Marriage-based Green Card Document Checklist (2025 Guide)

Marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident does not automatically give you legal residency. To obtain a green card, you and your spouse must submit different immigration forms as required by the law. Additionally, the process varies depending on where you and your spouse live. This article provides a comprehensive checklist of documents needed for every stage of the marriage-based green card process.

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Step One: The I-130 Petition 

This is the first step in filing a marriage-based green card. The purpose is to establish that a valid marriage exists between you and your spouse. The petitioner, also known as the sponsor, of the application must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in the U.S. 

Form I-130a is submitted alongside Form I-130 and is used to collect additional background information about the beneficiary spouse. The questions on Form I-130a cover the beneficiary spouse’s employment and residential history for the past five years.

I-130 Document Checklist

You need to include the following documents in your I-130 petition packet or online submission:

1. Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
   • Fully completed and signed in black ink by the Petitioner
2. Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
   • Fully completed and signed in black ink by the Beneficiary
3. Filing Fee
   • The $675 filing fee, typically in the form of a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” You can also pay by credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Always check the official USCIS website for the most current fee amount before sending.
4. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Optional)
   • Allows USCIS to send you text/email updates.
5. Proof of Sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence:
   • U.S. Citizen: A copy of your U.S. passport biographic page, U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad
   • Lawful Permanent Residence (Copy of Form I-551, also known as the green card)
6. Passport-Style Photos:
   • We advise two 2×2-inch color photographs taken within the last 6 months of both the sponsor and beneficiary.
7. Evidence of legal name changes (If applicable):
   • If you or your spouse has ever changed names, you are to present documents showing the change. For a name change by marriage, your marriage certificate will be enough. If it weren’t for marriage purposes, you would need to show a court order as proof.
8. Copy of Marriage Certificate
9. Divorce decrees or death certificates (if applicable): If either spouse was previously married, you must provide copies of final divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment documents for every prior marriage to prove they were legally terminated.
10. Birth Certificate of Beneficiary (Ensure there is a certified English translation if not in English)
11. Valid passport: Copies of the biographic data page for both the beneficiary
12. Proof of a Genuine, Bona Fide Marriage
    • Documents showing you both live together at the same address, such as a joint lease, mortgage, or property in both names
    • Documentation showing shared financial resources and responsibilities, such as joint bank account statements, credit card accounts, and utility bills showing both names.
    • Documentation of children born to you both, if applicable
    • Photos of the two of you together
    • Recent flights or trips booked to see each other
    • Affidavits from family and friends speaking on behalf of your relationship. Each affidavit must have the full name and address of the person making the affidavit, the date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, and complete information and details explaining how the person has knowledge of your marriage.

It is important to have original documents available, as USCIS may request them at the interview. Certified English translations are required for all foreign-language documents. Any discrepancies in the translations can lead to issues.

Step 2: Determine Your Green Card Application Path

There are two ways to apply for a marriage-based green card,  either through

1. Adjustment of Status (for spouses already in the U.S.)
2. or Consular Processing (for spouses applying from abroad).

Each pathway requires a different set of forms and supporting documents.

Path A: Checklist for Applying Within the U.S. (I-485 Adjustment of Status)

If the immigrant spouse is lawfully in the U.S., they may be eligible to file for an Adjustment of Status concurrently with their I-130 petition. This allows them to become a permanent resident without leaving the country. The following documents should be included in the petition:

• Completed and signed I-485
• Filing Fee for Form I-485
• Form I-797 Approval Notice for your Form I-130 petition (only applicable if you filed the I-130 before and not concurrently).
• Copy of government-issued photo ID
• Two Passport-sized photos (2×2)
• Copy of birth certificate (with English translation is applicable)
• Copy of passport biometric page and page with visa stamps and admission stamps
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
• Medical exam (Form I-693)
• Form I-94 arrival/departure record
• Marriage certificate
• Certified police and court records of all criminal charges, arrests, or convictions regardless of final disposition (if applicable);
• Previous USCIS approvals

TIP: You need to reveal your criminal history if applicable. If you have been arrested or convicted before, either in the U.S. or overseas, you must provide the records. Background checks will be conducted to check for criminal history. Be sure you are truthful in filing your criminal history record, as any detection of dishonesty or fraud may lead to denial of your application by the USCIS and possible barring from re-entry into the United States.

I-864 Affidavit of Support

To sponsor an immigrant spouse for a green card, you must prove that your income meets or exceeds 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Otherwise, you may use a joint sponsor.

