I-130 Spousal Petition in San Bernardino: Arab Family Reunification Services

Quick Answer

San Bernardino sits at the heart of the Inland Empire, a growing region that has attracted Arab families seeking affordable housing and strong community connections while maintaining access to the greater Southern California economy. The city's Arab community includes families from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, and across North Africa. For married couples separated by immigration status, the I-130 spousal petition provides the legal pathway to reunite families and build permanent lives together in the United States. SoCal Immigration Services serves San Bernardino area families with dedicated bilingual support throughout the entire spousal petition process.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Is the I-130 Spousal Petition?

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the foundational immigration form that establishes a qualifying family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and their foreign-born spouse. The I-130 does not directly grant a green card — it establishes eligibility for the beneficiary spouse to apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status. Filing the I-130 is the critical first step in the spousal immigration process, and the accuracy and completeness of this petition directly affects processing times and outcomes.

•Form I-130 establishes the legal family relationship between petitioner and beneficiary spouse
•U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can both file I-130 petitions for spouses
•The petition must prove a valid, bona fide marriage — not entered into for immigration purposes
•I-130 approval establishes eligibility but does not by itself grant permanent residency
•The beneficiary spouse then applies for adjustment of status (if in the U.S.) or consular processing (if abroad)
•Both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages are recognized for I-130 purposes

Immediate Relative vs. Family Preference Category

The classification of your spousal petition depends on the immigration status of the petitioning spouse. This distinction has major implications for processing times and available benefits during the waiting period.

Factor	Immediate Relative (U.S. Citizen Spouse)	F2A Preference (Permanent Resident Spouse)
Petitioner Status	U.S. Citizen	Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
Visa Number Availability	Always current — no wait for visa number	Subject to visa bulletin — wait times vary
Current Wait Time (2026)	No wait	12-24 months depending on country of birth
Concurrent Filing	I-130 and I-485 filed simultaneously	Must wait for priority date to become current
EAD While Waiting	Yes, with concurrent I-485 filing	Not available until I-485 is filed
Advance Parole	Yes, with concurrent I-485 filing	Not available until I-485 is filed
Annual Visa Cap	No numerical limit	Subject to annual visa limits

Required Documents for I-130 Spousal Petition

A complete I-130 filing requires comprehensive documentation proving both the petitioner's status and the validity of the marriage. Missing or insufficient documentation is the leading cause of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and processing delays. SoCal Immigration Services reviews every document before filing to ensure completeness and accuracy.

•Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed by the petitioning spouse
•Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, passport, or green card)
•Certified marriage certificate from the jurisdiction where the marriage was performed
•Passport-style photographs of both petitioner and beneficiary (2x2 inches, white background)
•Proof of termination of any prior marriages for both spouses (divorce decrees, death certificates, annulment orders)
•Evidence of bona fide marriage: joint bank accounts, joint lease or mortgage, joint insurance policies, birth certificates of children born to the marriage, photographs together, affidavits from friends and family
•Beneficiary's birth certificate with English translation if in another language
•Filing fee of $625 (2026 fee schedule)
•Form G-1145 for electronic notification of case receipt (optional but recommended)
•Certified English translations of all documents not originally in English

Step-by-Step I-130 Filing Process

The spousal petition process follows a structured sequence from initial filing through final green card approval. Understanding each step helps families prepare effectively and avoid common pitfalls that cause delays.

1
Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents including proof of petitioner status, marriage certificate, identity documents, and evidence of bona fide marriage. Have all foreign-language documents professionally translated into English.
2
Complete Form I-130
Fill out Form I-130 accurately with all required information about both the petitioner and beneficiary spouse. Errors or inconsistencies trigger RFEs and delays.
3
File I-130 with USCIS
Submit the completed I-130 package to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility. For immediate relatives, file I-485 concurrently if the beneficiary is in the U.S. with valid status.
4
Receive Receipt Notice (I-797C)
USCIS issues a receipt notice confirming acceptance of the petition, providing a receipt number for online case tracking. This typically arrives 2-4 weeks after filing.
5
Biometrics Appointment
Both spouses attend a biometrics appointment at the nearest USCIS Application Support Center for fingerprinting and photographs. The appointment notice arrives by mail.
6
USCIS Adjudication
USCIS reviews the petition and supporting evidence. The adjudicator may issue an RFE requesting additional documentation. Respond to any RFE promptly and thoroughly.
7
I-130 Approval and Next Steps
Upon approval, the case proceeds to adjustment of status interview (if beneficiary is in the U.S.) or transfer to the National Visa Center for consular processing (if beneficiary is abroad).
8
Green Card Interview
Both spouses attend an in-person interview at a USCIS field office or U.S. consulate. The officer asks questions about the marriage and reviews original documents.
9
Green Card Approval
Following a successful interview, USCIS approves the green card. The beneficiary receives conditional permanent residency (valid 2 years) if married less than 2 years at approval, or full 10-year permanent residency if married 2+ years.

Interview Preparation for Spousal Petitions

The marriage interview is a critical step in the spousal petition process. A USCIS officer interviews both spouses together (and sometimes separately) to verify the marriage is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration benefits. Thorough preparation significantly increases the likelihood of approval at the initial interview.

