The I-130A (officially called the “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary”) is a mandatory attachment for every marriage-based I-130 petition. Its primary purpose is to collect exhaustive biographical details about the “Spouse Beneficiary”—the person seeking the Green Card.
In 2026, USCIS uses this data to cross-reference previous visa applications, travel records, and employment history. Because it is a supplement, it has no separate filing fee; however, forgetting to include it with your main petition is one of the most common reasons for an immediate rejection or a disruptive Request for Evidence (RFE).
Key Requirements: The 5-Year Snapshot
The heart of the I-130A is a detailed accounting of the beneficiary’s life over the last five years. Any gaps in these records are viewed as red flags by adjudicators.
1. Residential History
You must list every physical address where you have lived for the past five years, both inside and outside the United States. This includes temporary stays if they were your primary place of residence. You must also provide your last address outside the U.S., even if it was more than five years ago.
2. Employment History
Similarly, you must detail your work history for the last five years. If you were unemployed, a student, or a homemaker, you must state that clearly in the employer name field rather than leaving the section blank.
3. Parental Information
The form asks for the names, dates of birth, and current countries of residence for both of your parents. This information is used for background vetting and to verify your family lineage.
To Sign or Not to Sign?
One of the most frequent points of confusion regarding the I-130A is the signature requirement. In 2026, the rule depends entirely on where the beneficiary is currently located:
- Beneficiary is in the U.S.: The foreign spouse must sign the form. An unsigned form will be rejected.
- Beneficiary is Outside the U.S.: The foreign spouse must still complete the form, but they are not required to sign it. The petitioner can submit the unsigned form along with the main petition. This exception exists because it is often impractical to get a “wet signature” from abroad when filing by mail.
Common Pitfalls: The Danger of “N/A”
In the current 2026 processing environment, USCIS uses high-speed scanners that can flag “blank” fields as incomplete. If a question does not apply to you—for example, if you do not have an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or a Middle Name—do not leave the box empty.
Instead, type “N/A” (Not Applicable) or “None.” This simple step proves to the officer that you didn’t miss the question, but rather that the information simply doesn’t exist for your case.
Conclusion: Completing the Picture
While the I-130 proves the legality of your marriage, the I-130A provides the background that establishes the beneficiary’s identity and history. By meticulously detailing your addresses, jobs, and family data, you ensure that your petition presents a consistent and credible narrative to USCIS, paving the way for a smooth transition to permanent residency.
