Immigration Guide

Complete Guide to Form I-130 Family Petition in Columbus, Ohio

Updated January 2026 | Asal Multi Services

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in sponsoring a family member for a green card. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident living in Columbus, Ohio, this guide explains everything you need to know about the process.

Who Can You Sponsor?

U.S. Citizens can sponsor:

• Spouse (husband or wife)
• Unmarried children under 21 (immediate relatives)
• Unmarried sons and daughters over 21
• Married sons and daughters of any age
• Parents (if the petitioner is 21 or older)
• Brothers and sisters (if the petitioner is 21 or older)

Green card holders can sponsor:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children of any age

Required Documents

• Completed Form I-130 and Form I-130A (for spouse petitions)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card copy)
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Passport-style photos for petitioner and beneficiary
• Evidence of legal name changes (if applicable)
• Divorce decrees or death certificates for prior marriages
• For spouse petitions: evidence of bona fide marriage (joint bank accounts, lease, photos, affidavits)

Processing Times for Columbus Filers

As of early 2026, approximate processing times are:

• Immediate relatives: 12-18 months
• Family preference F2A (spouse/children of LPR): 2-3 years
• Family preference F2B (unmarried adult children of LPR): 5-8 years
• Family preference F3 (married children of citizens): 12-15 years
• Family preference F4 (siblings of citizens): 15-20+ years

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incomplete forms: Missing signatures, blank fields, or incorrect dates lead to rejection.
2. Wrong filing fee: USCIS changes fees periodically. Always verify the current fee before mailing.
3. Insufficient evidence of relationship: For marriage-based petitions, include extensive documentation proving your marriage is genuine.
4. Not translating documents: All foreign-language documents must include certified English translations.
5. Filing in the wrong category: Make sure you select the correct relationship category on the form.

How Asal Multi Services Helps

At Asal Multi Services in Columbus, we help families prepare their I-130 petitions accurately and completely. Our team speaks English, Somali, and Arabic, making the process accessible for our diverse community. We help with:

• Completing Form I-130 and I-130A accurately
• Organizing and reviewing all supporting documents
• Certified translation of foreign-language documents
• Preparing the filing package for USCIS
• Tracking your case status after filing