A spouse applying for a marriage-based green card must submit several key documents, including a valid marriage certificate, proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and evidence of a bona fide marriage such as joint financial records or photos together. Additionally, the applicant needs to provide a completed Form I-130 and Form I-485, along with a valid passport, birth certificate, and police clearance certificates. Medical examination results and proof of termination of any prior marriages are also essential to support the application process.
What Documents Does a Spouse Need for Marriage-Based Green Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bona Fide Marriage Evidence | Documents demonstrating bona fide marriage evidence for a marriage-based green card include joint financial records, such as bank statements and tax returns, lease or mortgage agreements listing both spouses, photos capturing shared moments across different occasions, and affidavits from friends or family attesting to the genuine nature of the relationship. Official correspondence addressed to both spouses at the same residence and proof of joint ownership of assets further strengthen the case for a bona fide marriage. |
| 2 | I-130A Supplemental Information | The I-130A Supplemental Information form requires detailed biographical information about the foreign spouse, including employment history, address history, and previous marriages, which helps USCIS verify eligibility for a marriage-based green card. Accurate completion of Form I-130A, along with supporting documents like passports, birth certificates, and proof of bona fide marriage, is essential for processing the immigrant petition efficiently. |
| 3 | Joint Financial Assets Documentation | Spouses applying for a marriage-based green card must provide joint financial assets documentation such as shared bank account statements, joint tax returns, property deeds, and insurance policies to prove the legitimacy of their marital relationship. These documents demonstrate co-mingled finances and shared economic life, which are critical for USCIS to verify bona fide marriage. |
| 4 | Letter of Intent to Marry | The Letter of Intent to Marry is a crucial document for a marriage-based green card application, serving as a formal declaration of the genuine intent to wed within a specified timeframe. This letter must include the full names of both parties, the date and location of the planned marriage, and signatures from both individuals to validate the commitment in the immigration process. |
| 5 | 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, demonstrating that the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse can financially support the immigrant spouse and prevent them from becoming a public charge. This legally binding form requires the sponsor to provide proof of income at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines and submit supporting evidence such as tax returns, employment verification, and pay stubs. |
| 6 | Digital Relationship Proof (social media/chat logs) | Digital relationship proof, such as social media interactions and chat logs, plays a crucial role in marriage-based green card applications by demonstrating the genuine and ongoing nature of the relationship. These documents should include timestamps, mutual exchanges, and consistent communication patterns to effectively support the petitioner's claim of a bona fide marriage. |
| 7 | Credit Score Report (joint accounts) | For a marriage-based green card application, submitting a joint credit score report can demonstrate the couple's financial interdependence and stability, which USCIS considers when assessing the bona fides of the marriage. Documents such as joint credit card statements, loan account details, and credit reports showing shared financial responsibility strengthen the evidence of a genuine marital relationship. |
| 8 | Form I-693 (Medical Exam Records) | Form I-693, the Medical Examination Report, is a critical document required for a marriage-based green card application to confirm the spouse's vaccination status and overall health, ensuring no inadmissible medical conditions exist. Proper completion and sealing of Form I-693 by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon is essential to avoid delays or denials in the immigration process. |
| 9 | Proof of Legal Entry (I-94, CBP Records) | A spouse applying for a marriage-based green card must provide proof of legal entry into the United States, typically through Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) electronic records. These documents verify lawful admission and are crucial for establishing eligibility in the adjustment of status process. |
| 10 | Conditional Permanent Resident Evidence | A spouse applying for a marriage-based green card must provide evidence of Conditional Permanent Resident status, including the I-551 stamp in the passport or the Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card marked as conditional. Supporting documents like the marriage certificate and joint financial records further validate the bona fide nature of the marriage required for the conditional green card removal process. |
Introduction to Marriage-Based Green Card Applications
A marriage-based green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to live and work in the United States legally. This process involves submitting specific documents to prove the authenticity of the marital relationship.
