I-130 petition

The I-130 petition is a form filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a family relationship with a foreign relative they want to bring to the United States. This petition initiates the process for the relative to obtain immigration benefits. Once approved, the relative can apply for a visa or adjustment of status to become a lawful resident. It’s essentially a formal request to prove a genuine family connection, which is a necessary step in family-based immigration.