Form I-130 is used to establish a qualifying family relationship between a petitioner and certain relatives seeking immigration benefits. In a spousal case, the petition identifies the petitioner, the spouse beneficiary, and the marital relationship on which the family-based petition is based. USCIS specifically permits U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to file Form I-130 for qualifying spouses.

Preparation of this form involves organizing the information supplied by both spouses and entering it accurately into the petition. Because this petition becomes an important part of the overall family-based filing, consistency in names, dates, addresses, marital history, and other biographical information is especially important.

Information commonly involved may include the petitioner’s identifying information, the spouse beneficiary’s information, current and prior addresses, marital history, information about previous marriages when applicable, immigration-related information requested by the form, and details concerning the qualifying relationship.

USCIS also requires evidence of the qualifying spousal relationship, including a marriage certificate and, when applicable, documentation showing that prior marriages were legally terminated.

The preparation service focuses on organizing the information and documents provided by the client so the petition can be completed in a clear and orderly manner.

Form I-130A accompanies a spousal Form I-130 and collects additional information specifically about the spouse beneficiary. USCIS states that when Form I-130 is filed for a spouse, Form I-130A must also be completed.

This form goes into greater detail about the beneficiary’s personal history and helps supplement the information contained in the primary family petition.

The form requests information such as the beneficiary’s full legal name, other names used, physical address history, last physical address outside the United States when applicable, employment history, and identifying information. The current form requests five years of physical-address history.

During preparation, the beneficiary’s information should be compared carefully with information appearing on the I-130 and other documents in the filing so that names, dates, addresses, employment periods, and other details remain consistent.

For a spouse residing outside the United States, USCIS still requires Form I-130A to be completed, although the overseas spouse does not have to sign it.

Form I-485 is the application used by an eligible person who is physically present in the United States to request adjustment to lawful permanent resident status. USCIS explains that adjustment eligibility depends on the immigration category and individual circumstances.

This is one of the most detailed forms in the offering because it asks for extensive information about the applicant’s identity, immigration history, addresses, employment, family information, immigration category, and background.

Preparation requires careful organization of information supplied by the applicant so that the application is complete and consistent with the related family petition and supporting documents.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the form may involve information concerning prior entries into the United States, current or previous immigration status, identifying numbers, residence history, employment history, family information, and numerous eligibility and background questions.

Because eligibility for adjustment of status varies by immigration category and individual facts, preparation of the form does not by itself determine whether an applicant qualifies. USCIS makes that determination.

Form I-765 is used to request employment authorization when an applicant qualifies under an eligible category.

The form asks the applicant to identify the reason for filing, such as an initial request, renewal, or replacement, and collects personal and immigration information needed for the employment authorization request.

Within this offering, preparation of Form I-765 involves organizing the applicant’s identifying and immigration information and preparing the application based on the information supplied.

Information commonly involved includes the applicant’s full legal name, other names previously used, mailing and physical address information, immigration identifiers when applicable, and the eligibility category under which employment authorization is being requested.

Because employment authorization eligibility depends on the applicant’s immigration circumstances and filing category, approval is determined by USCIS rather than by the document preparer.

Form I-864 is the financial sponsorship document required in most family-based immigration cases. USCIS describes it as a legally enforceable contract between the sponsor and the U.S. Government and generally requires the sponsor to demonstrate sufficient financial means under the applicable requirements.

Preparation of Form I-864 requires careful organization of the sponsor’s household and financial information.

Depending on the circumstances, information may include household size, current income, tax-related information, employment information, and supporting financial documentation. If another qualifying financial sponsor is involved, additional sponsorship documentation may be necessary.

Because the Affidavit of Support creates significant obligations for the person signing it, the information used to prepare the form should be carefully reviewed by the sponsor before submission.