At a Glance
Form I-130A is a short supplement that collects extra background details about the spouse who's being sponsored on Form I-130 (the family petition). It's used only in marriage-based cases and is submitted with the I-130.
Key point: I-130A by itself doesn't give status or benefits. It just supports the I-130 petition for a spouse.
Quick Overview
- Who completes it: The beneficiary spouse (the person seeking the green card)
- Who must sign:
- If the spouse lives in the U.S. → the spouse must sign I-130A
- If the spouse lives abroad → the spouse must complete I-130A but doesn't have to sign it
- When it's required: Whenever you file Form I-130 for your spouse, you must include Form I-130A
- Fee: There's no separate government fee for I-130A; the fee is paid with Form I-130
- Current edition: 04/01/24 (as shown on USCIS). Always use the current edition
Who Needs Form I-130A
You need I-130A if:
- You, as a U.S. citizen or green card holder, are filing I-130 for your spouse
- USCIS specifically requires I-130A submission with all spousal I-130 petitions
You don't need I-130A for:
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
- Any other family relationship besides spouse
The official I-130 instructions make clear that the I-130A requirement applies only to spousal filings.
Information Required (Checklist)
I-130A focuses on the spouse's identity and recent history. Be ready with:
Required Documents
- ✓ Addresses for the last 5 years (inside or outside the U.S.), plus the last address outside the U.S. where the spouse lived for more than 1 year
- ✓ Employment history for the last 5 years (or write 'Unemployed' where applicable)
- ✓ Parents' names, birthplaces, dates of birth, and current residence information
- ✓ Contact details (daytime phone, mobile, email) and the spouse's signature (if in the U.S.)
- ✓ Interpreter or preparer details and signatures (only if used)
Translations: Any non-English document you attach (for example, a name-change order tied to the spouse's info) must have a full English translation with a translator's certification, per USCIS instructions.
Signature Requirements
Understanding who must sign and when is crucial for avoiding delays:
Spouse in the U.S.
- Must sign Form I-130A
- Original handwritten signature required
- Scanned copies of original signatures are acceptable
Spouse Abroad
- Must complete Form I-130A
- No signature required
- USCIS explicitly states this exception
Important: USCIS accepts scanned copies of original handwritten signatures for filing.
Fees
- I-130A: $0 (no separate fee)
- I-130 (spouse petition): Current government fee shown on the USCIS Fee Schedule
The I-130A is treated as a required supplement to the I-130, not an independent filing, so there's no additional fee.
How to File I-130A (with your I-130)
Option 1: File I-130 Online
1. Create USCIS Account Sign in to your USCIS online account or create a new one
2. Start Form I-130 Begin the I-130 application for your spouse
3. Upload I-130A When prompted for supporting evidence, upload the completed I-130A PDF
4. Pay and Submit Pay the I-130 filing fee online and submit both forms together
Option 2: File I-130 by Mail (Paper)
1. Download Current Forms Get the latest I-130 and I-130A from USCIS.gov
2. Complete Both Forms Fill out I-130 and I-130A completely
3. Organize Packet Place completed I-130A behind the I-130 in your packet
4. Mail to Lockbox Send to the correct USCIS lockbox for your location
What Happens After Filing
- Receipt Notice: You receive a receipt (I-797C) for the I-130 (not for I-130A separately)
- Case Tracking: Use the receipt number to check case status and processing times
- Timeline: I-130A does not have its own processing time - it moves with the I-130
Processing times vary by USCIS service center. Check the Processing Times tool for current estimates.
Step-by-Step Guide
Completing I-130A (15-30 minutes)
Part 1 - Spouse's Information
- Full legal name(s)
- A-Number (if any)
- 5-year address history (list oldest first)
- Last non-U.S. address lived at for 1+ years
Part 2 - Employment History
- 5-year employment history
- Include "Unemployed" periods where applicable
- Include overseas work if any
Part 3 - Parents' Information
- Names (including maiden names)
- Birthplaces
- Dates of birth
- Current city/country of residence
Part 4 - Statement & Signature
- Contact information
- Spouse's signature (unless living abroad)
Part 5 - Interpreter/Preparer
- Complete only if used
- Requires contact info and signature
Part 7 - Additional Information
- Use for continuation if you run out of room
- Clearly label what you're continuing
Pro Tip: If filing online, combine multi-page "extra info" into one PDF and label it clearly (e.g., "I-130A—Additional Information: Address/Employment Continuation").
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Critical Errors That Cause Delays
- Leaving gaps in the 5-year address or employment history
- Missing the spouse's signature when the spouse lives in the U.S.
- Forgetting I-130A entirely in a marriage filing
- Not attaching translations with certification for non-English documents
- Using an outdated form edition
Best Practices
- List months and years carefully for all addresses and employment
- Double-check signature requirements based on spouse's location
- Always download the current form edition from USCIS.gov
- Keep copies of everything you submit