouse’s location and the State Department’s consulates handling immigration applications/visas. If the country lacks diplomatic relations with the U.S., USCIS will designate a consulate in a nearby country.
Part V: Other Information
This section collects details about your filing history, including previous petitions for the beneficiary or other relatives. USCIS uses this information to investigate and verify relationships.
Part VI: Petitioner’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature
This section serves as your attestation to the accuracy of the provided information.
Part VII: Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Complete this section if you used an interpreter.
Part VIII: Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Petition, if Other Than the Petitioner
Provide information about the preparer if someone other than the petitioner completed the form.
Part IX: Additional Information
This section provides extra space for additional information. If needed, you can copy this page or attach a separate sheet.
Conclusion
Completing Form I-130 can seem daunting, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can navigate the process successfully. Accurately providing the beneficiary’s travel document number, understanding the requirements of each section, and gathering the necessary supporting documents are crucial steps toward helping your spouse obtain a green card.
For any questions or assistance with Form I-130, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or contact resources like Visa2US at [email protected].
