Form I-130A, Explained — A TRW Law Firm Guide (2025 Edition)
What Is Form I-130A?
Form I-130A, officially titled “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary”, is a crucial document required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of a marriage-based green card application. It supplements Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) by providing additional background information about the foreign spouse — specifically regarding their residential history, employment history, and parental details.
This form ensures USCIS has a complete picture of the spouse’s background to assess the validity of the marriage and the eligibility of the beneficiary for a green card. While it is only six pages long, providing complete and accurate information is critical.
Who Needs to Complete Form I-130A?
✅ Required For:
- Any foreign spouse applying for a marriage-based green card
- Regardless of whether the spouse is inside or outside the United States
✅ Who Signs It?
- If the spouse lives in the U.S., they must complete and sign Form I-130A.
- If the spouse lives abroad, they must complete the form but do not need to sign it. The U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsoring spouse will submit it.
🚫 Not Required For:
- Family sponsorship petitions for parents, children, or siblings — only marriage-based green card applications require Form I-130A.
How Much Does Form I-130A Cost?
Great news — there is no additional cost to file Form I-130A.
However, it must be submitted as part of the larger family sponsorship package, which includes:
- Form I-130 filing fee: $675 (as of 2025)
- Other associated costs for the marriage green card (totaling ~$3,005 inside the U.S., ~$1,340 abroad)
Where and How Do You Submit Form I-130A?
Form I-130A is not submitted independently. It must be included with Form I-130 in a single package. Depending on your filing type and location, the destination address may vary:
Three Main Scenarios:
- Standalone I-130 Filing — Submit both forms to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility.
- Concurrent Filing (with I-485) — If you are also submitting Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), you’ll submit both forms and I-130A to the location designated for concurrent filings.
- Filing From Abroad — If your spouse is overseas, you still include I-130A in the I-130 submission to USCIS or via consular processing.
🔗 For the correct filing address, consult the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses Chart at uscis.gov.
Processing Time for Form I-130A
There is no separate processing timeline for Form I-130A. Its timeline is bundled with Form I-130, as both are reviewed together.
⏱️ Average Processing Time for I-130 in 2025:
- ~14.3 months (for spouses abroad)
- ~9.5 months (for spouses in the U.S. with concurrent I-485)
Information Required in Form I-130A
Form I-130A is relatively brief, but it demands precise and complete information. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
✅ Residential History:
- Complete five-year address history, with no gaps
- Include dates for each residence
✅ Employment History:
- Five-year work history
- Employer names, addresses, job titles, and start/end dates
✅ Parental Information:
- Full names and birthdates of both parents
- Countries of birth
Challenges in Completing Form I-130A
Many applicants struggle to remember five years of residential and employment history accurately. USCIS expects no gaps in this section.
TRW Law Firm recommends the following tips:
🔍 How to Find Missing Information:
- Review old lease agreements or rental receipts
- Check tax documents (W-2s, pay stubs)
- Use LinkedIn or resume files to trace job timelines
- Bank statements or utility bills can verify addresses
📌 TRW Tip: Even a one-month gap can raise questions or trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE). Fill every gap with a reasonable explanation.
Supporting Documents to Include
While the I-130A itself does not require separate documentation, it is submitted as part of a larger package, which typically includes:
- Completed Form I-130 and payment
- Proof of a bona fide marriage (joint lease, tax returns, photos)
- Copies of both spouses’ passports and birth certificates
- Divorce decrees (if applicable)
- Passport-style photos
- Form G-1145 (for electronic notification)
Form I-130A vs. Other Green Card Forms
Here’s how I-130A fits into the broader green card process:
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| I-130 | Petition to sponsor a foreign spouse |
| I-130A | Supplemental info about foreign spouse (required in marriage cases) |
| I-485 | Apply for green card from inside the U.S. |
| DS-260 | Apply for green card from outside the U.S. |
| I-864 | Financial support affidavit |
| I-765 | Work permit request |
| I-131 | Travel permit request |
| G-1145 | Electronic notification |
What Happens If You Don’t Submit Form I-130A?
Failure to submit Form I-130A will result in rejection of your entire I-130 petition package. USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or simply reject the application, costing time and causing delays.
TRW strongly recommends double-checking that the I-130A is:
- Fully completed
- Correctly signed (if applicable)
- Accurately reflects all required history
Final Thoughts from TRW Law Firm
While Form I-130A might seem like a simple supplement, it’s one of the key components of a successful marriage-based green card application. Small mistakes can lead to costly delays or even rejections.
At TRW Law Firm, we ensure every form — from I-130 to I-130A and beyond — is completed meticulously, supported by strong evidence, and submitted correctly the first time.
Whether you’re just starting your green card journey or need help with a specific form, our dedicated immigration attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact TRW Law Firm for Immigration Support
Phone: +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
Email: info@trfirm.com | info@trwbd.com | info@tahmidur.com
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