If you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and you want to bring your family member to the United States, chances are you're looking at Form I-130 — the Petition for Alien Relative. It's the very first step in helping a family member immigrate to the U.S., and while the form itself isn't overly complicated, the documents you need to submit with it are crucial.

The Alien Number, also known as the A-Number or “alien registration number,” is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to immigrants in the United States by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Think of it as your personal ID within the U.S. immigration system. It functions similarly to a social security number or tax ID, but within the immigration context.

Form I-130A (Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary) may look like a simple biographic sheet, but it is one of the most important documents in the entire marriage-based green card process. A single mistake in I-130A can lead to delays, RFEs, background checks, and even suspicion of inconsistencies in your case. This guide explains: Who must submit form I-130A How to complete I-130A correctly Hidden pitfalls that trigger RFEs Which supporting evidence strengthens you

When applying for a marriage-based green card through Adjustment of Status (AOS), USCIS requires proof that the petitioner spouse (a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) has sufficient and stable income to financially support the immigrant spouse. The primary financial document is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, but one of the most effective supporting documents to strengthen your case is an Employment Verification Letter. This letter helps USCIS confirm the sponsor’s curre

Form I-485 is one of the most important immigration forms in the United States.If you are applying for a marriage-based green card through Adjustment of Status (AOS), this application determines whether you will become a permanent resident without leaving the country. USCIS reviews this form carefully, and even small mistakes can lead to delays, RFEs, or denials. In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know about how to file Form I-485, how the process works