Marriage Green Card Documents Checklist

The exact documents depend on whether the spouse is in the U.S. or abroad and which forms you file. This checklist covers the documents most cases need; the official USCIS form instructions control.

Download the printable checklist (PDF): free, one or two pages, made to print and fill in by hand.

Petitioner (U.S. citizen or green card holder)

• ☐ Proof of status: U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate or green card
• ☐ Government photo ID
• ☐ Proof that any prior marriages ended: divorce decrees or death certificates

Beneficiary (foreign spouse)

• ☐ Passport and birth certificate, with certified translations if needed
• ☐ Passport-style photos as the instructions require
• ☐ Records of entry and immigration status if in the U.S.
• ☐ Proof that any prior marriages ended
• ☐ Court and police records, if any

Proof of a real marriage

• ☐ Marriage certificate
• ☐ Joint lease or mortgage
• ☐ Joint bank statements and credit cards
• ☐ Insurance policies naming each other
• ☐ Joint tax returns
• ☐ Photos together over time, with family and friends
• ☐ Travel records and communications
• ☐ Birth certificates of children together

Financial support

• ☐ Affidavit of support from the petitioner
• ☐ Recent federal tax returns or IRS transcripts
• ☐ Pay stubs and employment letter
• ☐ Joint sponsor documents if income is not enough

Filing

• ☐ Current edition of each form from uscis.gov
• ☐ Correct fees from the current USCIS fee schedule
• ☐ Copies of everything you send
• ☐ Receipt notices and a calendar for biometrics and the interview

Tips

• Never submit originals unless the instructions require them.
• Fees and form editions change; download forms only from uscis.gov.
• Anyone with a past removal order, criminal record or immigration violation should talk to an immigration lawyer before filing.

Official resources

• USCIS: Green card for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
• USCIS: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• USCIS: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• USCIS: Form G-1055, Fee schedule
• USCIS: Check case processing times

This checklist is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a legal form. Rules and deadlines vary by state; a licensed attorney can tell you what applies to your situation. Find a lawyer near you.

Sources

1. USCIS: Green card for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
2. USCIS: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
3. USCIS: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
4. USCIS: Form G-1055, Fee schedule
5. USCIS: Check case processing times