•Know your spouse's personal details: full name, date of birth, parents' names, siblings, employment history, and daily routine
•Be prepared to describe how you met, your courtship, wedding ceremony, and life together
•Bring original documents of everything submitted with the petition plus any new evidence of the ongoing relationship
•Bring updated joint financial documents: recent bank statements, tax returns filed jointly, insurance policies
•Bring photographs from throughout the relationship including wedding photos, family events, travel, and daily life
•Dress professionally and arrive 30 minutes early to the USCIS office
•Answer all questions honestly, directly, and consistently — do not guess or speculate
•If interviewed separately, both spouses should provide consistent answers about the same facts
•SoCal Immigration Services conducts mock interviews to prepare clients for the actual USCIS interview

I-130 Spousal Petition Timeline and Costs

Processing times vary based on the petitioner's immigration status, the beneficiary's location, and current USCIS workload. The following table reflects 2026 processing estimates for the San Bernardino area.

Stage	Timeline	Cost (2026)
I-130 Petition Preparation	2-4 weeks	Attorney fees vary
I-130 Filing Fee	At filing	$625
I-130 Processing (Immediate Relative)	8-14 months	Included in filing fee
I-130 Processing (F2A Preference)	12-24 months	Included in filing fee
I-485 Adjustment of Status	8-14 months (concurrent with I-130 for IR)	$1,440
Consular Processing (NVC stage)	4-8 months after I-130 approval	$325 NVC fee + $120 IV fee
Medical Examination (I-693)	Before interview	$200-$500 depending on provider
Total Estimated Cost (Immediate Relative, AOS)	12-18 months total	$2,500-$3,500+ including attorney fees

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in San Bernardino

SoCal Immigration Services has extensive experience handling I-130 spousal petitions for Arab families throughout the Inland Empire. Our bilingual team understands the cultural nuances of Arab marriages, including traditional wedding customs, family dynamics, and documentation from Middle Eastern and North African countries. We have successfully reunited hundreds of families through the spousal petition process.

•Deep experience with I-130 spousal petitions for Arab families from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, and North Africa
•Bilingual English-Arabic staff who understand Arab marriage customs and family documentation
•Expertise with documents from Middle Eastern countries including marriage certificates, civil records, and divorce decrees
•Certified translation services for Arabic documents required for USCIS filing
•Comprehensive interview preparation including mock interviews in English and Arabic
•Full-service representation from I-130 filing through green card approval
•Accessible office location serving the entire Inland Empire including San Bernardino, Riverside, Fontana, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga

Contact SoCal Immigration Services

Call (714) 421-8872 to schedule a consultation about your I-130 spousal petition. Our team evaluates your specific situation, reviews your documentation, and develops a filing strategy designed to reunite your family as quickly as possible. We offer in-person and virtual consultations in English and Arabic for families throughout the San Bernardino and Inland Empire region.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long does the I-130 spousal petition take to process in 2026?

A: For U.S. citizen petitioners filing for a spouse as an immediate relative, current processing times range from 8-14 months for the I-130 alone. When filed concurrently with I-485 adjustment of status, the total timeline is typically 12-18 months. For permanent resident petitioners in the F2A category, the wait for a visa number is currently 12-24 months before the I-485 can be filed.

Q:Can I file I-130 and I-485 at the same time?

A: Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen filing for your spouse and your spouse is in the United States with valid immigration status. This concurrent filing allows your spouse to apply for employment authorization and advance parole while the case is pending. Permanent resident petitioners cannot file concurrently because the F2A category is subject to visa number availability.

Q:What evidence proves a bona fide marriage to USCIS?

A: USCIS looks for evidence that the marriage is genuine and that both spouses live together in a shared life. Strong evidence includes joint bank accounts, joint lease or mortgage documents, joint health insurance, filing taxes jointly, birth certificates of children, shared utility bills, photographs together over time, and affidavits from friends and family who know the couple.

Q:What happens if my I-130 is denied?

A: If USCIS denies the I-130, you receive a written decision explaining the reasons for denial. You have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days using Form I-290B. Common denial reasons include insufficient evidence of bona fide marriage, petitioner status issues, or fraud concerns. SoCal Immigration Services helps clients file strong appeals and address the specific issues raised in the denial.

Q:Can I sponsor my spouse if I am a permanent resident, not a citizen?

A: Yes, lawful permanent residents can file I-130 petitions for their spouses. The difference is classification: permanent resident spouses fall under the F2A family preference category rather than the immediate relative category. This means the petition is subject to annual visa number limits and the beneficiary must wait for their priority date to become current before filing for adjustment of status.

Q:Do I need to meet an income requirement to sponsor my spouse?

A: Yes. The petitioning spouse must meet the income requirements on Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. The 2026 minimum income for a household of two is approximately $24,650 per year (125% of federal poverty guidelines). If you do not meet this threshold, you can use a joint sponsor who meets the income requirement or include assets worth at least three times the shortfall.

Q:What if my spouse is currently out of status in the United States?

A: If the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, the beneficiary spouse can still adjust status in the U.S. regardless of unlawful presence, under Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the petitioner is a permanent resident, the out-of-status spouse generally cannot adjust status in the U.S. and may need to pursue consular processing, which triggers unlawful presence bars that require a waiver.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in San Bernardino and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 22, 2026Last Updated: February 22, 2026

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