Parents applying for a family-based green card must submit several crucial documents, including proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, the child's birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship, and a valid passport. They also need to provide Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), proof of financial support through Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), and medical examination results. Additional supporting documents such as marriage certificates, evidence of legal entry, and police clearance may be required depending on the specific case.
What Documents Does a Parent Need for a Family-Based Green Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birth Certificate Apostille | A birth certificate apostille is a crucial document for a parent applying for a family-based green card, as it verifies the authenticity of the birth certificate issued abroad. This apostille ensures that the birth certificate is recognized by U.S. immigration authorities, facilitating the proof of parental relationship required in the green card application process. |
| 2 | I-864A Joint Sponsor Agreement | For a family-based green card, a parent must submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to prove financial support, and if their income is insufficient, an I-864A Joint Sponsor Agreement from a household member with adequate income is required. This legally binding contract enables the joint sponsor to share financial responsibility, ensuring the immigrant does not become a public charge under U.S. immigration law. |
| 3 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) | A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as an official proof of U.S. citizenship for a child born outside the United States and is a critical document for parents applying for a family-based green card. Parents must submit the CRBA to demonstrate the child's eligibility for lawful permanent residency and to establish the parent-child relationship during the immigration process. |
| 4 | USCIS Lockbox Package Barcode Sheet | The USCIS Lockbox Package Barcode Sheet is a crucial document for parents applying for a family-based green card, as it ensures accurate tracking and processing of their petition. This barcode sheet must accompany the Form I-130 petition to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility, allowing efficient identification and management throughout the immigration adjudication process. |
| 5 | Translation Certification Statement | A parent applying for a family-based green card must submit a Translation Certification Statement for any documents not in English to verify the accuracy of the translation. This statement must include the translator's name, signature, and a declaration that the translation is complete and accurate to meet USCIS requirements. |
| 6 | I-944 Public Charge Questionnaire (Archived/Reference) | For a family-based green card application, parents must submit Form I-944 Public Charge Questionnaire as part of the affidavit of support to demonstrate they are not likely to become public charges, though this form is now archived and only referenced for historical cases. USCIS currently focuses on financial evidence such as Form I-864 Affidavit of Support to assess an applicant's economic self-sufficiency and avoid public charge issues. |
| 7 | Parole-in-Place Service Records | Parole-in-Place Service Records serve as critical evidence of lawful presence for parents applying for a family-based green card, demonstrating authorized stay in the U.S. without admission. These records, along with Form I-130, birth certificates, and proof of continuous residence, enhance the application's credibility and expedite processing times. |
| 8 | Documented Bona Fide Relationship Evidence | To obtain a family-based green card for a parent, applicants must provide documented bona fide relationship evidence such as birth certificates proving parent-child relationships, marriage certificates if applicable, joint financial records, and photos or correspondence that demonstrate ongoing familial ties. These documents serve to verify the authenticity of the family connection required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve the green card application. |
| 9 | I-797 Notice of Action (Dynamic Format) | The I-797 Notice of Action serves as official confirmation of receipt or approval for key immigration petitions such as Form I-130, essential for parents applying for a family-based green card. This document must be included in the green card application package to verify petition status and ensure proper processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 10 | “Checklist Letter” (USCIS RFE Document) | The Checklist Letter from USCIS is a critical document outlining specific evidence required to respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE) for a family-based green card application, particularly for parents. This letter ensures applicants provide precise documents such as proof of relationship, financial support forms, and identity verification to strengthen the parent's case and avoid application delays. |
Introduction to Family-Based Green Card Applications
A family-based green card allows eligible relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent residency. Parents of U.S. citizens often apply under this category to reunite and live permanently in the United States.
To apply, specific documents are required to prove the family relationship and eligibility. Your application must include evidence such as a birth certificate and proof of the petitioner's citizenship to establish the parent-child connection.
Importance of Proper Documentation
Proper documentation is crucial for parents applying for a family-based green card to ensure legal eligibility and prevent application delays. Accurate and complete paperwork supports the verification of the family relationship and meets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements.
- Proof of Relationship - Submit a birth certificate or adoption decree to establish the parent-child relationship conclusively.
- Identity Documents - Provide valid passports and government-issued IDs to verify the applicant's identity and nationality.
- Legal Entry Evidence - Include entry stamps or Form I-94 to demonstrate lawful admission into the United States, which is essential for the green card process.
Primary Identification Documents Required
Applying for a family-based green card as a parent requires submitting specific primary identification documents. These documents establish your identity and family relationship to the petitioner.
- Valid Passport - Used to verify your citizenship and identity during the application process.
- Birth Certificate - Proves your relationship to the petitioning child.
- Government-Issued Photo ID - Supports your identity verification, such as a national ID card or driver's license.
Gathering these primary identification documents accurately ensures your family-based green card application proceeds smoothly.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency for Petitioning Parent
To file a family-based green card petition for a parent, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is essential. Your ability to sponsor depends on providing these official documents to USCIS.
- U.S. Passport - Serves as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for the petitioning parent.
- Birth Certificate - May be required to establish identity alongside other citizenship evidence.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - Used to prove lawful permanent resident status if not a U.S. citizen.
Valid Birth Certificates for All Family Members
| Document | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Birth Certificates | Official government-issued birth certificates for all family members, including the parent and the child, certified and correctly translated if not in English. | Proof of biological relationship and identity. Required to establish eligibility and verify family ties for the family-based green card application. |
| Other Supporting Documents | Marriage certificates, passports, and any adoption records if applicable, to complement birth certificates. | Additional evidence to confirm familial relations and legal status. |
| Document Requirements | Certificates must be original or certified copies. Translations must be complete and certified for USCIS processing. | Ensures compliance with immigration documentation standards and avoids delays. |
| Your Action | Gather all birth certificates for every family member involved in the petition before submitting the green card application. | Helps streamline the application and support the validity of your family-based immigration claim. |
Marriage Certificate and Proof of Relationship
To apply for a family-based green card, a parent must provide a valid marriage certificate to verify the marital status with the sponsoring child. This document is essential for proving the legal relationship recognized by immigration authorities.
Proof of relationship is required beyond the marriage certificate, such as birth certificates of the child and parent, photographs, or correspondence showing ongoing interaction. These documents help establish the authenticity of the family connection, supporting Your petition effectively.
Divorce and Death Certificates (If Applicable)
For a family-based green card application, your parents must provide key documents that establish their marital status. Divorce certificates are essential if your parent was previously married and legally ended that marriage. Death certificates should be submitted if a previous spouse has passed away, helping to verify eligibility and relationship status in the immigration process.
Financial Support and Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
What documents does a parent need to prove financial support for a family-based green card? A key document is the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), which demonstrates the sponsor's ability to financially support the parent. This form helps ensure the parent will not become a public charge in the United States.
Medical Examination and Vaccination Records
For a family-based green card application, a parent must submit a medical examination report completed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon. This examination assesses overall health and checks for communicable diseases.
Your vaccination records are crucial to meet USCIS vaccination requirements, including vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and influenza. The civil surgeon will verify vaccination history or administer necessary vaccines during the examination. Proper documentation ensures your medical eligibility for the green card process and avoids application delays.
What Documents Does a Parent Need for a Family-Based Green Card? Infographic
