To obtain a green card through marriage, applicants must provide proof of a legally valid marriage such as a marriage certificate, along with evidence of the sponsoring spouse's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, including a passport or green card. Submission of Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) is essential, accompanied by supporting documents like birth certificates, passports, and proof of termination of prior marriages if applicable. Medical examination reports, police clearance certificates, and affidavit of support from the sponsoring spouse serve to verify eligibility and ensure the applicant meets immigration requirements.
What Documents Are Required for Green Card Through Marriage?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is a crucial document required to initiate the green card process through marriage, establishing the legitimacy of the spousal relationship to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with Form I-130, supporting evidence such as proof of a bona fide marriage, birth certificates, and identification documents are necessary to ensure successful petition approval. |
| 2 | Form I-130A (Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary) | Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, is required as part of the green card application process through marriage to provide detailed biographical information about the foreign spouse. This form supports the primary Form I-130 petition by verifying the spouse's background and eligibility, essential for travel-related immigration procedures. |
| 3 | Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) | Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a critical document required for obtaining a green card through marriage and must be submitted along with supporting evidence such as a valid Form I-130, proof of lawful entry, and marriage certificate. Accurate completion and submission of Form I-485 enable the adjustment of status within the United States, facilitating the transition to permanent residency based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. |
| 4 | Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) | Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) is a crucial document required for obtaining a green card through marriage, demonstrating the petitioner's financial ability to support the immigrant spouse. This legally binding agreement ensures the sponsor meets the income requirements set by USCIS to prevent the new green card holder from becoming a public charge. |
| 5 | Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) | Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) is a mandatory document for green card applicants through marriage, verifying that the applicant meets health requirements set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon, documenting a comprehensive medical exam and proof of required vaccinations to ensure inadmissibility is avoided due to public health concerns. |
| 6 | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) [if applicable] | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) allows green card applicants through marriage to legally work in the United States while their adjustment of status application is pending. Submitting a correctly completed Form I-765 with supporting documentation, such as a copy of the marriage certificate and Form I-130 receipt notice, can expedite employment authorization during the green card process. |
| 7 | Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) [if applicable] | Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) is essential for green card applicants through marriage who need to travel outside the United States while their adjustment of status is pending. Filing this form allows applicants to request advance parole, enabling reentry into the U.S. without abandoning their green card application process. |
| 8 | Proof of U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident status (copy of U.S. passport, birth certificate, or green card) | To obtain a green card through marriage, applicants must provide proof of their spouse's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, including a copy of a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, or green card. These documents are essential for verifying eligibility and establishing the authenticity of the marital relationship during the immigration process. |
| 9 | Marriage certificate | A valid marriage certificate is a crucial document for obtaining a green card through marriage, serving as primary evidence of a legally recognized union between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Properly certified and translated marriage certificates help USCIS verify the authenticity of the marriage, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. |
| 10 | Proof of termination of previous marriages (divorce decree, death certificate) [if applicable] | Proof of termination of previous marriages is essential for Green Card applications through marriage, including official divorce decrees or death certificates when applicable. These documents verify the legal end of any prior marriages, ensuring eligibility and compliance with immigration requirements. |
| 11 | Passport-style photos (for both spouses) | Passport-style photos for both spouses must meet USCIS specifications, including 2x2 inch dimensions, white background, and recent capture within 30 days; these photos are essential for Form I-485 and Form I-130 submissions in the green card through marriage process. Ensuring compliance with photo requirements reduces delays and supports accurate identity verification during the petition and adjustment of status stages. |
| 12 | Copy of beneficiary's passport | A copy of the beneficiary's passport is essential for a green card application through marriage, serving as a primary identification and travel document. This copy must be clear, valid, and include all vital pages, such as the photo identification page and any pages with entry stamps or visas. |
| 13 | Proof of lawful entry (I-94 Arrival/Departure Record) | A valid I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is essential to prove lawful entry into the United States when applying for a green card through marriage. This document verifies your legal admission status and is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your adjustment of status application. |
| 14 | Proof of bona fide marriage (joint financial documents, lease, photos, etc.) | Proof of bona fide marriage for a green card application through marriage includes joint financial documents such as bank statements and tax returns, shared lease or mortgage agreements, and photographs evidencing the couple's genuine relationship over time. Supplementary evidence can comprise affidavits from friends or family, insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries, and correspondence addressed to both spouses at the same residence. |
| 15 | Filing fee receipts | Filing fee receipts are essential documents required for the green card application through marriage, serving as proof of payment for form submissions such as Form I-130 and Form I-485. Keeping these receipts organized ensures seamless processing and tracking of the permanent residency application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 16 | Criminal records or police certificates [if applicable] | Applicants seeking a green card through marriage must provide police certificates or criminal records from all countries where they have lived for six months or more since turning 16, ensuring a thorough background check. These documents verify the applicant's criminal history and help USCIS assess eligibility and security risks in the immigration process. |
| 17 | Certified English translations (if documents are not in English) | Certified English translations are mandatory for all foreign-language documents submitted during the Green Card application through marriage process to ensure USCIS accurately reviews the evidence. Each translation must include a certification statement affirming the translator's fluency in both languages and the completeness and accuracy of the translation. |
Overview of Marriage-Based Green Card Documentation
Applying for a green card through marriage requires submitting various essential documents to prove the authenticity of the marital relationship and eligibility. Key documentation includes a valid marriage certificate, proof of the spouse's U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, and evidence of a bona fide marriage such as joint financial records or photos together. Your application must also contain personal identification documents, completed immigration forms, and affidavits or letters from friends and family verifying the genuine nature of the marriage.
