A marriage-based green card application requires key documents including a valid marriage certificate, proof of the sponsor's U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and evidence of a bona fide marriage such as joint bank account statements, shared leases, and photographs together. Both spouses must also submit completed forms like the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Supporting documents such as birth certificates, passports, and any prior divorce decrees or death certificates from previous marriages are essential to verify identity and marital history.
What Documents Are Necessary for a Marriage-Based Green Card Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bona Fide Marriage Evidence | Evidence of a bona fide marriage for a marriage-based green card application includes joint financial documents such as bank statements, lease agreements, and insurance policies showing shared responsibilities. Photographs together, affidavits from friends and family, and correspondence highlighting genuine relationship history further substantiate the authenticity of the marriage. |
| 2 | I-944 (Declaration of Self-Sufficiency) | The I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency requires applicants to provide evidence of financial stability, including income, assets, and health insurance coverage, to demonstrate they are unlikely to rely on public benefits. This form, essential for marriage-based green card applications, must be submitted alongside Form I-130 and Form I-485 to comply with USCIS requirements. |
| 3 | Joint Asset Documentation | Joint asset documentation for a marriage-based green card application includes evidence such as joint bank account statements, jointly held property deeds, shared insurance policies, and combined tax returns, which demonstrate the legitimacy and shared financial responsibilities of the marriage. Providing detailed and consistent records of these joint assets significantly strengthens the application by proving the bona fide nature of the marital relationship to USCIS. |
| 4 | Social Media Relationship Proof | Submitting a marriage-based green card application requires critical documents such as marriage certificates, joint financial records, and affidavits from friends and family. Social media relationship proof, including shared photos, tagged posts, comments, and timeline interactions, serves as compelling evidence to establish the authenticity of the marriage for USCIS. |
| 5 | Public Charge Supporting Materials | For a marriage-based green card application, public charge supporting materials include Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, demonstrating the sponsor's financial ability to support the applicant, recent federal tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and proof of assets if required. These documents collectively ensure USCIS that the applicant will not become a public charge and can be financially maintained during their residency. |
| 6 | I-864 Affidavit of Support Updates | The I-864 Affidavit of Support requires updated financial evidence, including the most recent tax returns, employment verification, and proof of domicile to demonstrate the sponsor's ability to support the intending immigrant without public assistance. Recent USCIS guidelines emphasize stricter documentation standards and updated income thresholds to ensure the sponsor meets the federal poverty guidelines for marriage-based green card applications. |
| 7 | Electronic Document Submission | Electronic document submission for a marriage-based green card application requires digital copies of the Form I-130, Form I-485, proof of lawful entry, marriage certificate, passport photos, and evidence of bona fide marriage such as joint bank statements or lease agreements. All files must meet specific USCIS format requirements, typically PDF or JPEG, with clear legibility and accurate data ensuring expedited processing. |
| 8 | Relationship Timeline Chart | A relationship timeline chart is essential for a marriage-based green card application as it visually documents key milestones such as the date of first meeting, engagement, marriage, and significant shared events, reinforcing the authenticity of the marital relationship. Supporting documents like joint leases, travel records, and photos aligned with the timeline strengthen the credibility of the application during USCIS interviews. |
| 9 | Third-Party Sworn Affidavits | Third-party sworn affidavits serve as crucial supporting documents in a marriage-based green card application by providing credible testimony from individuals who can attest to the authenticity of the marital relationship. These affidavits should include detailed accounts of the couple's relationship history, personal knowledge of shared experiences, and affirmations of the marriage's legitimacy to strengthen the applicant's case during USCIS review. |
| 10 | Intercultural Marriage Explanation Letter | The Intercultural Marriage Explanation Letter for a marriage-based Green Card application must clearly detail the cultural backgrounds of both spouses and highlight how these differences have been respectfully integrated into their relationship. This letter serves as critical evidence to USCIS, demonstrating the genuine nature of the marriage despite cultural variations, enhancing the overall credibility of the application. |
Overview of Marriage-Based Green Card Process
The marriage-based green card process begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse. The applicant must also complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if applying from within the United States. Essential documents include proof of the bona fide marriage, birth certificates, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, and evidence of lawful entry into the United States.
Eligibility Criteria for Marriage-Based Green Cards
To apply for a marriage-based green card, applicants must prove their spouse is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The couple must be legally married and demonstrate a bona fide marriage to qualify for the green card.
Necessary documents include marriage certificates, proof of the sponsor's citizenship or green card status, and evidence of a genuine marital relationship. Applicants must also provide personal identification, medical examination reports, and completed immigration forms to meet eligibility criteria.