You must provide identification, proof of the legal marriage, and evidence of the genuine relationship. Key documents include a valid marriage certificate, passports, birth certificates, and financial records such as joint bank accounts. Additional paperwork like Form I-130 and Form I-485 is also necessary to complete the application process.
Importance of Accurate Documentation
What documents does a spouse need for a marriage-based green card? Accurate documentation is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a smooth application process. Essential documents include the marriage certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency of the sponsoring spouse, and evidence of a bona fide marriage.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is essential when applying for a marriage-based green card. These documents confirm your eligibility to sponsor your spouse for permanent residency.
- U.S. Passport - A valid, unexpired U.S. passport serves as primary proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Birth Certificate - A certified birth certificate proves birthright citizenship within the United States.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - A valid green card verifies your lawful permanent resident status for sponsorship purposes.
Providing accurate and official documentation accelerates the processing of your spouse's marriage-based green card application.
Marriage Certificate and Relationship Evidence
A spouse applying for a marriage-based green card must submit a valid marriage certificate as primary proof of the legal union. Relationship evidence such as joint bank statements, photos together, and affidavits from family or friends helps demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage. These documents are crucial to satisfy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements for establishing a bona fide marriage.
Proof of Termination of Prior Marriages
| Proof of Termination of Prior Marriages for Marriage-Based Green Card | |
|---|---|
| Required Document | Description |
| Divorce Decree | Official court-issued document confirming the legal dissolution of a previous marriage. Must show final judgment or decree of divorce. |
| Annulment Decree | Legal document declaring the prior marriage null and void. It must be issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. |
| Death Certificate | Certified copy proving the death of a former spouse, thereby terminating the prior marriage. |
| Translation of Foreign Documents | Certified English translations of divorce decrees, annulments, or death certificates issued outside the United States. |
| Filing with USCIS | Proof of termination documents must be submitted with Form I-130 or Form I-485 when applying for a marriage-based green card. |
| Additional Notes | All documents must be official, complete, and issued by an authorized governmental authority to avoid processing delays. |
Supporting Financial Documents (Affidavit of Support)
For a marriage-based green card, the spouse petitioning must submit supporting financial documents to prove they can financially support their partner. The key document is the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), which legally binds the sponsor to provide financial assistance.
The sponsor must provide recent tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification to demonstrate sufficient income. These documents ensure the intending immigrant will not rely on public benefits, fulfilling U.S. immigration requirements.
Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage
Evidence of bona fide marriage is crucial for a spouse applying for a marriage-based green card to prove the authenticity of the marital relationship. USCIS requires substantial documentation to confirm that the marriage is genuine and not entered solely for immigration benefits.
- Joint Financial Documents - Documents such as joint bank account statements, tax returns filed jointly, and shared insurance policies demonstrate combined financial responsibilities.
- Proof of Cohabitation - Leases, mortgage statements, or utility bills showing both spouses live together establish physical cohabitation as a married couple.
- Affidavits from Friends and Family - Written declarations from close relatives or friends verifying the legitimacy of the marriage provide personal affirmations of the relationship's authenticity.
Required Immigration Forms and Filing Fees
For a marriage-based green card, the spouse must submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Supporting documents include a valid marriage certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status of the petitioner, and evidence of a bona fide marriage. The total filing fees for Form I-130 and Form I-485, including biometric services, typically range from $1,225 to $1,760.
Additional Supporting Documents for Special Cases
Spouses applying for a marriage-based green card may need to submit additional supporting documents depending on their specific circumstances. These special case documents help verify the authenticity of the marriage and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
- Previous Divorce or Death Certificates - Required if either spouse was previously married to prove the legal termination of all prior marriages.
- Proof of Legal Name Change - Necessary when a spouse has changed their name due to marriage or other reasons to maintain consistent identification records.
- Waivers for Inadmissibility - Required if the spouse has certain immigration violations or criminal records that need official forgiveness for green card eligibility.
What Documents Does a Spouse Need for Marriage-Based Green Card? Infographic
