An I-130 is a petition or form that is filed by an American citizen on behalf of his or her spouse or her biological children or a parent who lives abroad.
The I-130 form is used to establish the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. This document shows that both parties are eligible to apply for immigration benefits and also illustrates step child eligibility. These forms are also known as family-based petitions because they are filed by a family member on behalf of another family member.