TRW Law Firm - Enhanced Mega Menu 2025 Edition with Logo & Contact Sidebar

Let's work together

TRW Global Law Firm

Legal excellence across continents

Our global presence

Dhaka Headquarters
House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
Dhaka 1206, Bangladesh
Dubai Regional Office
Rolex Building, L-12 Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
London Liaison Office
330 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QH
United Kingdom

What we do best

Cross-Border Transactions
International business deals, mergers & acquisitions, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Multi-Jurisdictional Litigation
Complex legal disputes spanning Bangladesh, UAE, UK, and other international territories.
Global Corporate Structuring
Strategic legal advice for multinational corporations establishing presence in emerging and developed markets.
Schedule a consultation

Form I-130A, Explained

Form I-130A, Explained

A TRW Law Firm Guide to the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary Form

Introduction

For couples navigating the U.S. immigration system, the journey to a marriage-based green card is both exciting and legally intricate. At the heart of this process is Form I-130—the Petition for Alien Relative. But lesser known, yet equally important, is Form I-130A, which supplements the I-130 when the foreign national spouse is the beneficiary. This form provides essential biographical data, establishing the legitimacy and background of the spouse seeking to immigrate.

In this comprehensive TRW Law Firm guide, we break down everything you need to know about Form I-130A—from its purpose and eligibility rules to how to file it correctly, what documents you need, and the common pitfalls to avoid.

Whether you’re a U.S. citizen petitioning for your foreign spouse or a green card holder sponsoring a marriage-based immigrant, this article will walk you through the details of Form I-130A with legal precision and practical insights.


🟩 What Is Form I-130A?

Form I-130A is officially titled “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary” and is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It must be submitted alongside Form I-130 in marriage-based green card petitions.

While Form I-130 focuses primarily on the petitioner (typically the U.S. citizen or green card holder), Form I-130A provides detailed background information about the foreign national spouse, including:

🟩 Full biographical data
🟩 Residential addresses for the past 5 years
🟩 Employment history for the past 5 years
🟩 Parental information
🟩 Details of previous marriages, if any

This form is required for spousal beneficiaries only and is not needed when petitioning for parents, children, or siblings.


🟩 Who Needs to Complete Form I-130A?

Form I-130A is required in all marriage-based immigration petitions where:

  • The beneficiary (foreign spouse) is applying for a green card; and
  • The petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

✅ Required:

  • Spouses applying through consular processing (living outside the U.S.)
  • Spouses applying for adjustment of status (living inside the U.S.)

❌ Not Required:

  • Petitions filed for parents, children, or siblings of U.S. citizens or green card holders
  • Fiancé(e) visa applications (Form I-129F)

🟩 Cost of Filing Form I-130A

There is no separate fee to file Form I-130A.

However, it must be filed with Form I-130, which has a filing fee of \$675 (as of 2025, including the biometric services fee).

Thus, while I-130A itself is free, it is part of a larger and fee-bearing process.


🟩 Processing Time

There is no standalone processing time for Form I-130A.

It is processed in tandem with Form I-130. The overall timeline for a marriage-based green card varies:

  • U.S. Citizen Petitioner: ~12–18 months
  • Green Card Holder Petitioner: ~18–36 months

The beneficiary’s residence—inside vs. outside the U.S.—also impacts how long USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC) take to process the full application.


🟩 Step-by-Step Filing Instructions for Form I-130A

🟩 Step 1: Obtain the Form

Download the latest version of Form I-130A from the USCIS website. Use black ink if completing by hand, or type the form digitally. Do not use outdated versions.

🟩 Step 2: Fill Out the Form Accurately

Form I-130A has several parts:

Part 1 – Information About You (the Spouse Beneficiary)

  • Full name (including aliases)
  • A-Number (if applicable)
  • Physical and mailing addresses (past 5 years)
  • Date and place of birth
  • Country of citizenship
  • Passport/travel document information

Part 2 – Parental Information

  • Full legal names of both parents
  • Date and place of their births
  • Current city/country of residence or date of death

Part 3 – Employment History

  • All jobs held in the past 5 years
  • Company names, locations, titles, start and end dates

Part 4 – Signature and Date

  • If the spouse is in the U.S., they must sign the form.
  • If the spouse is outside the U.S., a signature is not required. The petitioner will submit the form on their behalf.

