When applying for a green card based on marriage, multiple forms must be submitted, or will be relevant, each with its own supporting documentation. Below is a breakdown of what you should gather for each form or step.
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative Documents
The I-130 form establishes the qualifying relationship. Supporting documents typically include:
- Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. status
• If a U.S. citizen: birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship
•If a lawful permanent resident (green card holder): copy of the front and back of the green card - Your marriage certificate certified, with translation if not in English
- Evidence of a bona fide marriage to show it’s not for immigration benefit, such as:
• Joint bank statements, joint lease or mortgage
• Joint utility bills, shared insurance
• Photographs together over time, travel records, correspondence
• Affidavits from friends or family attesting to the relationship - Proof that any prior marriages have been legally terminated
- Divorce decree
- Annulment
- Death certificate
- Passport-style photos of petitioner and beneficiary
- Proof of identity
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- State-issued identification
- If required, Form I-130A (Spouse’s Additional Information) with its own supporting evidence
Important note: The I-130 does not grant status by itself. It is the foundation on which the green card application will proceed.
Form I-485: Adjustment of Status for applicants already in the U.S. Documents
The form I-485 is the core green card application if the spouse is inside the U.S. Key documents include:
- A copy of your approved I-130 receipt or notice, or if filed concurrently, the I-130 packet
- Passport biographical page, expiration page, and all U.S. visa pages
- Proof of legal entry into the U.S. which can include:
- Form I-94 (arrival/departure record)
- Entry stamp evidence
- Birth certificate with certified translation if not in English
- Government-issued photo ID
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- State-issued identification
- Two passport-style color photos
- Form I-693 (Medical Examination and Vaccination Record), sealed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, with supporting financial documents
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Assets
- Proof of maintaining lawful nonimmigrant/immigration status (if applicable)
- Copies of prior visa approvals
- I-20
- DS-2019
- I-797
- Police and court records for any arrests, charges, or convictions, even minor ones
- Evidence for waiver forms, if needed
- Form I-601
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
- A cover letter or index listing all submitted documents
- Copies, not originals, of each supporting document, unless originals are explicitly required
USCIS provides a Checklist of Required Initial Evidence for Form I-485.
Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Documents
This form demonstrates that the U.S. spouse (sponsor) can financially support the immigrant spouse, to prevent them from becoming a public charge. Submit:
- Completed Form I-864 with original signature
- U.S. tax returns (Form 1040) for at least the past three years
- W-2s, 1099s, and pay stubs showing current income
- Proof of assets (if needed to supplement income): bank statements, real property, investment statements, etc.
- Proof of sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (if not already submitted)
- Proof of existing dependents and household size
- Any unemployment or termination letters, if relevant
Optional Forms & Supporting Documents
While not always required, these additional forms often accompany a marriage green card application. Be ready to provide the following:
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Two passport-style photos
- Copy of Form I-485 receipt notice (if applying later)
- Copy of passport and I-94
- If applicable, front and back of any previously issued EAD
Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document / Advance Parole)
- Two passport-style photos
- Copy of I-485 receipt notice
- Copy of passport ID page
- Explanation of travel plans, if requested
What to Bring to the Interview
At your USCIS marriage green card interview be prepared to bring:
- Original documents for everything you submitted (identifications, marriage certificate, birth certificates, joint evidence)
- Passport and visa pages
- Proof of employment or financial support (pay stubs, job letter)
- Joint account statements, lease, mortgage, utilities
- Photos, travel records, communication logs
- The spouse’s proof of status (passport, green card)
- A copy of the interview notice
- Notes or timelines of relationship milestones and joint life events
Translating Documents & Certification
- All documents not in English must be translated into English
- Translations should include a translator’s certificate stating they are competent and attest the translation is accurate
- Keep both the original and the certified translation
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Submit consistent, long-term proof of your shared life together. Older joint documents like older bank statements often carry more weight.
- Use multiple types of evidence including financial, social, household, and travel rather than relying on a single category.
- Organize documents with a clear index or tabs.
- Don’t submit large originals unless specifically requested, include certified copies.
- Make sure all forms are from the same revision edition according to the new USCIS rule.
- Keep backup copies of everything you submit.
Get Legal Assistance
Even a small paperwork mistake or missing document can delay or derail your marriage green card case.
ILOLA has guided hundreds of couples through every step of the process, from preparing the I-130 petition to green card interview prep. Our attorney ensures your documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with the latest USCIS requirements. We have a 99% approval rate with a 5-star rating on Google.
Let our attorney handle the details while you focus on your future together. Call us today at (213) 375-4084 to start your marriage green card process.
