Relative Sponsorship Request I-130 Petition The Relative Sponsorship Request (in the U.S., I-130 Petition), is the initial step in the process of sponsoring a family member for a family-based immigrant visa (in the U.S., a Green Card). In the United States, the petitioner, typically a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, files Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the qualifying relationship with the intending immigrant relative. Once the I-130 petition is approved, the sponsored relative can proceed with the green card application process, which often involves waiting for a visa number to become available in the appropriate family preference category.