I-485 Evidence: Essential Supporting Documents for Application

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FORM I-130 (PETITION FOR ALIEN RELATIVE) □ Completed and signed Form I-130 □ Completed and signed Form I-130A □ Two (2) passport-style photos of beneficiary □ Two (2) passport-style photos of petitioner □ Petitioner’s U.S. birth certificate (copy) Use cover letter example for information purposes only.

Evidence of a bona fide marital relationship includes: ● Marriage certificate (copy) ● Receipts from wedding reception ● Joint bank account statements (copies) ● Joint income tax returns (copies) ● Beneficiary named on petitioner’s life insurance (copy) ● Joint lease agreement (copy) ● Driver’s licenses with matching addresses (copy) ● Photographs and social media posts of our relationship ● Affidavits from family and friends.

FORM I-485 (APPLICATION TO ADJUST STATUS) requires specific initial evidence for your Form I-485. □ Completed and signed Form I-485 □ Beneficiary’s passport biographic page (copy) □ Beneficiary’s birth certificate with translation (copy) □ Two (2) passport-style photos of beneficiary □ Beneficiary’s I-94 record with valid F-1 status (copy) □ Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Exam and Vaccination Record (sealed).

When considering what evidence must you submit with Form I-485, ensure you include the following: FORM I-864 (AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT) □ Completed and signed Form I-864 from petitioning sponsor □ Petitioning sponsor’s U.S. birth certificate (copy) □ Petitioning sponsor’s 2023 IRS tax transcript □ Petitioning sponsor’s pay stubs for the current year □ Employment verification letter □ Completed and signed Form I-864 from joint sponsor with supporting documents.

For the FORM I-765 (APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION), include the following: □ Completed and signed Form I-765 □ Beneficiary’s passport biographic page (copy) □ Beneficiary’s I-94 record (copy) □ Two (2) passport-style photos of beneficiary. Use cover letter example for information purposes only. Provided courtesy of CitizenPath.com.

FORM I-131 (APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT) □ Completed and signed form I-131 □ Beneficiary’s passport biographic page (copy) □ Two (2) passport-style photos of beneficiary.

FEES AND E-NOTIFICATION (subject to change)

I-130 filing fee (Check in the amount of $675)

I-485 filing fee (Check in the amount of $1,440)

I-765 filing fee (Check in the amount of $260)

I-131 filing fee (Check in the amount of $630)

Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.

EMPLOYMENT-BASED I-485 EVIDENCE REQUIRED

Category 1: Forms

• Form I-485 (signed, dated)
• Form I-765 (EAD, if concurrent filing)
• Form I-131 (Advance Parole, if concurrent)
• Form G-1145 (e-notification, optional)

Category 2: Identity Documents

• Passport biographic pages (current and expired)
• Birth certificate with certified English translation
• Two passport-style photos (2x2 inches, recent, white background)
• Government-issued photo ID

Category 3: Civil Documents

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce decrees/death certificates (previous marriages)
• Name change documents (if applicable)

Category 4: Immigration Documents

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
• I-140 approval notice
• All previous visa stamps and approval notices
• EAD/Advance Parole (if previously issued)

Category 5: Medical Examination

• Form I-693 from a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
• Sealed envelope (do not open)

Category 6: Employment Verification

• Current employment letter on company letterhead
• Pay stubs (last 3-6 months)
• W-2 forms (last 3 years)
• Tax returns (last 3 years)

Maintaining Ties Abroad in Home Country

For many visa categories, including F-1, B-1/B-2, and J-1, the foreign national must maintain a residence abroad, with no intention of abandoning it, in order to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent. In addition to providing evidence of the dwelling (e.g., house, apartment) in which the applicant actually resides, it is necessary to detail other ties to the country of origin. Evidence of permanent employment abroad, strong financial or business ties, or close family ties (assuming the family is not also traveling to the United States) can all be used to show a lack of immigrant intent. Documentation showing that the applicant has previously engaged in international travel, whether to the United States or elsewhere, can help to show stronger ties to one’s residence abroad.

Supporting Documents for a Marriage Green Card

Before starting the marriage green card application, gather these essential documents as part of the initial evidence for your Form I-485. The USCIS marriage green card process requires thorough documentation to prove your relationship is genuine:

- Legal marriage certificate – The official document from the jurisdiction where you were married

- Proof of divorce from previous marriages (when applicable) – Court-issued divorce decrees or death certificates

- Proof of foreign spouse’s legal entry into the U.S. (if applying from within the U.S.) – I-94 record, visa stamps, or entry records

- Foreign spouse’s birth certificate – Original with certified translation if not in English

- Proof of sponsoring spouse’s status – U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card

Evidence Your Marriage Is Real

USCIS will scrutinize your relationship, so provide substantial evidence showing you share a life together, including what evidence must you submit with Form I-485:

- Financial documents: Joint bank accounts, insurance policies, tax returns, loan documents

- Property records: Joint lease/mortgage agreements, property titles, utility bills in both names

- Photos together: Vacation pictures, family gatherings, wedding photos (with dates and descriptions)

- Communication history: Text messages, emails, phone logs, social media interactions

- Travel records: Flight itineraries, hotel bookings showing joint travel

- Sworn affidavits: Statements from friends and family who can attest to your genuine relationship

- Children’s documents: Birth certificates, adoption records, school records (if applicable)

In summary, compiling the necessary supporting documents for your marriage green card application, including those related to Form I-485, is crucial for demonstrating the authenticity of your relationship.