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Form I-730: Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
USCIS Form I-730 is the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition form, used to petition for an alien relative. An unexcused failure to appear for a biometrics appointment may result in dismissal of the petition.
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USCIS Form I-730 - Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
USCIS Form I-730 is the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition form, used to petition for an alien relative. An unexcused failure to appear for a biometrics appointment may result in dismissal of the petition.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to have the preparer sign Part 8 will result in the petition being returned to you as incomplete.
- 2Filing without the petitioner's signature on Form I-730.
- 3Not including contact information for an assisting preparer in Part 8.
- 4Forgetting to sign and date the petition if assistance was used.
- 5Submitting a foreign language document without a certified English translation.
Plain English
This form allows someone outside the United States (or inside) to file on behalf of a family member who is a refugee or asylee. Filing this form asks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to officially recognize that relationship. If filed correctly, it initiates the process for the relative to gain legal status.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing deadline, but failure to appear for an appointment within the allowed time may result in dismissal of the petition.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when an admitted refugee or asylee, who was the principal applicant for their family, is petitioning for a relative abroad within the past two years.
- Do not use Form I-730 if you were granted status as an accompanying or following-to-join derivative refugee or asylee.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information regarding filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Alien relative is inside the U.S.
Both petitioner and beneficiary (if 14 or older) must sign at filing time.
✓ Ensure you provide the alien relative's mailing address in their country's language to avoid delays.
Beneficiary is outside the U.S.
Only the petitioner is required to sign the petition at the time of filing.
✓ The beneficiary must still review, verify, and sign the form at the interview.
Petitioner used a preparer or interpreter
Select the appropriate box on the form and ensure both the petitioner's and relative's (if in U.S.) signatures are present.
✓ Do not use only a stamped or typewritten name; a live signature is required.
Deadline or filing window
The form itself does not list a specific filing deadline date. However, an unexcused failure of the alien relative to appear for a biometrics appointment within the time allowed may lead to dismissal of the petition (See 8 CFR Section 103.2(b)(13)).
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
I-94 Admission Number
Provide the number received from CBP or USCIS. · Part 2: Admission/travel document section
Affidavit Information (for relatives in U.S.)
Full name, address, DOB, relationship to petitioner, full event details, and how knowledge was acquired. · Written statements sworn or affirmed by two persons with personal knowledge.
Beneficiary Signature/Date (if in U.S.)
The beneficiary must sign and date Part 6 of Form I-730. · Part 6: Beneficiary's Statement, Contact Information...
Petitioner Signature/Date (if abroad)
The petitioner must sign and date the petition if the relative is outside the U.S. · General requirement across all filings.
Interpreter Information
Country of issuance and expiration date of the interpretation service. · Part 7: Contact Information, Certification...
Before you submit
- 1Ensure every petition contains the signature of the petitioner.
- 2If the alien relative is inside the U.S., confirm that both you and your relative (if 14+) have signed the form.
- 3Verify that Part 6 includes the beneficiary's signature, date, daytime phone number, mobile phone number (if any), and email address (if any).
- 4If the alien relative is outside the U.S., confirm only your signature (the petitioner) is required at filing time.
- 5Confirm you have provided the I-94 admission number in Part 2 if applicable.
- 6If relatives are inside the U.S., include copies of both sides of Form I-94.
- 7Ensure all affidavits contain full details regarding the event being proven.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of USCIS Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, ensuring Part 6 and Part 2 are fully detailed.
- 2If your relative is inside the U.S., sign the form with your relative; if outside the U.S., ensure you (the petitioner) sign it.
- 3Gather required documents: include copies of Form I-94 (both sides) for relatives in the U.S., and submit supporting affidavits as needed.
- 4Submit the completed Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, along with all necessary evidence, to USCIS.
Known limitations
- 1A person may file Form I-730 if their refugee admission or asylum grant occurred within the past two years.
- 2If a principal asylee's child was physically born in the United States, that child is a U.S. citizen and does not require filing this form.
- 3The two-year limitation for filing Form I-730 may be waived by USCIS for humanitarian reasons; the reason must be explained in Part 3 of the form.
- 4If an alien relative is living in the United States, USCIS may request that the relative appear for an interview (and the petitioner may also be asked to appear).
- 5A separate Form I-730 must be filed for each qualifying family member being petitioned for.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name as in your passport.
Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.
Country where you hold citizenship.
Basis
2 items
Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.
Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).
