Applicants for a marriage green card must submit a valid marriage certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency of the sponsoring spouse, and evidence of a bona fide marriage such as joint financial documents, photographs, and affidavits from friends or family. Supporting documents typically include passports, birth certificates, and any prior divorce decrees or death certificates to prove the termination of previous marriages. Accurate completion of Form I-130 and Form I-485, along with medical examination results and proof of lawful entry into the United States, is also required for a successful application.
What Documents are Needed for a Marriage Green Card Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marriage Certificate | A valid, government-issued marriage certificate is a crucial document for a marriage green card application, serving as primary proof of the legal marital relationship between the petitioner and the applicant. This certificate must be an official copy with an embossed seal or stamp from the issuing authority to meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 2 | Birth Certificates (both spouses) | Marriage green card applications require certified birth certificates for both spouses to verify identity and familial relationships. These birth certificates must include full names, dates of birth, and parentage details, serving as crucial evidence during USCIS eligibility assessments. |
| 3 | Passports (applicant and petitioner) | The marriage green card application requires valid, unexpired passports from both the applicant and the petitioner as proof of identity and citizenship. Copies of all pages containing visas, entry stamps, and personal information must be submitted to establish lawful entry and continuous residence. |
| 4 | Divorce Decrees or Death Certificates (if applicable) | Divorce decrees or death certificates are essential documents for a marriage green card application when either spouse has been previously married, providing legal proof of the termination of prior marriages. These documents must be submitted in original or certified copy form to demonstrate eligibility and prevent any claims of polygamy or bigamy during the immigration process. |
| 5 | Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage (photos, joint leases, joint bank statements, etc.) | Evidence of bona fide marriage is critical for a marriage green card application and typically includes joint leases or mortgage documents, co-mingled financial accounts such as joint bank statements, and photographic proof of the relationship over time. Additional supportive documents may consist of shared insurance policies, affidavits from friends and family, and correspondence demonstrating ongoing communication to verify the legitimacy of the marital relationship. |
| 6 | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) requires supporting documents including proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status of the petitioner, evidence of a bona fide relationship such as marriage certificates and joint financial records, and official identification like passports or birth certificates. Accurate completion and submission of Form I-130 with these documents are essential to establish the qualifying family relationship for the marriage green card application. |
| 7 | Form I-130A (Supplemental Information) | Form I-130A (Supplemental Information) requires detailed biographical information about the foreign spouse, including residential history and employment records, to support the main Form I-130 petition for a marriage-based green card. This form must be accurately completed and submitted alongside other essential documents such as the marriage certificate, proof of bona fide marriage, and government-issued identification to ensure a thorough USCIS evaluation. |
| 8 | 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 a valid government-issued identification, proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, a certified copy of the marriage certificate, Form I-130 approval notice, Form I-693 (medical examination report), and evidence of lawful entry into the U.S. such as Form I-94. Applicants must also submit proof of financial support through Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), passport-style photos, and any relevant arrest or court records to comply with USCIS requirements. |
| 9 | Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support with supporting financial documents) | Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) is a critical document required for a marriage green card application, demonstrating the sponsor's financial ability to support the intending immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge. Supporting financial documents submitted with Form I-864 include recent federal tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, employment verification letters, and evidence of assets to meet or exceed the 125% federal poverty guidelines. |
| 10 | Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) | Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) is a critical document required for a marriage green card application, documenting the applicant's compliance with U.S. immigration health standards. This form must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, confirming that the applicant has undergone the necessary medical examination and received all required vaccinations. |
| 11 | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), if applicable | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) is required for marriage-based green card applicants who wish to work legally in the United States while their application is pending. Supporting documents include a copy of the marriage-based green card application receipt (Form I-130 or I-485 receipt notice), proof of identity (passport or visa), and two passport-sized photos. |
| 12 | Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), if applicable | Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is required for marriage green card applicants seeking advance parole to travel outside the United States while their adjustment of status is pending. Supporting documents include a copy of the receipt notice for the Form I-485, evidence of the pending green card application, and a valid government-issued ID to confirm identity and eligibility. |
| 13 | Government-issued IDs (driver’s licenses, state IDs) | Government-issued IDs, such as driver's licenses and state identification cards, are essential for a marriage green card application as they establish identity and residency. These documents must be valid and clearly display the applicant's full name, date of birth, and current address to meet USCIS requirements. |
| 14 | Passport-Style Photos (as required by USCIS) | USCIS requires two recent passport-style photos as part of a marriage green card application, ensuring they meet the 2x2 inch size, plain white background, and neutral facial expression criteria. These photos must be taken within 30 days of filing and clearly show the applicant's full face, without shadows or eyewear glare, to avoid processing delays. |
| 15 | Proof of Petitioner’s U.S. Citizenship or Green Card (naturalization certificate, birth certificate, or green card) | To establish the petitioner's eligibility in a marriage green card application, submitting proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is essential, which can be demonstrated by a naturalization certificate, U.S. birth certificate, or valid green card. These documents validate the petitioner's legal status and are critical for the USCIS to process the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. |
| 16 | Police Clearance Certificates (if required) | Police Clearance Certificates are crucial for a marriage green card application if requested by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, serving as proof of the applicant's clean criminal record from countries of residence over six months since the age of 16. These certificates must be official, up-to-date, and translated into English if issued in a foreign language to meet immigration requirements. |
| 17 | Court and Prison Records (if applicable) | Court and prison records are crucial for a marriage green card application when the applicant or petitioner has a criminal background, as these documents provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with detailed information about the nature and disposition of legal issues. Certified copies of arrest records, court dispositions, sentencing documents, and prison release papers must be submitted to ensure full disclosure and compliance with immigration law requirements. |
| 18 | Military Records (if applicable) | Military records, including Form DD-214 or current service member's statement, are essential for a marriage green card application to verify military status and service history. These documents support eligibility verification and help establish lawful presence for spouses of U.S. military personnel. |
| 19 | Previous Immigration Records (if applicable) | Previous immigration records for a marriage green card application must include copies of all prior visa approvals, I-94 arrival/departure records, and any Form I-797 Notices of Action related to past immigration petitions or applications. Providing these documents helps establish the applicant's immigration history and compliance with U.S. immigration laws, which is critical for the adjudication of the green card petition. |
Introduction to Marriage Green Card Application
Applying for a marriage green card involves submitting specific documents to prove the legitimacy of your marital relationship and eligibility. Key documents include proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency of the sponsoring spouse, marriage certificates, and evidence of a bona fide marriage. Understanding these requirements is essential to ensure a smooth application process.
