Green card applicants need to prepare essential documents for adjustment of status, including a completed Form I-485, proof of lawful entry such as a valid visa or I-94 record, and evidence of eligibility like a family relationship or employment offer. Medical examination results and vaccination records from a USCIS-approved physician are required to verify health standards. Supporting documents such as passport photos, birth certificates, and financial affidavits may also be necessary to demonstrate identity, relationship, and financial stability.
What Documents Does a Green Card Applicant Need for Adjustment of Status?
| 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 green card applicants to submit supporting documents including a valid passport, birth certificate, I-94 arrival/departure record, proof of lawful entry, medical examination results (Form I-693), and evidence of eligibility such as an approved immigrant petition (Form I-130 or I-140). Accurate and complete documentation is crucial for processing adjustment of status applications within the U.S. immigration system. |
| 2 | Passport-style photographs | Green card applicants must provide two recent passport-style photographs meeting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) specifications, including 2x2 inches size, a white background, and a full-face view directly facing the camera. These photographs are critical for identity verification and must adhere strictly to USCIS guidelines to avoid processing delays in the adjustment of status application. |
| 3 | Government-issued photo identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license) | Green Card applicants must provide government-issued photo identification such as a valid passport or driver's license to verify identity during the Adjustment of Status process. These documents are essential for USCIS to confirm the applicant's identity and ensure the authenticity of the application. |
| 4 | Birth certificate | A green card applicant must submit a certified birth certificate as proof of identity and nationality during the Adjustment of Status process. This essential document verifies the applicant's birth details and supports eligibility for permanent residency under U.S. immigration laws. |
| 5 | Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), if applicable | Green Card applicants must submit Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) to verify lawful entry and maintained status when applying for Adjustment of Status. This document provides critical travel history data and supports eligibility by confirming the applicant's authorized presence in the United States. |
| 6 | Copy of nonimmigrant visa(s), if applicable | A green card applicant must provide a copy of all current and expired nonimmigrant visas to demonstrate lawful entry status when applying for adjustment of status. These visa copies help USCIS verify the applicant's eligibility and maintain a complete immigration history. |
| 7 | Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage) | A Green Card applicant applying for Adjustment of Status based on marriage must provide a certified copy of their marriage certificate to prove the bona fide nature of the marital relationship. This document is essential to establish eligibility and support the legitimacy of the petition with USCIS. |
| 8 | Divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) for any prior marriages | Green card applicants must provide certified divorce decrees or death certificates for all prior marriages to prove the termination of previous marital relationships during the adjustment of status process. These documents are essential to establish eligibility and prevent delays in the application review by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 9 | Form I-130 Approval Notice or Receipt, if required | A green card applicant undergoing adjustment of status must include the Form I-130 Approval Notice or Receipt as crucial evidence of the petition's approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document establishes the qualifying relationship and is necessary to prove eligibility for permanent residency during the application process. |
| 10 | Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) | Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) is a critical document for green card applicants undergoing adjustment of status, demonstrating that the petitioner has sufficient financial means to support the applicant and prevent them from becoming a public charge. This form must be completed by the sponsoring petitioner and include supporting evidence such as recent tax returns, proof of employment, and income verification to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 11 | 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 green card applicants undergoing adjustment of status, detailing the results of a USCIS-approved physician's medical examination and vaccination verification. This form ensures applicants meet health-related grounds for admissibility, confirming no communicable diseases or vaccination deficiencies that could impact eligibility. |
| 12 | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), if applicable | Green card applicants filing for Adjustment of Status must submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to legally work while their case is pending, which requires copies of the receipt notice for Form I-485 and proof of identity such as a passport or visa. Supporting documents often include two passport-sized photos, a copy of the current immigration status, and any prior employment authorization if applicable. |
| 13 | Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), if applicable | Green card applicants filing for adjustment of status may need to submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to request advance parole for reentry into the U.S. while their application is pending, ensuring uninterrupted legal status during international travel. This form requires supporting documents such as a copy of the receipt notice for the adjustment of status application and a valid passport. |
| 14 | Immigration Court documents, if applicable | Green Card applicants undergoing Adjustment of Status who have pending or past Immigration Court proceedings must submit all relevant Immigration Court documents, including Notices to Appear, Bond Hearing records, and Immigration Judge decisions. Providing complete and accurate court documentation ensures proper review of the applicant's eligibility and legal status during the adjustment process. |
| 15 | Police clearance certificates, if requested | Green card applicants for adjustment of status may be required to submit police clearance certificates from countries where they have lived for six months or more since turning 16 years old. These certificates serve to verify the applicant's criminal background and are essential to demonstrate good moral character during the immigration process. |
| 16 | Certified court records, if arrested or convicted | Green card applicants must submit certified court records for any arrests or convictions as part of the adjustment of status process, ensuring USCIS receives authentic and official documentation. These records help verify the applicant's criminal history and determine admissibility under immigration law. |
| 17 | Evidence of lawful entry (stamps, visas, document copies) | Green card applicants must provide evidence of lawful entry, such as valid passports with U.S. entry stamps, approved visas, and copies of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Records. These documents establish legal entry into the United States, a critical requirement for adjustment of status eligibility. |
| 18 | Documentation of maintenance of status (e.g., pay stubs, transcripts) | Green card applicants must provide documentation proving continuous maintenance of their current legal status, such as recent pay stubs, employer letters, and school transcripts, to support their adjustment of status application. These records demonstrate lawful residence and compliance with visa conditions, which are critical for USCIS approval. |
| 19 | Evidence supporting eligibility category (e.g., sponsor’s status, family relationship evidence) | Green card applicants must provide evidence supporting their eligibility category, such as the sponsor's lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen status, including copies of green cards, passports, or naturalization certificates. Family-based adjustment applicants should submit proof of the qualifying family relationship, like marriage certificates, birth certificates, or joint financial documents, to establish validity and authenticity. |
Introduction to Adjustment of Status for Green Card Applicants
Adjustment of Status allows green card applicants to become permanent residents without leaving the United States. It is a key step in the immigration process for those eligible to apply while residing in the country.
