Alien petition meaning :
An alien petition is a process through which a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can request to bring a foreign national to the United States. This can involve family members, a spouse, future employees, or others. To initiate this process, applicants must contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Different types of alien petitions
Depending on the purpose of the request, the alien petition exists in four different variants. Each category follows a different process and is subject to specific criteria.
Alien petition relative (form I-130)
The Alien petition relative, associated with Form I-130, is used to request permanent resident status in the United States for a foreign family member of a U.S. citizen or green card holder. Its aim is to facilitate access to permanent resident status for these individuals and to promote family reunification for families separated due to immigration procedures.
Alien worker petition (form I-140)
The Alien worker petition, also known as Form I-140, is reserved for a U.S. employer who wishes to sponsor a foreign worker for a permanent job in the United States. Before initiating the process, the employer must demonstrate the lack of American workers who possess the required qualifications for the desired position.
Alien fiancé petition (form I-129F)
The Alien fiancé petition, also known as Form I-129F, is a legal tool intended for U.S. citizens who wish to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of marriage. In this process, the challenge for the applicants is to prove the validity of the relationship and the intention to marry within 90 days of the foreigner’s arrival.
Alien entrepeneur petition (form I-526)
Accessible through Form I-526, the Alien entrepreneur petition enables foreign entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence in the United States by investing in an American enterprise. In addition to capital infusion, the law also requires proof that the project will create jobs for American workers.