I-130 Petition Lawyer in Dallas, TX

The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is the foundational filing that establishes a qualifying family relationship for most family-based immigration cases, from spouses and children to parents and siblings.

Who Is the I-130 Petition For?

Who Qualifies

The petitioner must prove U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and provide documentary evidence of the claimed relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates. Approval establishes the relationship but does not by itself grant immigration status to the beneficiary.

How to Apply

The petitioner files Form I-130 with civil documents proving the relationship; once approved, the beneficiary proceeds to adjustment of status or consular immigrant visa processing when a visa number becomes available.

Period of Stay & Processing

I-130 processing time depends heavily on the relationship category and service center, ranging from roughly seven months for immediate relatives to well over a year for more distant family categories.

This overview is for general information only and is not legal advice. Current forms, fees, and eligibility rules should always be confirmed against official USCIS and U.S. Department of State guidance, or with one of our attorneys, before filing.