To apply for a green card, essential documents include a completed Form I-485, proof of eligibility such as an approved petition (Form I-130 or I-140), and a valid identity document like a passport or birth certificate. Supporting evidence such as medical examination results (Form I-693), financial affidavits (Form I-864), and biometric appointment notices are also required. Applicants must provide any previous immigration records, police clearance certificates, and proof of lawful entry if applicable.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Green Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) | Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, requires supporting documents including proof of lawful entry (Form I-94), a government-issued photo ID, birth certificate, medical examination report (Form I-693), and evidence of eligibility such as an approved immigrant petition (Form I-130 or Form I-140). Applicants must also submit two passport-style photos, proof of financial support (Form I-864), and filing fees to ensure the application is processed efficiently by USCIS. |
| 2 | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) requires essential supporting documents such as proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, evidence of a bona fide family relationship, and valid identification. Supplementary materials may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, and divorce decrees to substantiate the petition. |
| 3 | Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) | Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, requires supporting documentation such as evidence of the beneficiary's eligibility under the relevant employment-based category, including labor certification approval (if applicable), proof of the employer's ability to pay the offered wage, and the beneficiary's qualifications like degrees, work experience, and licenses. Submitting a complete Form I-140 petition with precise documentation ensures compliance with USCIS requirements and supports the successful processing of the green card application. |
| 4 | Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) | Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, requires supporting documents including a copy of a government-issued photo ID, proof of lawful permanent resident status or pending green card application, and evidence explaining the need for travel outside the United States. Submission must also include relevant fees and any prior travel documents to ensure proper processing for advance parole, re-entry permits, or refugee travel documents. |
| 5 | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) | Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, requires supporting documents including a copy of your Form I-94, passport-style photos, a government-issued identity document, and evidence of your eligibility category. Submitting a completed Form I-765 alongside proof of your pending Green Card application enables you to obtain work authorization lawfully during the application process. |
| 6 | Birth certificate | A birth certificate is a crucial document required for a green card application as it establishes the applicant's identity and citizenship status. It must be an official, government-issued copy that includes the applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth to meet USCIS verification standards. |
| 7 | Marriage certificate (if applicable) | A valid marriage certificate is essential for green card applications based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, serving as primary proof of the bona fide marital relationship. This document must be an official copy issued by a governmental authority and, if applicable, accompanied by certified translations to meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 8 | Divorce or death certificate of previous spouse (if applicable) | Applicants seeking a green card must submit a certified divorce decree or death certificate of any previous spouse to prove the legal termination of prior marriages. These documents are essential to establish eligibility and avoid potential delays in the application process. |
| 9 | Passport biographic page | The passport biographic page is a critical document required for a green card application, as it provides essential personal identification details, including full name, date of birth, and nationality. Submitting a clear, valid biographic page helps verify the applicant's identity and supports the authenticity of other submitted evidence in the immigration process. |
| 10 | Passport-style photographs | Passport-style photographs are required to meet specific U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines, including size of 2x2 inches, recent (within 6 months), full-face view, and plain white or off-white background. Applicants must submit two identical photos to ensure proper identification and processing during the green card application. |
| 11 | Government-issued photo identification | Government-issued photo identification such as a valid passport or driver's license is essential when applying for a Green Card to verify the applicant's identity and nationality. This documentation supports the Form I-485 application and helps the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirm eligibility and conduct background checks. |
| 12 | Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) | Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) is a critical document required for green card applicants to verify lawful entry into the United States and maintain continuous legal status. It provides essential details such as the date of arrival, port of entry, and authorized period of stay, which are necessary for USCIS to assess eligibility for permanent residency. |
| 13 | Proof of lawful entry (visa stamp, entry record) | Proof of lawful entry for a green card application includes a valid visa stamp in the passport and Form I-94, the arrival/departure record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These documents verify that the applicant was admitted or paroled into the United States lawfully, a critical requirement for adjustment of status eligibility. |
| 14 | Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) | The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a crucial document required to demonstrate that the green card applicant has adequate financial support and is unlikely to become a public charge. This form must be completed by a sponsor who meets the minimum income requirements, typically at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and includes evidence such as federal tax returns, proof of income, and an employment letter. |
| 15 | Evidence of financial support (tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s) | Applicants must submit evidence of financial support to demonstrate their ability to maintain themselves without public assistance, including recent tax returns, pay stubs, and W-2 forms. These documents provide proof of consistent income and employment history, which are critical for the green card application process under U.S. immigration law. |
| 16 | Medical examination report (Form I-693) | Form I-693, the medical examination report, is a crucial document required for a green card application to certify that the applicant has undergone a USCIS-approved medical examination and is free from communicable diseases and other health issues defined by immigration law. This form must be completed by a designated civil surgeon and submitted sealed to ensure compliance with health-related immigration standards. |
| 17 | Police clearance certificates (if required) | Police clearance certificates are required to demonstrate an applicant's good moral character and absence of a criminal record in countries where they have lived for six months or more since turning 16. These certificates must be obtained from relevant law enforcement authorities and submitted as part of the green card application to comply with U.S. immigration regulations. |
| 18 | Adoption records (if applicable) | Adoption records are essential when applying for a green card to prove the legal parent-child relationship, including documents such as the finalized adoption decree and any related court orders. These records must clearly demonstrate that the adoption was completed before filing to ensure eligibility under family-based immigration categories. |
| 19 | Certified court disposition records (if applicable) | Certified court disposition records are essential for green card applicants with a criminal history, as they provide official documentation of the case outcome and sentencing. Failure to submit these verified records can result in application delays or denials due to incomplete legal background checks. |
| 20 | Military records (if applicable) | Military records, such as discharge papers (DD Form 214) or current enlistment documents, are required when applying for a green card to verify your service history and eligibility under certain categories. These documents must be submitted alongside the Form I-485 and other supporting evidence to demonstrate honorable service and meet specific immigration criteria. |
| 21 | Other supporting evidence for eligibility category | Other supporting evidence for a green card application includes proof of employment authorization, financial documents such as tax returns or pay stubs, birth or marriage certificates to verify family relationships, and medical examination results completed by a USCIS-approved physician. Applicants must also submit affidavits of support, police clearance certificates, and any prior immigration records or legal documents pertinent to their eligibility category. |
Overview of Green Card Application Process
The Green Card application process requires submitting specific documents to prove eligibility and identity. These documents are essential for USCIS to verify your background and approve your permanent residence.