Part 5 – Interpreter and Preparer Information

If someone assisted in preparing the form, this section must be completed and signed accordingly.


🟩 Where to File Form I-130A

Form I-130A must be submitted together with Form I-130 to the correct USCIS lockbox facility based on:

  • The petitioner’s place of residence
  • Whether it is a standalone I-130 or part of a concurrent filing (I-130 + I-485)

General Guidelines:

  • If filing I-130 alone: Mail to the address listed on the USCIS website for standalone I-130 filings
  • If concurrently filing I-130 + I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Use the address provided in USCIS’s chart for concurrent filings

USCIS regularly updates filing addresses, so double-check before submitting.


🟩 Supporting Documents Required with Form I-130A

Although Form I-130A itself doesn’t require separate documents, it is part of the I-130 petition package, which must include:

🟩 Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status of the petitioner (U.S. passport, birth certificate, green card)
🟩 Marriage certificate
🟩 Passport-style photos of both spouses
🟩 Proof of bona fide marriage (shared bank accounts, lease agreements, travel records, affidavits from friends and family, etc.)
🟩 Proof of termination of prior marriages, if applicable

Avoid duplicating documents. Submit each document once as part of the combined I-130/I-130A package.


🟩 Special Notes on I-130A Filing Scenarios

Filing from Within the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

If the beneficiary is already in the U.S. and is eligible to adjust status, Form I-130A must be:

  • Completed
  • Signed by the beneficiary
  • Submitted with the I-130 and I-485 forms to the USCIS lockbox

Filing from Abroad (Consular Processing)

If the beneficiary is abroad:

  • Complete Form I-130A
  • Do not sign it (signature not required if outside the U.S.)
  • Submit it with Form I-130 to USCIS
  • After approval, USCIS will forward the case to the National Visa Center (NVC), and eventually to the U.S. embassy or consulate

🟩 Common Mistakes to Avoid with Form I-130A

❌ Omitting Addresses or Employment History

Failing to provide a full 5-year history can lead to Request for Evidence (RFE).

❌ Signing the Form Incorrectly

The form must be signed by the beneficiary if they are in the U.S.
No signature is needed if the beneficiary is outside the U.S.

❌ Not Updating Biographical Information

Ensure name spellings, dates of birth, and passport numbers are consistent across all immigration forms.

❌ Submitting to the Wrong Address

Always check the latest USCIS instructions, especially if concurrent filing with Form I-485.


🟩 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🟩 What is the purpose of Form I-130A?

It collects background and biographical data about the foreign national spouse in a marriage-based green card application. It helps USCIS assess the validity of the relationship and the beneficiary’s admissibility.


🟩 Is Form I-130A mandatory?

Yes, for all marriage-based petitions. If you are filing Form I-130 for a spouse, you must include Form I-130A.


🟩 Does I-130A require a fee?

No. There is no fee for Form I-130A.


🟩 What if my spouse is outside the U.S.?

Complete Form I-130A and submit it with Form I-130, even if your spouse is abroad. The foreign spouse does not need to sign the form in this case.


🟩 Can I submit Form I-130A online?

No. The entire I-130/I-130A package must be mailed to USCIS. As of 2025, there is no separate online filing system for I-130A.


🟩 What happens after submitting the I-130 and I-130A?

USCIS will issue a receipt notice, followed by a Notice of Action when the petition is approved. From there, the case will either:

  • Move to NVC and the U.S. consulate (if the spouse is abroad), or
  • Proceed with Form I-485 adjudication (if the spouse is in the U.S.)

🟩 Why Work with TRW Law Firm?

The marriage-based green card process involves legal precision, complete documentation, and timely communication with USCIS. TRW Law Firm’s immigration attorneys:

🟩 Help ensure all forms, including I-130 and I-130A, are accurate and complete
🟩 Strategically compile proof of a bona fide marriage
🟩 Advise on timelines, adjustment of status, and consular processing
🟩 Handle RFEs, NOIDs, or interview prep for clients
🟩 Represent clients at USCIS interviews or hearings when needed


Conclusion

Though Form I-130A may appear to be a mere supplement to Form I-130, it plays a critical role in verifying the eligibility and background of the spouse seeking to immigrate to the United States. A small error on this form can lead to delays or even denials.

