What is immigration Form I-130?

Immigration form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, allows U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to formally establish a relationship with a non-resident of the United States, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Form I-130 is the initial stage in helping a relative immigrate to the United States.

A U.S. citizen can file form I-130 for a parent, child, sibling or spouse, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. An accepted form I-130 does not guarantee a visa to any recipient, but merely serves as a placeholder in line. Visas are assigned as they become available and require a separate form, I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Form 1-130 costs $420 to file in 2015.