Evidence
1 items
List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.
Signatures
1 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-730 is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions direct users to www.uscis.gov/I-730 or call 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 01/20/25
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fee amounts.
- Mailing address — not stated in the source (verify on the agency site)
- Signature — confirm that a stamped or typewritten name is not used instead of a live signature.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form I-730.
- 2If the alien relative is in the United States, submit copies of both sides of their Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, if applicable.
- 3Submit written statements sworn to or affirmed by two persons who have personal knowledge of the event being proven (affidavits).
- 4If an interview is scheduled for a relative in the U.S., they generally must first appear at an ASC for biometrics collection before the interview.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Filing eligibility requires admission as a refugee or grant status as an asylee within the past two years.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — You are ineligible to file Form I-730 if you were granted status as an accompanying or following-to-join derivative refugee or asylee.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The two-year limitation may be waived by USCIS for humanitarian reasons, explained in Part 3 of the form.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Eligible relatives include spouse and/or unmarried child(ren) under age 21 (inside or outside U.S.).
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If a child was conceived but not born at asylum grant, relationship is considered from the date you were granted asylum.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — If the relative is in the United States, USCIS may request an interview and send written notice to your relative (and possibly petitioner).
- SRCInstructions p.5 — For relatives in the U.S., submit a copy of both sides of Form I-94.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Failure to provide requested information, including Social Security number (if applicable), may delay or result in denial of your petition.
Common confusion points
Who can file Form I-730?
A principal applicant who was admitted as a refugee or granted status as an asylee, provided that admission/grant occurred within the last two years.
→ Check if you were granted status more than two years ago (unless waiving).
What if my child is conceived but not yet born when I get asylum?
The relationship is considered to exist as of the date you were granted asylum in the United States.
→ Ensure the mother was married to you, the principal asylee, at the time of your asylum grant.
Do I need to file if my child was born in the U.S.?
No; if the child was physically born in the U.S., they are a U.S. citizen and do not require filing Form I-730 for them.
→ Obtain documentation (birth certificate/passport) confirming the child's citizenship.
What happens if my relative is in the U.S.?
USCIS may request an interview, which requires the relative to generally appear at an ASC first for biometrics collection.
→ Check the instructions regarding required appearance dates and locations.
Do I have to file a separate form for everyone?
Yes; a separate Form I-730 must be filed for every qualifying family member you are petitioning for.
→ Count each individual relative needing sponsorship.
What if I can't prove the event with just documents?
Submit written statements (affidavits) sworn to or affirmed by two persons who have personal knowledge of the event being proven.
→ Verify that the affidavits include full name, address, DOB/place of birth, relationship to you, and details on how they know the event.
What if I can't file within two years?
You may still file if USCIS grants a waiver for humanitarian reasons; explain why in Part 3.
→ Ensure your explanation is detailed enough for USCIS to make a decision.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Failure to provide requested evidence/SSN may delay or result in denial of the petition.
Questions about USCIS Form I-730
What is USCIS Form I-730 used for?
This form allows someone outside the United States (or inside) to file on behalf of a family member who is a refugee or asylee. Filing this form asks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to officially recognize that relationship. If filed correctly, it initiates the process for the relative to gain legal status.
Who must file USCIS Form I-730?
The petitioner must file USCIS Form I-730; this is the person filing on behalf of their alien relative.
What information does USCIS Form I-730 require?
The form collects information about the petitioner and the beneficiary (alien relative), requiring signatures in Part 8 if someone other than the petitioner prepares it. It also requires contact details for any interpreter used in Part 7.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-730?
Do not mail your completed Form I-730 to the address listed at 1615-0037; the form must be sent elsewhere (the source implies mailing instructions are elsewhere).
How do I complete USCIS Form I-730?
The petitioner must sign USCIS Form I-730. If someone else prepares it, that person must also sign Part 8. If an interpreter is used, they must complete and sign Part 7 as well.
What happens if USCIS Form I-730 is filed incorrectly?
Failure to provide requested information, such as a Social Security number or evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of the petition.
Who can file Form I-730?
A principal applicant who was admitted as a refugee or granted status as an asylee, provided that admission/grant occurred within the last two years. Check if you were granted status more than two years ago (unless waiving).
What if my child is conceived but not yet born when I get asylum?
The relationship is considered to exist as of the date you were granted asylum in the United States. Ensure the mother was married to you, the principal asylee, at the time of your asylum grant.
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