What Is Form I-130A?
Form I-130A (Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary) must be filed when submitting Form I-130 for a spouse. It collects detailed background information about the foreign spouse to help USCIS verify identity, residence history, and the legitimacy of the marriage.
This form applies only to marriage-based petitions.
Who Must Complete and Sign Form I-130A?
The foreign spouse (beneficiary) completes the form.
The form is submitted by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (petitioner) together with Form I-130.
If the spouse is inside the United States, they must sign the form.
If the spouse is outside the U.S., a signature is not required, but the completed form must still be included.
Failure to include Form I-130A may result in delays or a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Information Required
Form I-130A asks for:
Current address and address history for the past five years
Employment history for the past five years
Names, dates of birth, and birthplaces of both parents
Biographical details (date and place of birth, marital history)
All information must be accurate and consistent with Form I-130.
Supporting Documents
Although Form I-130A has no separate filing fee, it must be filed with Form I-130 and the required fee.
Typical supporting documents include:
Passport biographic page
Divorce decrees (if applicable)
Evidence of a bona fide marriage (joint bank statements, lease agreements, utility bills, photos, affidavits)
Certified Translation Requirement
Any document not in English must include a certified translation that meets USCIS standards. Submitting untranslated or uncertified documents can delay your petition.
Marriage and birth certificates issued abroad commonly require certified translation.
Processing Time
Form I-130A is processed together with Form I-130. Marriage-based green card petitions typically take 10–38 months, depending on visa category, backlog, and whether the case involves Adjustment of Status or consular processing.
Always check USCIS for the most current processing times.