This is proven through the Form I-864 along with supporting documentation. This form is a legally binding contract ensuring that the immigrant does not become a liability or rely on the U.S. government for financial support. You will need to provide:

• Completed and signed the I-864 by the sponsor
• Federal income tax returns or transcripts for the most recent year. Providing tax returns for the last three years is a common practice and often recommended.
• Bank statements, assets, or joint sponsor documents (if needed) to show that you meet the income requirements

You can check if you meet the income requirements to sponsor your spouse by checking the HHS Poverty guidelines. The household size includes you + immigrant + any other dependents.

Optional Work Permits (I-765) & Travel Documents (I-131)

If you travel out of the U.S. while your I-485 is pending, USCIS may consider your application abandoned. This would require you to restart the entire process from the beginning. To avoid this, you must file for a travel permit, Form I-131, along with your marriage-based green card application, to have the ability to travel abroad while the application is pending. Our team is currently seeing travel documents get approved within 4-10 months of submission.

It is crucial to have all of the necessary documentation and forms. Any mistake can lead to a denial or delay of your application.

Check out this video below where Attorney Shilpa Malik goes over helpful tips to be aware of when traveling with a pending green card application!

If you need to work while your green card application is pending, you can apply for work authorization while you wait for your green card to be approved. Sometimes the adjustment of status can take three to 12 months to process, so if you need to work during this period, you can apply for a work permit, Form I-765, and it typically arrives within 1-3 months of submitting the form.

If you would like to obtain both your advance parole to travel and your work permit, you will need to submit.

• Completed and signed I-765 and I-131
• Four passport-sized photos (2×2)
• Passport/Photo ID
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Records

The USCIS Medical Exam (Form I-693)

Form I-693, Immigration Medical Exam, is filed to prove that you are not inadmissible to the U.S. on health-related grounds. The USCIS uses the form to assess the results of your medical examination. 

You should bring to the exam:

1. Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record;
2. Government-issued photo identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license.
3. A record of your vaccinations or immunizations (such as DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Pneumococcal, Influenza, Rotavirus and Meningococcal disease);
4. Your health insurance card. You should ask if the civil surgeon accepts your medical plan for immigration medical examinations. Many health insurance plans do not cover all portions of this examination
5. Payment. Check with the civil surgeon’s office about acceptable forms of payment. USCIS recommends calling civil surgeons to find out how much they charge for the immigration medical examination, as fees can vary significantly.

After the examination, the doctor will give you the result in a sealed envelope on the I-693. You need to ensure that you DO NOT open the envelope. The USCIS will not accept the result if the envelope is opened. If you want to have a copy of your result, you can ask the doctor to make one for you.

Adjustment of Status Interview

At the green card interview, both spouses will meet with a USCIS officer. The officer will review all the submitted documents. They will ask you questions about your marriage history, daily life, future plans, and things about each other.

The officer will be looking for consistency in your answers and evidence of a bona fide marriage. It is critical that you prepare carefully and bring originals of all supporting documents, and go over some interview prep questions.

Path B: Checklist for Applying from Abroad (Consular Processing)

If the immigrant lives outside the U.S., then they will go through Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The National Visa Center (NVC) collects fees and documents before scheduling the interview.

DS-260 Form and Fees

The DS-260 is the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, and it’s the primary form used when applying for a marriage-based green card through consular processing. The DS-260 requests detailed biographical information about the immigrant spouse, including family history, residential history, prior U.S. visits, employment history, and any prior immigration or criminal violations.

Required documents:

1. Payment of processing fees through the National Visa Center (NVC) portal
2. Copy of a valid passport biographic page
3. Birth certificates (certified copy is acceptable)
4. Marriage certificates
5. Marriage Termination (if applicable)
6. Military records (if applicable)
7. Police certificates (from each country you lived in after the age of 16)
8. Court and prison records (if applicable)
9. Two passport-sized photos (2×2)

Once you submit and pay the State Department processing fees, you will need to save and print the confirmation page.

Embassy Interview Checklist

The immigrant spouse will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate in their home country. During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions about your relationship, background, and future plans to ensure that the marriage is genuine.

At the interview, you must bring:

• DS-260 confirmation page
• Appointment letter
• Medical Exam results from a panel physician
• All original civil documents and translations
• Financial support documents (I-864 from the U.S. sponsor)

It’s important to come prepared for the interview and review questions ahead of time so that you feel confident and provide consistent answers, which will help to avoid unnecessary delays in your case.