At TRW Law Firm, we ensure that your immigration journey starts on the strongest footing—with complete, accurate, and timely filings. Whether you are living in Bangladesh and petitioning for your U.S. citizen spouse, or currently residing in the U.S. and seeking to adjust status, our legal team stands ready to guide you every step of the way.


📊 Summary Table: Form I-130A Overview

TopicDetails
Form NameI-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
PurposeProvides biographical info for foreign spouse in a marriage-based case
Who Must FileForeign spouse in marriage-based I-130 petition
Who SignsForeign spouse (if in U.S.); not required if abroad
Filing Fee\$0 (included in I-130 package)
Processing TimeSame as I-130 (12–36 months depending on category)
Filing LocationSame as I-130; based on USCIS charts
Required WithAll marriage-based I-130 petitions
Documents RequiredShared with I-130 (no separate documents needed)

📞 Contact TRW Law Firm

Get peace of mind with your marriage-based green card filing. Our legal team has handled hundreds of successful cases across consular and adjustment of status pathways.

📍 Global Law Firm Locations:

  • Dhaka: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
  • Dubai: Rolex Building, L-12 Sheikh Zayed Road
  • London: 330 High Holborn, City of London

📞 Contact Numbers:
+8801708000660
+8801847220062
+8801708080817

📧 Email Us:
info@trfirm.com
info@trwbd.com
info@tahmidur.com

🌐 Website: tahmidurrahman.com


Real Estate Data Analytics in Bangladesh

Real Estate Data Analytics in Bangladesh: Legal Considerations for Lawyers 1. Understanding Real Estate Data Analytics Real estate data analytics involves collecting, processing, and interpreting a wide range of data types, including: Transactional data: Property...

Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) in Bangladesh

Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) in Bangladesh for FY 2024-25: Comprehensive Guide by TRW Law Firm Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a cornerstone of the tax administration framework in Bangladesh. It is a withholding tax mechanism whereby tax is deducted from income at...

How Bangladeshis with Little or No Travel History Can Get a U.S. Visa – With TRW Law Firm’s Expert Guidance

How Bangladeshis with Little or No Travel History Can Get a U.S. Visa – With TRW Law Firm’s Expert Guidance Getting a U.S. visa can be a challenge—especially for first-time travelers from Bangladesh who have little to no travel history on their passports. The stakes...

Form I-134, Explained

Form I-134, Explained Understanding the Declaration of Financial Support for a Visa ApplicantBy TRW Law FirmUpdated: March 4, 2025 ✉️ What is Form I-134? Form I-134, officially titled the "Declaration of Financial Support," is a U.S. immigration form used when a U.S....

Form I-130, Explained

Form I-130, Explained Navigating the I-130 Process: Eligibility, Timeline, Costs, and More Filing Form I-130, officially titled the “Petition for Alien Relative,” is the first formal step for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who wish...

Form I-129F, Explained: A Complete Guide by TRW Law Firm

Form I-129F, Explained: A Complete Guide by TRW Law FirmYour Path to the K-1 and K-3 Visa for a Fiancé(e) or Spouse of a U.S. Citizen What is Form I-129F? Form I-129F, officially titled “Petition for Alien Fiancé(e),” is a foundational document used by U.S. citizens...

Form G-1145, Explained

Form G-1145, Explained Requesting E-Notification of Application Acceptance from USCIS Written by TRW Law FirmUpdated: March 25, 2025 ⚖️ Introduction to Form G-1145 In today’s fast-moving immigration environment, staying informed about the status of your application...

Form DS-156E, Explained

Form DS-156E, Explained A TRW Law Firm Guide to the Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application Introduction For investors and traders seeking to engage in meaningful economic activity in the United States, the E-1 and E-2 visa categories provide invaluable...

DS-4079, Explained

DS-4079, Explained A Comprehensive Guide to the DS-4079 Form and U.S. Citizenship Relinquishment Prepared by TRW Law Firm – Your Global Immigration & Nationality Experts Introduction to DS-4079 The DS-4079, officially titled "Request for Determination of...

DACA Form I-821D, Explained

DACA Form I-821D, Explained HOW TO APPLY TO RECEIVE DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA)By TRW Law Firm 🌐 Overview Form I-821D is used to apply for or renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy that allows eligible undocumented individuals...