Key USCIS Forms and Application Packages
Applying for a marriage-based green card requires submitting specific USCIS forms, primarily Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). These documents establish the legitimacy of the marriage and the eligibility of the applicant.
Supporting application packages must include proof of a bona fide marriage, such as joint financial records and photographs. You should also prepare Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to demonstrate financial responsibility.
Proof of a Bona Fide Marriage
Proof of a bona fide marriage is essential for a marriage-based green card application. This evidence demonstrates the authenticity of the marital relationship to immigration authorities.
Documents such as joint bank account statements, lease agreements, and utility bills in both names establish shared financial responsibilities. Photographs from various occasions together and affidavits from family or friends support the legitimacy of the marriage. You should also provide copies of wedding invitations, correspondence between spouses, and insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries.
Required Supporting Documents for Petitioners
When applying for a marriage-based green card, petitioners must provide specific supporting documents to prove the legitimacy of the marriage and their eligibility. These documents are essential for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process the petition accurately and efficiently.
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative - This form establishes the petitioner's relationship to the beneficiary and begins the green card application process.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency - A copy of the petitioner's birth certificate, passport, or green card verifies their legal status in the United States.
- Marriage Certificate - The official marriage certificate serves as evidence of a legally recognized marriage between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Essential Documents for Beneficiary Applicants
What documents are necessary for a marriage-based green card application for the beneficiary? Essential documents include the completed Form I-485, the beneficiary's valid passport, and a copy of the marriage certificate. Evidence of the spouse's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is also required to establish eligibility.
Which proof of relationship must the beneficiary submit when applying for a marriage-based green card? Couples must provide joint financial records, photographs, and communication logs to demonstrate a bona fide marriage. Affidavits from friends and family supporting the authenticity of the marital relationship strengthen the application.
What medical documentation is necessary for the beneficiary in this process? The applicant must submit Form I-693, a completed medical examination report, signed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Vaccination records and proof of required immunizations form part of the medical assessment.
Is evidence of lawful entry important for the beneficiary's application? The applicant should include a copy of the I-94 travel record highlighting legal entry into the United States. This document verifies lawful admission status, which is critical for adjusting status via marriage.
Are financial documents required from the beneficiary for a marriage-based green card? The sponsor generally submits an Affidavit of Support, but the beneficiary must also provide proof of employment, pay stubs, or tax returns as supplemental evidence. These documents help USCIS assess the applicant's financial stability during the application process.
Evidence of Financial Support: Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a critical document required for a marriage-based green card application. This form proves that the sponsoring spouse meets the income requirements to financially support the immigrant spouse. Providing Form I-864 helps demonstrate that the immigrant will not rely on public benefits in the United States.
Common USCIS Requests for Additional Evidence (RFEs)
| Document Type | Description | Common USCIS Requests for Additional Evidence (RFEs) |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Establishes the family relationship between petitioner and beneficiary. | Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status; missing signatures or incomplete form sections. |
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Used by beneficiary to request adjustment to permanent resident status. | Incomplete medical examination results (Form I-693), missing biometric information, or updated employment information. |
| Proof of Valid Marriage | Marriage certificate issued by a recognized authority. | Questions about authenticity; requests for joint financial documents, photographs, or affidavits to prove bona fide marriage. |
| Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage | Documents showing genuine marital relationship such as joint leases, bank statements, insurance policies. | Lack of joint financial documents; requests for more detailed evidence such as joint tax returns, shared utility bills, or affidavits from friends and family. |
| Birth Certificates of Both Spouses | Establishes identity and birth details. | Requests for certified translations if documents are not in English; verification of legitimacy from issuing authorities. |
| Passport Photos | Required for biometric identification of both spouses. | Requests for photos that meet specific USCIS requirements related to size, background, or date taken. |
| Form I-864, Affidavit of Support | Commitment by petitioner to financially support the beneficiary. | Requests for updated tax transcripts, proof of income, or corrected financial information if submitted documents are outdated or inconsistent. |
| Medical Examination Report (Form I-693) | Medical evaluation performed by a USCIS-approved physician. | Requests to complete missing vaccinations, submit updated reports, or provide additional medical information. |
Document Translation and Certification Guidelines
Marriage-based green card applications require precise document submission to avoid delays. Proper translation and certification of foreign documents ensure USCIS acceptance.
- Certified Translations - All foreign-language documents must be translated into English by a qualified translator with a certification of accuracy.
- Complete Documentation - Translations must include the entire document, preserving original formatting and content for accuracy verification.
- Translator Certification Statement - The translator must provide a signed statement attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation under penalty of perjury.
What Documents Are Necessary for a Marriage-Based Green Card Application? Infographic