You must gather essential documents to support your Adjustment of Status application. These typically include Form I-485, proof of lawful entry, and evidence of eligibility under the specific immigration category. Accurate and complete documentation ensures a smoother review of your case by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Importance of Essential Travel Documents
Green card applicants must submit specific documents to successfully complete the adjustment of status process. Essential travel documents play a critical role in verifying eligibility and legal entry into the United States.
Key documents include a valid passport, Form I-94 arrival/departure record, and any previous visas. These travel documents help establish lawful presence and support the applicant's case for permanent residency.
Valid Passports and Travel Identification
| Document Type | Description | Purpose in Adjustment of Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | A current, unexpired passport from the applicant's country of citizenship or nationality. Must contain identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and photograph. | Serves as primary travel identification. Confirms applicant's identity and nationality for immigration officials during adjustment of status processing. |
| Travel Identification | Additional travel documents such as a visa stamp, Advance Parole document, or I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. | Proves lawful entry or authorized stay in the United States. Supports the validity of the adjustment of status application by showing lawful admission or authorized presence. |
| Advance Parole Document | A USCIS-issued travel permit that allows applicants to re-enter the U.S. without abandoning the adjustment of status application. | Necessary for traveling abroad during pending adjustment of status. Prevents application denial caused by travel without authorization. |
| I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Official record issued by Customs and Border Protection detailing the date of lawful entry and the status granted upon admission. | Verifies legal entry and status at the time of arrival. Essential for proving eligibility and timing for adjustment of status. |
Form I-485: Application for Adjustment of Status
Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status, is essential for green card applicants seeking permanent residency within the United States. Applicants must submit supporting documents such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and evidence of lawful entry to prove eligibility. Additional documents may include medical examination results, Form I-94 arrival/departure record, and proof of relationship if applying based on family sponsorship.
Advance Parole Document (Form I-131)
Green card applicants filing for Adjustment of Status must submit various essential documents to USCIS. One critical document is the Advance Parole Document, also known as Form I-131, which permits travel outside the U.S. while the application is pending.
- Advance Parole Document (Form I-131) - This form allows applicants to re-enter the United States without abandoning their green card application during processing.
- Travel Permission - Receiving an approved Advance Parole document is vital for applicants who need to travel internationally and maintain their adjustment status.
- Supporting Evidence - Applicants must submit supporting evidence with Form I-131, such as a copy of the pending Adjustment of Status receipt notice, to demonstrate eligibility for advance parole.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a crucial document for green card applicants undergoing adjustment of status. It permits you to work legally in the United States while your application is processed.
- Form I-765 - This form is required to apply for an EAD and must be submitted to USCIS.
- Receipt Notice - Proof of your pending adjustment of status application is necessary to support your EAD request.
- Photo Identification - A copy of your passport or other valid ID is required to verify your identity.
Ensure all documents are accurate and submitted promptly to avoid processing delays.
Supporting Civil Documents: Birth and Marriage Certificates
Green card applicants must submit various civil documents to support their adjustment of status application. Birth and marriage certificates are essential to establish identity, family relationships, and eligibility.
- Birth Certificates - These documents verify the applicant's date and place of birth, as well as parental information required to prove lineage and citizenship status.
- Marriage Certificates - Marriage certificates validate current marital status and are crucial when applying based on a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Certified Copies - All birth and marriage certificates must be official, certified copies issued by the appropriate government authority to be accepted by USCIS.
Immigration Sponsorship and Financial Support (Form I-864)
What documents are essential for a green card applicant during the Adjustment of Status process related to Immigration Sponsorship and Financial Support? The primary document required is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed by the sponsoring immigrant. This form proves the sponsor's ability to financially support the applicant, ensuring they will not become a public charge.
Medical Examination Records (Form I-693)
Medical Examination Records (Form I-693) are crucial for a Green Card applicant during the Adjustment of Status process. This form verifies that you meet the health requirements set by U.S. immigration authorities.
A designated civil surgeon must complete the medical examination and sign Form I-693. Submitting these records ensures your application complies with public health standards required for lawful permanent residency.
What Documents Does a Green Card Applicant Need for Adjustment of Status? Infographic
