Form I-130

Form I-130 Summary

The average processing time for Form I-130 is around 11.5 months as of August 2025. If you’re sponsoring more than one family member, each requires a separate I-130.

Form I-130, officially the Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in the family-based immigration process. It establishes the relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) and their eligible family member who wishes to immigrate to the United States. Completing it accurately is essential for a successful outcome.

Who Can File Form I-130
  • U.S. citizens or LPRs sponsoring a qualifying family member.
  • Widow(er)s of U.S. citizens or abused spouses/children may, in certain cases, self-petition.
Eligible Relationship Categories
  • Spouse — For married couples where the U.S. citizen or LPR sponsors their partner.
  • Parent — For U.S. citizens petitioning for foreign-born parents.
  • Child — For parents sponsoring unmarried children under 21 or married adult children.
  • Sibling — For U.S. citizens petitioning for their brothers or sisters.
I-130 Document Checklist
  • Completed Form I-130 for each beneficiary (and Form I-130A for spouse cases).
  • Two identical passport photos of petitioner and beneficiary (5×5 cm, white background).
  • Proof of petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or LPR status (birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate).
  • Original passports of petitioner and beneficiary (if available).
  • Marriage certificate, and if applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates from prior marriages.
  • Proof of bona fide relationship (joint bills, photos, correspondence, etc., especially for marriages under 2 years).
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
  • Always use the latest version of Form I-130 from the USCIS website.
  • Write legibly in black ink and complete all sections accurately.
  • Use “N/A” where a field doesn’t apply instead of leaving it blank.
  • Ensure all required signatures are included.

Best option: Hire an experienced immigration attorney at our firm to complete and submit your I-130. We ensure your petition is done right the first time.

Form I-130 Processing Timeline

Processing times vary depending on USCIS workload, visa category, and country of origin. On average, the I-130 takes about 11.5 months to process. Below is the general flow:

  • Filing and receipt notice from USCIS confirming your case number.
  • Case review and possible requests for additional evidence.
  • Approval and assignment of a priority date for visa availability.
  • Consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on the beneficiary’s location.
Why Hire Our Immigration Firm

At American immigration law firm LLP, we make the I-130 process simple and stress-free. Our attorneys have a 99% approval success rate and help clients avoid costly mistakes, delays, or denials. We assist with completing and organizing your forms, gathering proof of relationship, and communicating with USCIS on your behalf.

Call us now at 323-805-0445 to get professional help with your Form I-130 filing. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of your family immigration journey.

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Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Affirmative and Defensive Asylum
  • Employment Immigration
  • Cancelation of Removal
  • Credible Fear Inerview

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida
  • Miami – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List
Universidad Francisco Gavidia, San Salvador
  • B.S. – 2008
  • Major: Engineering

Representative Clients

  • Hispanic

Current Employment Position

  • Senior Partner

Mariano F. Herrera

Mariano Herrera is a passionate and dedicated United States Immigration Attorney originally from El Salvador, Central America. His personal journey as an immigrant to the United States inspired him to pursue a career devoted to helping others navigate the complex path of immigration law. After earning his Juris Doctor from Florida International University (FIU) College of Law and passing the bar exam, Mariano began his practice as an immigration attorney with an unwavering commitment to advocacy and justice. Drawing on his own immigrant experience, Mariano deeply understands the hopes and challenges faced by those seeking a new life in America. He brings empathy, precision, and determination to every case, representing clients before the Immigration Courts and USCIS. His mission is simple yet profound — to help as many immigrants as possible realize their American dream. Mariano’s legal expertise covers a wide range of immigration matters, including business and employment immigration, family-based petitions, asylum, deportation defense, and naturalization. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and steadfast dedication, he ensures that each client receives personalized guidance and strong representation. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mariano effectively serves a diverse community of clients from around the world. Beyond his legal practice, Mariano is actively engaged in community outreach and education. He regularly leads workshops and seminars to inform immigrants about their rights and legal options, and partners with nonprofit organizations to provide pro bono legal services to those in need. Outside the office, Mariano enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, and discovering new cuisines — experiences that broaden his worldview and deepen his empathy for clients from all backgrounds. A passionate reader and keen follower of global affairs, he continually enriches his knowledge of immigration trends and international issues. Mariano Herrera’s journey from El Salvador to the United States, combined with his compassion and professional excellence, has made him a trusted advocate and a respected figure in the field of immigration law.

Past Positions

  • Brandis and Associates, Associate Attorney, Feb. 2022 – July 2022

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Member, 2020
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2022 – 2023

Bar Admissions

  • El Salvador, 2003
  • Wisconsin, 2020
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
  • U.S. Immigration Court

Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Business Immigration
  • Employment Immigration
  • Family Based Immigration
  • Non-Immigrant Visas

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida

  • LL.M – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Bowling Greend State University, Bowling Green, Ohio

  • M.A.
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Representative Clients

  • Caribbean

Current Employment Position

  • Partner

Juliette A. Potter

Juliette Potter is a highly accomplished United States Immigration Attorney with over two decades of legal experience. She began her legal journey as a Barrister in the United Kingdom and was later admitted as an Attorney-at-Law in Antigua and Barbuda before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Ms. Potter’s academic background is equally distinguished. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Florida International University College of Law, a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) from the University of Wolverhampton, and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. She also earned a Master’s degree in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University’s College of Business in Ohio.

Her professional experience spans both the corporate and legal worlds. Before entering private immigration practice, she served as Chief Legal Officer for an international group of companies. Today, she is a Licensed Attorney in the State of New York, representing clients before the Federal Immigration Courts of the United States, while also maintaining her active law license in Antigua and Barbuda.

As an immigrant herself, Ms. Potter brings a unique perspective and deep empathy to her practice. Her personal experiences inspire her unwavering commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law with confidence and care.

Outside the courtroom, Ms. Potter enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new cuisines — passions that reflect her appreciation for diversity and global cultures, both in life and in law.

Past Positions

  • The Fairweather Group, Chief Legal Officer, 2012 to 2018
  • Elite Island Holding Company Ltd., Legal Counsel, 2005 to 2012

Professional Associations

  • New York State Bar Association, Member, 2022
  • Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association, Member, 2005
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2023 – 2024

Bar Admissions

  • England and Wales, 2003
  • Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, 2005
  • New York, 2023