To apply for a marriage-based green card, key documents include proof of a legally valid marriage such as a marriage certificate, evidence of the spouse's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, and the applicant's birth certificate or passport. Supporting documents like joint financial records, photos together, and affidavits can demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage. Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) must also be submitted along with the required fees and medical examination results.
What Documents Are Needed for a Marriage-Based Green Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marriage Certificate | A valid and official marriage certificate is a critical document for applying for a marriage-based green card, serving as proof of a legally recognized marriage between the petitioner and the beneficiary. The marriage certificate must be an original or certified copy issued by a government authority and should include details such as the date and place of marriage, full names of both spouses, and official signatures or stamps to satisfy USCIS requirements. |
| 2 | Passports (Applicant and Spouse) | Passports for both the applicant and the spouse must be valid and unexpired to support a marriage-based green card application; these documents verify identity and citizenship. Copies of all current and expired passports, including any travel visas and entry stamps, help demonstrate lawful entry and continuous presence in the United States. |
| 3 | Birth Certificates (Applicant and Spouse) | Birth certificates for both the applicant and spouse are essential documents when applying for a marriage-based green card, serving as primary proof of identity and familial relationships. These certificates must be official, translated into English if necessary, and include key details such as full names, dates of birth, and parental information to verify eligibility. |
| 4 | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is essential for initiating the marriage-based green card process, demonstrating the bona fide relationship between the U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioner and the foreign spouse. Supporting documents required with Form I-130 include a valid marriage certificate, proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, and evidence of a genuine marital relationship such as joint leases, shared financial accounts, or photographs together. |
| 5 | 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 such as a valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of lawful entry, and evidence of the bona fide marriage including joint financial records or affidavits. Applicants must also submit Form I-130 approval notice, medical examination results (Form I-693), and proof of financial support like Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). |
| 6 | Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) | Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is crucial for a marriage-based green card application to prove the sponsoring spouse has sufficient income to support the immigrant. This document must be submitted along with evidence like recent tax returns and pay stubs to satisfy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' financial requirements. |
| 7 | Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (for sponsoring spouse) | Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for the sponsoring spouse typically requires submitting a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card (Green Card) as part of the marriage-based green card application. These documents establish the sponsor's legal status and eligibility to petition for their spouse's immigration benefit. |
| 8 | Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage (photos, joint leases, joint bank account statements, etc.) | Evidence of bona fide marriage is crucial for a marriage-based green card application and typically includes photos of the couple together over time, joint lease agreements demonstrating shared residence, and joint bank account statements reflecting combined financial responsibilities. Additional supporting documents may include shared utility bills, affidavits from friends or family confirming the relationship, and communication records that prove ongoing and genuine marital commitment. |
| 9 | Divorce Decrees (if either spouse was previously married) | Divorce decrees must be submitted when either spouse has been previously married to prove the legal termination of all prior marriages, ensuring eligibility for a marriage-based green card. These documents validate the legitimacy of the current marriage and are crucial in the USCIS evaluation process. |
| 10 | Death Certificates (if prior spouse is deceased) | Death certificates are required as crucial supporting documents for a marriage-based green card application if the petitioner or beneficiary has a deceased prior spouse. These certificates must be official, certified copies to verify the end of any previous marital bonds and establish eligibility for the new marriage petition. |
| 11 | Form I-693 (Medical Examination Report) | Form I-693, the Medical Examination Report, is a crucial document for marriage-based green card applicants, ensuring they meet U.S. health requirements by completing a medical exam administered by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. This form certifies the absence of communicable diseases and verifies vaccination records, both essential for the green card approval process. |
| 12 | Passport-Style Photographs | Passport-style photographs for a marriage-based green card application must meet specific U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements, including size dimensions of 2x2 inches, a plain white or off-white background, and a full-face view directly facing the camera. Submitting recent photos that clearly display the applicant's facial features without glasses or hats is essential to avoid delays or rejections in the green card process. |
| 13 | Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document, if applying for Advance Parole) | Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is essential for marriage-based green card applicants seeking Advance Parole, allowing them to lawfully travel outside the U.S. while their adjustment of status is pending. This form must be submitted alongside the green card application to prevent abandonment of the application during international travel. |
| 14 | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) | Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, must be submitted by marriage-based green card applicants who wish to work while their adjustment of status application is pending. This form requires supporting documents such as a copy of Form I-485 receipt notice and proof of identity to demonstrate the applicant's eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). |
| 15 | Government-Issued Photo IDs | Government-issued photo IDs such as a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID card are essential documents for a marriage-based green card application. These IDs prove identity and citizenship or legal status, forming a critical part of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documentation requirements. |
| 16 | Police Clearance Certificates (if required) | Police Clearance Certificates are often required for marriage-based green card applications to verify the applicant's criminal history and confirm good conduct in countries of residence. These certificates must be official, recent, and translated if not in English, ensuring compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards. |
Overview of Marriage-Based Green Card for Travel and Immigration
A marriage-based green card allows spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to live and work legally in the United States. This immigration status facilitates travel, enabling you to re-enter the country after international trips without visa complications.