Key Legal Requirements for Eligibility
| Document | Description | Legal Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse to establish the qualifying relationship. | Required to prove a bona fide marital relationship under U.S. immigration law. |
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Used by the foreign spouse to apply for a green card if already in the United States. | Necessary to adjust immigration status within the U.S. as part of the marriage-based green card process. |
| Marriage Certificate | Official government-issued document proving the marriage. | Mandatory to establish the legal marriage between petitioner and beneficiary. |
| Proof of Petitioner's U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency | U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card. | Verifies the petitioner's eligibility to sponsor a spouse under immigration law. |
| Evidence of Termination of Prior Marriages | Divorce decrees, annulment orders, or death certificates for previous spouses. | Required to ensure all prior marriages are legally ended for both spouses. |
| Proof of Bona Fide Marriage | Joint lease, shared bank accounts, photographs, affidavits, and correspondence between spouses. | Necessary to demonstrate the marriage was entered in good faith and not for immigration benefits. |
| Medical Examination Report (Form I-693) | Completed by an authorized civil surgeon to confirm the applicant's health status. | Mandatory health screening to meet U.S. public health standards. |
| Form I-864, Affidavit of Support | Filed by the petitioner to prove financial ability to support the immigrant spouse. | Ensures the immigrant spouse will not become a public charge according to legal requirements. |
Essential Identity and Relationship Documents
Applying for a marriage green card requires essential identity and relationship documents to prove eligibility. Key documents include your passport, birth certificate, and proof of lawful entry into the United States. Relationship evidence such as a marriage certificate, joint financial records, and photos demonstrating a genuine marriage is also necessary for the application process.
Proof of Bona Fide Marriage
Submitting a Marriage Green Card application requires comprehensive documentation to prove the legitimacy of the marital relationship. USCIS scrutinizes evidence to confirm that the marriage is genuine and not solely for immigration benefits.
- Joint Financial Documents - Bank statements, joint tax returns, and insurance policies showing shared financial responsibilities.
- Residential Evidence - Lease agreements, mortgage documents, or utility bills listing both spouses at the same address.
- Personal Communications and Photographs - Emails, messages, and photos capturing the couple together over time to demonstrate ongoing relationship authenticity.
Properly organizing and submitting proof of bona fide marriage is crucial to the success of the marriage-based green card petition.
Financial Support and Affidavit of Support
For a marriage green card application, submitting proof of financial support is essential to demonstrate that the sponsoring spouse can maintain the applicant without public assistance. This typically involves providing recent tax returns, pay stubs, and an employment verification letter.
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legally binding contract signed by the sponsor to guarantee financial responsibility for the intending immigrant. This document must be completed accurately and submitted along with supporting financial evidence to satisfy USCIS requirements.
Required Immigration Forms and Fees
Applying for a marriage green card requires submitting specific immigration forms and paying associated fees. Clear understanding of these requirements ensures a smoother application process.
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative - This form establishes the qualifying relationship between you and your spouse.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - Used to adjust your status if you are already in the United States.
- Filing Fees - Fees vary depending on the forms, typically including costs for biometrics and processing.
Supporting Evidence of Joint Life
What documents are needed to prove a bona fide marriage for a Marriage Green Card application? Supporting evidence of joint life is critical to demonstrate the authenticity of the marital relationship. Common documents include joint bank account statements, lease or mortgage agreements with both names, and utility bills showing shared residence.
How does joint financial responsibility support a Marriage Green Card application? Evidence such as joint tax returns, combined insurance policies, and shared credit card statements indicates financial interdependence. These documents help immigration officials verify the legitimacy of the marriage.
What proof can show shared daily life between spouses in a green card petition? Photographs from significant events, correspondence addressed to both spouses, and affidavits from friends or family confirming the relationship provide strong evidence. This documentation helps establish continuous, genuine marital life.
Additional Supporting Documents for Children and Previous Marriages
Applying for a marriage green card requires careful submission of various supporting documents to prove eligibility. Additional documentation is essential for children and previous marriages to establish clear legal and familial relationships.
- Birth Certificates for Children - Official birth certificates must be provided to verify the parent-child relationship for all children involved.
- Custody or Guardianship Papers - Legal documents showing custody arrangements are necessary if children from previous marriages are part of the application.
- Divorce Decrees or Death Certificates - Finalized divorce papers or death certificates from previous spouses confirm the legal dissolution of prior marriages.
Common Mistakes and Document Issues
Submitting a complete and accurate set of documents is crucial for a successful marriage green card application. Common mistakes include missing signatures, incomplete forms, and outdated documents that can delay the process.
Applicants often overlook the need for certified translations of foreign-language documents or fail to provide sufficient proof of a bona fide marriage. Ensuring all required evidence, such as joint financial records and affidavits, is properly organized helps avoid requests for additional information from USCIS.
What Documents are Needed for a Marriage Green Card Application? Infographic