Core documents typically include a completed Form I-485, passport-style photos, and proof of lawful entry into the United States. Supporting evidence, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and financial records, may also be required depending on the application category.
Importance of Accurate Documentation
Applying for a Green Card requires submitting a variety of essential documents that prove your eligibility. Accurate documentation ensures the application process proceeds smoothly without unnecessary delays or denials.
Key documents include a completed Form I-485, proof of lawful entry, birth certificates, and valid identification. Supporting evidence such as marriage certificates or employment letters strengthens the application. USCIS emphasizes that precise and truthful documentation directly impacts the approval chances of the Green Card application.
Identification and Civil Status Documents Needed
Applying for a green card requires submitting various identification and civil status documents to prove your identity and personal background. These documents are essential for verifying eligibility and completing the application process.
- Valid Passport - Serves as your primary identification document and proves your nationality.
- Birth Certificate - Establishes your date and place of birth, confirming your civil status.
- Marriage Certificate - Required if applying based on a spouse or to prove marital status for eligibility.
Proof of Eligibility: Family, Employment, or Other Categories
Applying for a green card requires submitting specific documents to prove your eligibility under different categories. Proof of eligibility varies depending on whether the application is based on family, employment, or other qualifying factors.
- Family-Based Eligibility - Submit Form I-130, proof of family relationship, and evidence of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Employment-Based Eligibility - Provide Form I-140 or I-129, a job offer letter, and labor certification if required by the category.
- Other Categories - Include supporting forms such as Form I-360 for special immigrants or asylum documentation as applicable to the specific eligibility category.
Financial Support Documents and Affidavits of Support
When applying for a green card, financial support documents are crucial to demonstrate that the applicant will not become a public charge. These documents include recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of employment.
An Affidavit of Support, filed using Form I-864, is required from a sponsor to guarantee financial responsibility. This legally binding document ensures the sponsor agrees to support the applicant financially if needed.
Medical Examination Records and Vaccination Requirements
Medical examination records and vaccination requirements are essential components when applying for a green card. These documents demonstrate the applicant's compliance with U.S. public health standards.
- Medical Examination Records - A completed Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, must be submitted to verify health status.
- Authorized Physician - The medical examination must be conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to ensure proper evaluation.
- Vaccination Requirements - Applicants must provide proof of vaccinations for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and influenza as mandated by U.S. health policies.
Submitting accurate and up-to-date medical and vaccination documents is critical to avoid delays in the green card application process.
Background Checks: Police Certificates and Biometrics
When applying for a green card, submitting police certificates is essential to verify an applicant's criminal history from every country where they have lived. Biometrics, including fingerprints and photographs, are collected to conduct background checks and confirm identity. These documents help ensure the applicant meets legal requirements for admissibility and security screening.
Translation and Certification of Foreign Documents
When applying for a Green Card, all foreign documents must be translated into English. Certified translations are required to ensure accuracy and acceptance by USCIS. You must submit both the original documents and the certified English translations with your application.
Legal Tips for Document Organization and Submission
| Document Type | Description | Legal Tips for Organization and Submission |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | The primary form to apply for a Green Card within the United States. | Ensure all fields are completed accurately. Use black ink and avoid cross-outs. Keep a copy of the submitted form for personal records. |
| Proof of Lawful Entry | Documents such as Form I-94 arrival/departure record or visa pages from your passport. | Organize documents chronologically. Submit clear photocopies alongside originals if requested. Confirm documents are valid and unexpired. |
| Birth Certificate | Establishes identity and familial relationships. | Certified copies are preferred. Translate documents not in English with certified translations. Maintain original document safety. |
| Proof of Financial Support | Includes Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and supporting tax documents from sponsors. | Compile all financial evidence thoughtfully. Use tabs or labeled folders to differentiate various documents for clarity. |
| Medical Examination Report | Form I-693 completed by a USCIS-approved physician evidencing required vaccinations and health status. | Schedule medical exams in advance to ensure timely submission. Retain sealed envelopes as required by USCIS guidelines. |
| Additional Supporting Documents | Evidence such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or police clearance certificates, depending on eligibility category. | Verify the relevance of each supporting document. Organize by category and label clearly. Avoid sending extraneous evidence. |
| Filing Fees | Payment for application processing, often required via check or money order. | Use exact payment formats indicated by USCIS. Confirm correct amount and include payment with the application package without delay. |
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Green Card? Infographic
