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Form I-130 · Educational guide

Form I-130 and Form I-130A: What Is the Difference?

When a U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitions for a husband or wife, two related forms are involved. This guide explains the role of each one in plain language.

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Who this guide is for

  • Petitioners filing for a spouse
  • Spouse beneficiaries asked to provide their own background information

Form I-130: the petition

Form I-130 is completed and signed by the petitioner, the U.S. citizen or permanent resident. It identifies the petitioner, the relative, and the family relationship.

Form I-130A: supplemental information for a spouse

Form I-130A collects background details about the spouse beneficiary, such as address and employment history and information about parents. It must be submitted together with Form I-130 when the relative is a spouse.

The spouse must complete and sign Form I-130A. If the spouse lives outside the United States, the form must still be completed, but the spouse does not have to sign it.

Filing them together

  • Submit Form I-130A in the same package as Form I-130 for a spouse
  • Information about the same person and the same time period should be consistent across both forms. The petitioner and beneficiary may have different addresses and histories; report each person's actual information.
  • Form I-130A is not used for parents, children, or siblings

Important considerations

  • Inconsistent information about the same person or time period can lead to questions from USCIS.
  • Check current fees with the USCIS Fee Calculator before you file.

When to consider legal help

Consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative if your situation involves any of the following:

  • Any arrest, criminal charge, or conviction, in any country
  • Past or current removal (deportation) proceedings, or a prior removal order
  • Unlawful presence, a prior visa overstay, or a past immigration violation
  • Questions about whether you need a waiver or qualify for an exception
  • A marriage that took place while either spouse was in removal proceedings

Official USCIS sources

Fees, mailing addresses, form editions, and processing times change. Always confirm them on the official USCIS pages below before you file.

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