Why Should You Upgrade an I-130 Petition After Naturalization?

If you are a permanent resident of the United States and have recently become a U.S. citizen, you may want to upgrade your I-130 petition. The I-130 petition is used to apply for the permanent residency of a family member. This petition is submitted by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). After naturalization, U.S. citizens can upgrade their I-130 petition to take advantage of a faster processing time and other benefits.

Upgrading an I-130 petition after naturalization can help individuals and their families in multiple ways. It can help speed up the process of getting a green card for a family member, as well as make it easier for an individual to sponsor their spouse, parent, or child for a green card. It can also help alleviate the burden of having to wait for the petitioner to become a U.S. citizen before filing the I-130.

What is an I-130 Petition?

An I-130 petition is a form that is used to apply for the permanent residency of a family member. This form is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to petition for an immediate relative to become a permanent resident in the United States. It is also used to apply for the permanent residency of a fiancé(e) or a child of a fiancé(e).

The I-130 petition must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After it is approved, the family member will be able to apply for a green card. Once the green card is approved, they will be able to live and work in the United States as a permanent resident.

What are the Benefits of Upgrading an I-130 Petition After Naturalization?

Upgrading an I-130 petition after naturalization can provide several benefits to both the petitioner and the family member. The most significant benefit is that the petitioner will no longer have to wait for them to become a U.S. citizen before filing the I-130. This can help speed up the process of getting a green card for a family member. Additionally, the petitioner will no longer have to pay the I-130 filing fee, as it is waived for those who are petitioning for an immediate relative.

Upgrading an I-130 petition after naturalization can also help make it easier for an individual to sponsor their spouse, parent, or child for a green card. This is because the petitioner is now a U.S. citizen, which makes them a more attractive sponsor. Additionally, the petitioner will no longer have to worry about their status changing, as the I-130 petition is valid for life.

How to Upgrade an I-130 Petition After Naturalization

If you have recently become a U.S. citizen and would like to upgrade your I-130 petition, there are a few steps you will need to take. First, you will need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form is used to apply for U.S. citizenship and must be filed with the USCIS. Once you have submitted the form and received a decision, you can start the process of upgrading your I-130 petition.

Next, you will need to file Form I-130A, Supplement A to Form I-130. This form is used to provide additional information about the petitioner, such as their new U.S. citizenship status. You will also need to provide proof of your citizenship, such as a copy of your certificate of naturalization. Once you have submitted the form and all additional documents, you will be able to upgrade your I-130 petition.

What Happens After Upgrading an I-130 Petition After Naturalization?

Once you have upgraded your I-130 petition after naturalization, the USCIS will review the petition and make a decision. If the petition is approved, the family member will be able to apply for a green card. If the petition is denied, you will need to file a new I-130 petition.

Once the family member has a green card, they will be able to live and work in the United States as a permanent resident. This will give them access to many of the same benefits as a U.S. citizen, such as the right to attend school and access to certain government programs.

Conclusion

Upgrading an I-130 petition after naturalization can provide several benefits to both the petitioner and the family member. It can help speed up the process of getting a green card for a family member, as well as make it easier for an individual to sponsor their spouse, parent, or child for a green card. Additionally, the petitioner will no longer have to wait for them to become a U.S. citizen before filing the I-130.

To upgrade an I-130 petition after naturalization, you will need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and Form I-130A, Supplement A to Form I-130. Once the petition is approved, the family member will be able to apply for a green card and become a permanent resident of the United States.