Key documents required include the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Supporting evidence such as marriage certificates, proof of bona fide marriage, and identity documents are essential for approval and smooth travel processing.
Essential Documents for Marriage-Based Green Card Application
Applying for a marriage-based green card requires specific essential documents to verify the authenticity of your marital relationship and eligibility. These documents form the foundation of a successful application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Key documents include a valid marriage certificate, proof of the spouse's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and evidence of the bona fide nature of the marriage such as joint financial records, photographs, and affidavits from friends or family. Your passport and birth certificate must also be submitted to establish identity and family lineage. Additional forms like the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status are required to complete the process.
Proof of Bona Fide Relationship Requirements
| Document Type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | Official government-issued marriage certificate verifying the legal union. | Establishes the marital relationship as the basis for the green card application. |
| Joint Financial Records | Shared bank account statements, joint tax returns, insurance policies naming spouse. | Demonstrates financial interdependence and commingling of assets. |
| Photographs Together | Photos capturing the couple at various events and times with family and friends. | Provides visual evidence of an ongoing, genuine relationship over time. |
| Correspondence | Emails, text messages, letters, or social media exchanges between spouses. | Shows consistent and ongoing communication supporting the bona fide relationship. |
| Affidavits from Friends and Family | Sworn statements by people familiar with the relationship, attesting to its authenticity. | Supports the claim of a genuine marriage through third-party testimony. |
| Lease or Mortgage Documents | Proof of jointly signed lease agreements or property ownership. | Confirms shared residence as evidence of married life. |
| Wedding Invitations and Receipts | Invitations, photos, and receipts from wedding events and celebrations. | Provides context and documentation of marriage ceremonies and social acknowledgment. |
Travel Documents for Green Card Applicants
Travel documents are essential for marriage-based green card applicants to maintain legal status while entering or leaving the United States. Key documents include a valid passport, advance parole (Form I-131) to re-enter the U.S. during green card processing, and a valid visa if applicable. These travel permits ensure applicants can travel without jeopardizing their green card application or status.
Evidence of Lawful Entry and Status
When applying for a marriage-based green card, providing evidence of lawful entry and status is essential. This documentation confirms the applicant's legal admission into the United States and supports the eligibility for adjustment of status.
Acceptable evidence includes a valid visa stamp, Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and any prior immigration documents. These materials demonstrate compliance with U.S. immigration laws, which is critical for a successful green card application.
Financial Support and Affidavit of Support Documentation
Applying for a marriage-based green card requires submitting specific financial support documents to prove the sponsor can maintain the immigrant without public assistance. The affidavit of support is a critical form demonstrating the sponsor's commitment to financially support the beneficiary.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support - This legally binding document signed by the sponsor pledges financial support.
- Proof of Income - Recent tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs establish the sponsor's ability to meet income requirements.
- Employment Verification - A letter from the sponsor's employer confirms current employment and salary details.
Proper financial support documentation strengthens the marriage green card application by ensuring compliance with USCIS requirements.
Supporting Identity and Civil Documents Checklist
What documents are required to prove identity for a marriage-based green card application? Valid government-issued identification such as passports or birth certificates are essential. These documents confirm the identity of both the applicant and the sponsoring spouse.
Which civil documents must be submitted to support a marriage-based green card? Certified marriage certificates and divorce decrees, if applicable, are necessary. These papers establish the legal marriage and any prior marital status changes.
Are police clearance certificates part of the civil documents checklist for a marriage-based green card? Yes, they are often required to demonstrate good moral character. These certificates help U.S. immigration authorities assess the applicant's background.
Is proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency required for the sponsoring spouse? Providing a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card is mandatory. This documentation verifies the sponsor's eligibility to petition for the applicant.
Do applicants need to submit photographs as part of their identity documents? Passport-style photos that meet USCIS specifications are necessary. These images are used for processing and identification purposes during the green card application process.
Required Forms for Marriage-Based Green Card Process
Applying for a marriage-based green card requires submitting specific forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These forms verify eligibility, establish the marital relationship, and provide necessary biographical information.
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative - This form is filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse to establish the qualifying relationship.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - Used by the foreign spouse to apply for lawful permanent resident status within the U.S.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support - The sponsoring spouse submits this form to demonstrate financial ability to support the immigrant spouse and prevent reliance on public benefits.
Additional Documentation for International Travel
Obtaining a marriage-based green card requires specific documents to establish your eligibility and relationship status. When planning international travel, additional paperwork is crucial to avoid complications at borders and re-entry points.
- Valid Passport - A current passport from your home country is essential for international travel and identification.
- Advance Parole Document - This travel permit allows green card applicants to re-enter the U.S. without abandoning their application.
- Marriage Certificate - An official marriage certificate proves the legitimacy of your relationship during customs and immigration checks.
What Documents Are Needed for a Marriage-Based Green Card? Infographic
