- Flat quote after we review your situation
- Most packets in 3–7 business days
- Current USCIS form editions
- Step-by-step filing instructions
Quick Answer
What is Form I-130 and who files it?
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with a relative who wants to immigrate. Approval of the I-130 does not by itself grant a green card — it establishes the relationship and a place in line. What happens next depends on whether the relative is an immediate relative or in a preference category, and whether they will adjust status inside the United States or go through consular processing. Clear Path Document Services prepares the form and the evidence packet; we are not attorneys and do not give legal advice.
Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.
Get a free quote
Name, phone, and email — we review your situation before quoting. Prefer texting? Text (833) 777-3453.
What does it cost?
Government filing fees are paid to USCIS or the IRS, not to us. Our preparation fee is separate and is quoted in writing after we review your situation — nothing is purchased online.
- USCIS filing fee — Form I-130 (online)
- $625
- USCIS filing fee — Form I-130 (paper)
- $675
- Later steps (I-485 or consular processing)
- Separate fees, paid later
- Clear Path preparation fee
- Quoted in writing after review
Government fees change. Always confirm the current amount on the official agency website before you file — we include the current figures in your filing instructions.
What we prepare for you
Form I-130 preparation
The current form edition completed from the information you give us, with petitioner and beneficiary details entered consistently across every document.
Form I-130A when required
The spouse beneficiary supplement completed alongside the main petition for marriage-based cases.
Relationship evidence packet
Marriage certificate, birth certificates, joint financial records, photos, and correspondence organized into a numbered, indexed exhibit set.
Translation checklist
Which foreign-language documents need a certified English translation and exactly what the translator certification must say.
Filing instructions
Online versus paper, correct lockbox address, fee payment, what the receipt notice means, and how to track the case.
One correction round
After you review the draft packet, we make one round of corrections before you file.
What we do not do
- Deciding whether your relative is eligible or which category applies
- Legal advice about prior overstays, entries without inspection, prior petitions, or criminal history
- Representing you before USCIS or a consulate — we are not attorneys or BIA-accredited representatives
- Responding to a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny with legal argument
- Any promise or prediction about approval, wait times, or visa availability
What documents do you need to get started?
- Proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (passport, certificate, or green card)
- The document that proves the relationship — marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption decree
- Proof that any prior marriages ended: divorce judgments or death certificates
- Beneficiary's passport biographic page and birth certificate
- For marriage cases: joint lease or mortgage, joint accounts, insurance, photos, travel records, and correspondence
- Certified English translations for any foreign-language document
Missing something? Send what you have and call us — we will tell you what is still needed before any work begins.
How the process works
- 1
Tell us the relationship
Spouse, parent, child, or sibling, and who the petitioner is. That determines the forms and the evidence.
- 2
We review and quote
We look at what you already have and send a written price and turnaround. Nothing is purchased online.
- 3
We prepare the packet
Forms completed, evidence numbered and indexed, translation checklist built, cover letter and filing instructions written.
- 4
You review and sign
You read every answer, we make one round of corrections, and the petitioner signs the petition.
- 5
You file and track
You submit online or by mail with the current fee, then track the case with your receipt number.
When you should talk to an immigration attorney
Some situations need legal judgment, not paperwork help. Call us anyway — we will tell you honestly whether document preparation fits, and point you toward an independent attorney when it does not.
- The beneficiary entered without inspection, overstayed, or has any unlawful presence
- Anyone involved has an arrest, conviction, or prior immigration violation
- There was a prior marriage-based petition, a prior denial, or a fraud allegation
- The beneficiary is in removal proceedings or has a removal order
- You need advice on adjustment of status versus consular processing, or on waivers
Frequently asked questions
Ready to get started?
Send us your details. We review every matter before quoting, so you get a written price and timeline — never a checkout page.
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.