I-130 Petition for German Citizens

If you’re a U.S. citizen planning to bring your spouse, child, or other family member from Germany to live with you permanently in the United States, the first step is filing Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. 

At Blue Lake Law, we’ve helped countless families navigate the I-130 process efficiently from Germany and with peace of mind. We understand how overwhelming U.S. immigration law can feel, especially when you’re applying from abroad, which is why we’re here to make it as clear and straightforward for you as possible. 

What is an I-130 Petition? 

Form I-130 establishes your relationship with your relative and begins the process of obtaining a U.S. green card (permanent residency). It’s the first and most critical step towards reuniting your family in the U.S.  

Blue Lake Law will ensure accurate filing and strong supporting documentation to help avoid delays, rejections, or Requests for Evidence (RFEs) while filing for the I-130 petition.

Who can you sponsor with an I-130?

Before you begin, it’s important to know who you can sponsor using Form I-130. The petition is designed for close family relationships, with eligibility depending on both your immigration status and the type of relationship. U.S. citizens can sponsor a wider range of German relatives, while green card holders have more limited options.

You may be eligible to sponsor:

• Spouse
• Children (under the age of 21)
• Children (married and/or over the age of 21)
• Parents
• Siblings 

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can file for:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children (under the age of 21)

I-130 Timelines for German Beneficiaries

If you’re filing an I-130 petition from Germany, most cases currently take around 14 months to be approved by USCIS, although timelines can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then forwarded to the U.S. Embassy in Frankfurt for visa processing. In some circumstances, you may be eligible for Direct Consular Filing, where the I-130 is filed directly with the Consulate in Frankfurt. This can drastically reduce processing times to around 4 months. We help guide you through each stage to avoid common delays and keep things moving smoothly.

Is the Process Different for German Citizens?

While the I-130 process is largely the same for many nationalities, there are a few country-specific considerations to keep in mind when sponsoring a German spouse or family member.

• The U.S. Embassy in Frankfurt handles all immigrant visa interviews for German residents.
• All documents submitted to USCIS must be in English. Any German-language documents will need to be translated by a certified translator.
• If your relative is currently in Germany, they will go through consular processing at the U.S. Embassy in Frankfurt after I-130 approval.

Step-by-Step I-130 Process for German Citizens

Here’s how the I-130 petition process works from submission to visa approval for German beneficiaries:

• Submit Form I-130: File Form I-130 with USCIS online or by mail, along with the filing fee and supporting documents.
• USCIS Review: The petition is reviewed by USCIS. This stage can take several months, depending on the case load.
• Case Moves to the National Visa Center (NVC): Once approved, your case is transferred to the NVC. You’ll submit further documentation and pay visa-related fees.
• Visa Interview in Frankfurt: After processing, the case is sent to the U.S. Embassy in Frankfurt, where your relative will attend a visa interview and complete a required medical exam.
• Visa Approval & Entry to the U.S.: If approved, the beneficiary will receive their immigrant visa, travel to the U.S., and receive their green card shortly after arriving.

Documents You’ll Need

To support your petition, you’ll need to include evidence that proves your identity, immigration status, and your relationship to your relative in Germany. The most common documents include:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, green card)
• Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Passport-style photos of both the petitioner and the beneficiary
• Legal name change documents (if applicable)
• Certified translations of any documents originally in German

How Blue Lake Law Can Help

Our team has extensive experience assisting U.S. citizens and permanent residents with the I-130 process for family members living in Germany. We make sure your petition is properly prepared, accurately completed, and submitted to minimize the risk of delays or denials. Whether you’re starting the process or facing complications along the way, we provide clear guidance and ongoing support to help you move forward with confidence.

Speak to our team today to begin your petition.