Overview (What is I-730 used for?)
#Form I-730, the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, is used to request derivative asylum or refugee status for qualifying relatives. It requires detailed information about the petitioner and the beneficiary, including their relationship and eligibility criteria. This form is crucial for maintaining family unity for individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S.
When completing Form I-730, it is important to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays or denials. The form captures details about the petitioner's status and the beneficiary's relationship, which must be documented appropriately. Supporting evidence is critical to demonstrate eligibility and the family relationship.
The petition must be filed within specific timeframes and requires the beneficiary to be unmarried at the time of filing and decision. Failure to meet these criteria can lead to denial of the petition. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure all necessary documents are included and properly formatted.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-730)
#USCIS evaluates the petitioner's refugee or asylee status and the relationship to the beneficiary. A common mismatch occurs when the beneficiary is found to be over 21 years old or married at the time of filing, which disqualifies them from receiving derivative status.
Context & workflow (How does I-730 fit into the case?)
#Most cases file this form together with the required evidence listed on the official form page. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Petitioners filing on behalf of a beneficiary.
When it is used
- When the official instructions list this form for your case type.
- When updating or supplementing a pending petition if requested.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-730?)
#- Provide clear documentation of the family relationship.
- Include translations for any foreign documents.
- Submit affidavits to support claims if primary documents are missing.
- Ensure all evidence is organized and presented in triplicate.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure the form is the current edition and all pages are included.
- Verify that the form is signed and dated by the petitioner.
- Check that all required documents are submitted in triplicate.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies in the information provided, as this can trigger an RFE.
- Make sure all required documents are submitted, including translations where necessary.
- Confirm that the beneficiary's marital status is accurately reported to prevent denial.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-730?)
#- Missing required documents, such as proof of relationship or identity.
- Inaccurate or incomplete information on the petition, which can lead to delays.
- Failure to provide translations for foreign documents, resulting in requests for additional evidence.
- Not providing the beneficiary's address in their native language, causing processing delays.
Eligibility signals
#- Form I-730 must be signed and dated.
- Proof of refugee or asylee status is required.
- Documented proof of relationship must be included.
- The beneficiary must be unmarried at the time of filing.
- All documents must be submitted in triplicate.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-730?)
#General Instructions
Follow the guidelines for completing the form accurately and legibly.
Check List
Review the checklist to ensure all required documents and information are included.
What If A Document Is Not Available?
Understand the process for submitting secondary evidence if primary documents are unavailable.
Affidavits
Prepare affidavits from individuals with personal knowledge of the events you are proving.
Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photographs)
Be aware that biometrics may be required for the beneficiary, especially if they are 14 years or older.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-730?)
#- You are not eligible to file this petition if:
- Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
- Who May File Form I-730?
- Who May Not File Form I-730?
- Who Is Eligible to Receive Accompanying or Following-to-Join Benefits?
- If you are a principal asylee
- Children who have reached 21 years of age
- If you are a principal refugee
- In all cases, your child must be unmarried on the date you filed this petition, and at the time it is decided by USCIS in order to receive derivative asylum or refugee status.
- What If A Document Is Not Available?
- What Documents Do You Need to Prove Eligibility and A Family Relationship?
- Where To File?
- What Additional Documents Must You Submit?
- Each affidavit should contain the following information
- Affidavits
- What If Secondary Evidence is Not Available?
- Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photographs)
- What Are the Penalties for Committing Marriage Fraud?
- USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring
- Penalties
- What Is Our Authority for Collecting This Information?
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-730?)
#- Proof of your status as a refugee or asylee in the United States
- Provide Documented proof of relationship, including copies and translations
- Provide The beneficiary's photo
- Provide The beneficiary's address where he or she is residing now
- Provide The beneficiary's name and address as written in the language of his or her country of residence
- Evidence that the child was legitimated by civil authorities if applicable
- Evidence of a bona fide parent/child relationship
- Provide Affidavits from two persons with personal knowledge of the events you are trying to prove
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide What Additional Documents Must You Submit?
- Provide Each affidavit should contain the following information
- Provide Quality interpretation may be crucial to your petition. Assistance must be obtained at your expense prior to the interview
- Provide States, everyone must follow the law. You need
- Provide You have the responsibility and are required
- Provide submit Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee
- Provide Refugees must apply for a Permanent
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-730?)
#- Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
- Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
- Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
- Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-730?)
#- Did you answer each question on Form I-730 according to the instructions?
- Did you sign and date Form I-730?
- Did you submit proof of your status as a refugee or asylee in the United States?
- Did you submit documented proof of relationship, including copies and translations?
- Did you submit the beneficiary's photo?
- Did you provide the beneficiary's address where he or she is residing now?
- Did you provide the beneficiary's name and address as written in the language of his or her country of residence?
- Review the declarations before signing.
- Download the current I-730 from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in a compatible PDF viewer (PDFs often work best in Adobe Reader).
- Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Fees (verify before filing)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay I-730 petitions?)
#- Leaving questions unanswered may result in a Request for Evidence.
- Not providing the beneficiary's mailing address in the correct language can cause delays.
- Failing to submit required documents in triplicate.
- Not including evidence of a bona fide parent/child relationship.
- Submitting documents that are not properly translated.
Examples (What does a strong I-730 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-730 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
- Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-730. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
- Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-730 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-730?)
#- Some believe that any document can be submitted without translation, which is incorrect. All foreign documents must be translated into English to be accepted.
- Others think that the beneficiary does not need to be present at the interview, but they must be. Their presence is required for verification of information.
- Many assume that filing late is acceptable, but there are strict deadlines. It is important to file within the designated time frame to avoid denial.
- Some think that affidavits can replace all required documents, but they are only acceptable when primary and secondary evidence is unavailable. Affidavits must overcome the absence of required documentation.
How this guide is built (Where this I-730 guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-730, ensuring that the information is accurate and current. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the filing process effectively.
FAQs
What documents are required to prove the family relationship?
You need to submit documented proof of the relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and affidavits from individuals with personal knowledge of the relationship. These documents help establish the legitimacy of the family ties.
Can I file Form I-730 for my child if they are over 21?
No, you cannot file for children who have reached 21 years of age. They must be unmarried at the time of filing and decision to qualify for derivative asylum or refugee status.
What happens if I do not provide the beneficiary's address in their native language?
Failure to provide the beneficiary's address in the correct language may result in significant delays in processing the petition. It is important to follow this requirement to avoid complications.
Is there a fee for filing Form I-730?
No, there is no fee for refugees or asylees to file Form I-730. This allows eligible individuals to seek family reunification without financial barriers.
What if I cannot provide a required document?
If a required document is not available, you must submit secondary evidence along with a statement from the appropriate civil authority certifying that the required document is not available. This helps support your case despite missing primary evidence.
Do I need to submit translations for foreign documents?
Yes, all foreign documents must be translated into English. Failure to provide translations may lead to delays or requests for additional evidence.
What should I do if my beneficiary is currently in the U.S.?
If your beneficiary is in the U.S., they must review the information on the petition for accuracy and sign it. This step is crucial to ensure that all details are correct before submission.
What is required for biometrics collection?
If your alien relative is 14 years of age or older, they must provide biometrics, which includes fingerprints and photographs. They will receive instructions on how to complete this requirement.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
Find my visa