Key Identification Papers Required
Obtaining a green card through marriage requires submitting specific identification documents to prove your eligibility. Proper preparation of these key papers ensures a smoother application process.
- Marriage Certificate - Official proof of a legally valid marriage between you and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Birth Certificates - Certified copies verifying the identities and birth details of both spouses.
- Government-Issued IDs - Valid passports or driver's licenses to confirm identity and nationality.
Proof of Valid Marriage Relationship
What documents prove a valid marriage for a green card application? You need to provide evidence such as joint bank account statements, lease agreements showing cohabitation, and photos together over time. Affidavits from friends and family affirming the marriage's authenticity also strengthen your case.
Joint Financial and Residential Documents
| Document Type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Bank Account Statements | Statements showing both spouses' names on a shared bank account. | Demonstrates financial intermingling and shared financial responsibility. |
| Joint Lease or Mortgage Agreement | Legal documents listing both spouses as tenants or owners of a residence. | Proves cohabitation and shared residential commitment. |
| Utility Bills in Both Names | Electric, water, gas, or internet bills addressed to both spouses at the same address. | Verifies joint residence and household management. |
| Joint Tax Returns | Federal or state income tax returns filed jointly as a married couple. | Confirms the couple's shared financial status and marital relationship. |
| Insurance Policies | Health, auto, or life insurance documents listing both spouses as beneficiaries or policyholders. | Shows financial interdependence and mutual support. |
| Shared Credit Card Statements | Credit card statements showing both spouses' names or use of a shared account. | Indicates financial co-management and joint credit responsibility. |
Travel Authorization: Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits
When applying for a green card through marriage, travel authorization plays a crucial role in maintaining your legal status while abroad. Two key documents are Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits, which allow you to travel outside the United States without jeopardizing your application.
Advance Parole grants permission to re-enter the U.S. during the green card process, especially if your application is pending adjustment of status. A Re-Entry Permit is essential for permanent residents who plan to be outside the U.S. for an extended period. Having these documents prevents issues at U.S. borders and ensures continuous eligibility for your marriage-based green card.
Birth Certificates and Certified Translations
When applying for a Green Card through marriage, submitting birth certificates is essential to prove identity and family relationships. These documents must be official and include all relevant details such as full names, dates of birth, and places of birth.
If your birth certificates are not in English, certified translations are required to accompany the originals. Certified translations must be accurate, complete, and signed by a qualified translator to ensure USCIS acceptance.
Police Clearance and Legal Records
When applying for a Green Card through marriage, submitting police clearance certificates is essential to verify the applicant's criminal history or absence thereof. These documents must be obtained from all countries where the applicant has lived for six months or longer since turning 16.
Legal records demonstrate the applicant's good moral character and compliance with immigration laws. Failure to provide accurate police clearance and legal documentation may result in delays or denial of the Green Card application.
Medical Examination and Vaccination Papers
The medical examination and vaccination papers are crucial documents for obtaining a green card through marriage. These documents prove that you meet the health requirements set by U.S. immigration authorities.
- Medical Examination - A USCIS-approved civil surgeon must complete the medical exam to ensure there are no health conditions that could affect your eligibility.
- Vaccination Records - Proof of required vaccinations must be submitted to demonstrate compliance with public health standards.
- Medical Report Form - Form I-693 must be properly filled out and sealed by the civil surgeon before submission.
Keep all medical and vaccination documents ready to avoid delays in the green card application process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Documentation
When applying for a green card through marriage, having accurate and complete documents is essential. Many applicants face delays or denials due to common documentation errors.
- Incomplete Forms - Submit all required forms fully filled out without leaving sections blank to avoid processing delays.
- Insufficient Proof of Genuine Marriage - Provide comprehensive evidence such as joint financial records, photos, and affidavits to demonstrate a legitimate relationship.
- Expired or Incorrect Identification - Ensure passports, birth certificates, and other IDs are valid and properly translated if necessary.
What Documents Are Required for Green Card Through Marriage? Infographic
