Form I-730
Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
Petition to bring a spouse or unmarried child under 21 to the U.S. to "follow-to-join" a principal refugee or asylee.
Filing fee
No fee
Processing time
12–30 months
Varies by service center
Online filing
Paper only
Mail to USCIS lockbox
Form edition
2024
Only the current edition is accepted
Who files Form I-730?
Principal refugees and asylees within 2 years of grant date.
Where to file
Mail to the Nebraska Service Center.
Always verify the current address or online filing option on the official USCIS Form I-730 page before sending — lockbox assignments change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing more than 2 years after the asylum or refugee grant without a hardship waiver
- Omitting proof of the qualifying relationship (marriage/birth certificates)
- Failing to update addresses as beneficiaries relocate in their home countries
Filing tips
- Relationships must have existed before the principal's asylum or refugee grant
- Once in the U.S., follow-to-join beneficiaries can adjust status after 1 year
Frequently asked questions
What is Form I-730?
Petition to bring a spouse or unmarried child under 21 to the U.S. to "follow-to-join" a principal refugee or asylee.
Who files Form I-730?
Principal refugees and asylees within 2 years of grant date.
How much is the Form I-730 filing fee?
The current filing fee is No fee. Confirm the current amount on USCIS.gov before filing — fees changed most recently in the 2024 USCIS fee rule.
How long does Form I-730 take to process?
USCIS currently reports 12 months to 30 months for most cases. Processing times vary by service center and workload. Check the USCIS Case Processing Times tool for the latest estimates.
Can I file Form I-730 online?
No. Form I-730 must be filed on paper and mailed to the designated USCIS lockbox or service center. Check the form's official USCIS page for the correct mailing address.
Related forms
Cost deep dive
Looking for a full cost breakdown including biometric fees, fee waivers, and payment methods? See the Form I-730 cost page.
Sources & Citations
All claims in this guide link to primary government sources.
- 1
- 2USCIS Case Processing Times— USCIS
- 3
Not legal advice. This page is a plain-English summary for educational use. Current fees, processing times, and filing locations are controlled by USCIS and may change without notice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.