Want a mock interview? Reach out to our team.

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I-864 Financial Sponsorship

The I-864 is an agreement form between the green card sponsor, spouse, and the U.S. government. It is an affidavit showing that you have income and/or assets that are enough to take care of your beneficiary spouse. This is done to assure the government that your spouse will not end up being a public charge after gaining permanent residency. The U.S. sponsor must submit:

• Completed/Signed I-864
• Federal income tax returns or transcripts for the most recent year. Providing tax returns for the last three years is a common practice and often recommended.
• Proof of income/assets
• Proof of U.S. domicile

Step 3: Documents After Green Card Approval

Once your marriage-based green card is approved, several key documents will be issued to confirm your new permanent resident status. These documents serve as proof of your legal rights, allowing you to work, travel, and settle in the U.S. It’s important to keep these documents safe as they will be required for future immigration processes and daily life in the U.S.

Approval Notice

After your application is approved, USCIS will send the formal approval, confirming that your green card has been approved.

• If you applied via consular processing, the notice is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and forwarded to the U.S. embassy/consulate handling your case.
• If you are in the U.S., the approval notice is mailed directly to your address of residence.

The I-551 Stamp: Your Temporary Green Card

Once you travel to the U.S., you will receive the I-551 stamp, which serves as temporary proof of permanent residence until your physical green card arrives. The stamp is typically valid for up to one year.

The USCIS Welcome Notice

The USCIS welcome letter confirms your new permanent resident status and provides important information about rights, traveling abroad, and understanding the conditions of your green card. This document is a useful resource to help you settle into your new life in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

The Permanent Resident Card

Also known as the green card, this official card is mailed to your U.S. address within 3-4 weeks after approval. With your green card, you can legally work and travel in and out of the U.S.

You can also use it as a valid form of identification and proof of residency for many official purposes.

The Social Security Card

If requested during the original petition, the immigrant will receive a Social Security card shortly after the green card is approved. Having a Social Security number is essential for working, paying taxes, and accessing many benefits in the U.S.

Even if you did not initially request a Social Security Number, you can apply for one directly with the Social Securiy Administration after receiving your green card.

Step 4: Removal of Conditions Documents

If the couple was married for less than 2 years, then the marriage-based green cards issued are initially conditional. You will need to remove the conditions on your green card before it expires to maintain legal status.

Form I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence

The Removal of Conditions process is fairly easy, and Form I-751 must be filed 90 days before the green card’s expiration date. The overall processing time for the Removal of Conditions is around 2-3 years, and once filed, you will receive a notice in the mail, which serves as an automatic 48-month extension.

This extension can be used for employment, travel, and legal purposes.

Do you need help with your Removal of Conditions? Reach out to our team!

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Evidence of Ongoing Bona Fide Marriage

It is important to keep all documents showing you and your spouse are still married and living together during the validity period of the conditional green card.

Supporting documents include:

• Joint bank and financial records showing financial comingling over the last 2 years.
• Leases/mortgage documents showing shared property or a lease, in other words, that you live together.
• Vehicle insurance with the names of both spouses
• Itineraries of trips taken together

Typically, if USCIS is satisfied with the documents submitted, the interview is waived.

Green Card Through Marriage: Cost

Marriage-based green card application fees vary widely depending on whether you are filing in the U.S or overseas. Here is the breakdown of the fees

Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

When the applicant is already in the United States, the process is called “Adjustment of Status.” The costs are as follows:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: $675
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: $1,440
• Medical Examination: $250 – $400 (varies by doctor)

Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)

When the applicant is outside the United States, the process is known as “Consular Processing.” The costs are as follows:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: $675
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Review Fee: $120
• State Department Processing Fee (DS-260): $325
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
• Medical Examination: $250 – $400 (Varies by country and clinic)

Green Card Through Marriage: Processing Time

The Marriage-based green card timeline varies due to individual circumstances. For instance, the process is typically faster for a beneficiary who is already in the U.S. compared to someone overseas. Moreover, if your case is complex due to factors like missing paperwork (tax return, etc), a criminal history, the total timeline is longer.

Lastly, sponsors who are green card holders must wait longer than U.S. Citizens, as there is a restriction on the number of green cards available for green card sponsors, which causes a backlog.

Our team is seeing approval times for applications within the U.S. taking anywhere between 3–12 months to get approved, whereas consular processing takes anywhere between 18-24 months.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Marriage Green Card