Step 1 – Petition (I-130 and I-130A):

• Proof of petitioner’s United States citizenship or residence;
  • United States birth or naturalization certificate;
  • Front and back of permanent resident card;
• Immigrant’s relationship to petitioner:
  • Child/Parent: Birth and marriage certificates;
  • Spouse: Proof of valid marriage;
  • Birth certificates of children;
  • Cohabitation and financial commingling;

Step 2 – Waiver (I-601A) (skip if immigrant not in the United States):

• Proof of relationship to QUALIFYING RELATIVE;
  • Spouse or parent only (NOT CHILDREN);
  • Birth or marriage certificate;
  • Proof of citizenship or residence (birth cert/green card);
• Proof of Extreme Hardship to QR:
• Emotionally, physically, or financially;
• In the event of either separation or relocation from QR;
  • Highly recommended therapist for psych evaluation:
  • Caren Ex: See information in this section;

Step 3 – Visa application (DS-260) and Affidavit of Support (I-864):

• Pay immigrant fees and complete visa application;
• Pay electronically at ceac.state.gov;
• Submit supporting vital and financial documents;
  • Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates, passport, etc.;
  • Petitioner’s tax returns and proof of employment;
  • Use additional forms and evidence for joint sponsor;
• PREPARE FOR VISA INTERVIEW (government will send an email with the date about 4-6 weeks in advance);
  • Make a full copy of everything submitted for this step and bring it to interview and medical exam (see sample consular process packet for Mexico);
• ATTEND VISA INTERVIEW
• Enter or re-enter the United States as a resident