Marriage-Based Green Card

This guide is for general information and organization only and is not legal advice. It does not replace official USCIS instructions or determine eligibility. Every case is different, for advice about your situation, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.

This guide was created to help couples organize the documents that are commonly requested in marriage-based green card cases. Every case is different. For advice about your situation, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Overview

For a green card based on marriage, the case usually includes at least four main forms: I-130 (the petition), I-130A (spouse information), I-485 (the green card application), and I-864 (the affidavit of financial support).

Depending on your situation, other forms are sometimes part of these cases: I-765 if you wish to work and get a Social Security Number while the case is pending; I-131 (travel document) if you wish to travel while the case is pending; and, if the sponsoring spouse’s income is below the Poverty Guidelines (uscis.gov/i-864p), a joint sponsor’s I-864. If that joint sponsor counts the income of another person in the same household, that person fills out an I-864A.

Applying From Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) - 2026 Update

There are two general ways to get a marriage-based green card. Adjustment of status is done from inside the United States, using the forms in this guide. Consular processing is different: you apply from your home country and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

In 2026, USCIS issued new guidance (memo PM-602-0199) reminding officers that applying from inside the U.S. is a discretionary benefit, not an automatic right. It did not change who is eligible, but officers now look more closely at whether a case deserves approval, so some applicants may face more questions or requests for evidence. The goal is to present a complete, honest, and genuinely positive case, not just a checklist.

Here are things some couples focus on when preparing:

A genuine marriage. Evidence of a shared life (shared finances, a joint lease, a photo timeline, travel together) is the core of any marriage case.

Positive ties to the U.S. Some couples gather documents showing their connection here, such as length of residence, family, steady authorized work, taxes filed, and community involvement.

Keeping status in order. People in a valid status (such as F-1 or H-1B) often continue following its rules and avoid letting it lapse where possible.

Being ready for extra questions. It is becoming more common to receive a Request for Evidence (a written request for more documents) or a Notice of Intent to Deny. Responding fully and on time is important, and many people seek a licensed attorney's help for anything complex.

Travel decisions. Leaving the U.S. while a case is pending can create serious problems. Many people choose to speak with a licensed immigration attorney before making travel plans.

⚠ Important note:

Applying from abroad instead is not automatically safer; it carries its own risks, including possible 3-year or 10-year bars if someone has built up unlawful presence in the U.S. Because choosing the right path depends on your personal visa, travel, and immigration history, I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed immigration attorney to review your background before deciding which path to take. This section is general information, not legal advice, and every case is different.

Before You Begin

A few simple things that make preparation smoother:

• Clear scans: all documents should be clear, readable color scans.

• Translations: any document in another language should include a certified English translation.

• One PDF per item: combine multi-page documents into a single PDF.

• Keep your originals: please do not mail original documents unless they are specifically requested.

Use the box next to each item to track your progress: ☑ ready to send  ☐ still preparing  ☒ does not apply to you

Requested Documents

Please gather copies of the following. Check off each item as you go.

1. Petitioner / Sponsoring Spouse

☐  Proof of U.S. citizenship: U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.

☐  Permanent resident card (front and back), if the sponsoring spouse is a green card holder.

☐  Divorce decree or death certificate from any prior marriage (if applicable).

☐  Two passport-style photos (2 x 2 inches, taken within 30 days of filing). These will be used for Form I-130.

2. Beneficiary / Spouse Applying for the Green Card

☐  Birth certificate.

☐  Passport biographic page.

☐  U.S. visa page.

☐  I-94 arrival/departure record.

☐  Four passport-style photos (2 x 2 inches, taken within 30 days of filing). 2 for the I-130 and 2 for the I-485. If you also apply for the I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (travel document), prepare 2 more for each, so 8 in total.

☐  Prior immigration documents (if applicable): I-20, DS-2019, prior work permits, approval notices, receipt notices, or other immigration records.

☐  Divorce decree or death certificate from any previous marriage (if applicable).

☐  Criminal or court records (if applicable).

☐  DUI or court dispositions for alcohol or drug-related traffic offenses with fines over $500 or points on the license (if applicable).

☐  Military records (if applicable).

☐  Medical examination (Form I-693): The beneficiary will need to visit a USCIS-recognized doctor (civil surgeon) for a medical exam. The doctor will give you the results in a sealed envelope, do not open it. Also ask the civil surgeon to print the form single-sided (not double-sided), as USCIS requires; some offices make this mistake by accident. Find a civil surgeon near you by entering your zip code at: uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon

3. Evidence of a Bona Fide Marriage

This is often the most important part of the case. It helps show that your marriage is real. You will not have every item below, and that is normal. Gather what naturally fits your life together, across as many of these groups as you can.

Core marriage documents

☐  Marriage certificate (official copy).

☐  Proof of name change, if either spouse changed their name (if applicable).

☐  Birth certificates of children born to the marriage (if applicable).

Living together

☐  Lease, mortgage, or utility bills (electricity, water, gas, phone, internet) showing both names at the same address.

☐  Driver’s licenses or state IDs for both spouses showing the same address.

Joint finances

☐  Joint bank account statements (last 3 months).

☐  Joint credit card statements (last 3 months, both names).

☐  Joint tax returns.

☐  Joint investments, such as stocks or mutual funds.

☐  Money transfers between spouses (wire transfers, bank transfers, or checks).

☐  Shared purchases or loans, such as a car, furniture, appliances, or a loan you signed together.

☐  Retirement beneficiary: one spouse listed on the other’s 401(k), pension, or similar account.

☐  Joint insurance: health, auto, or home/renter policies listing both spouses.

Your relationship and shared life

☐  Photographs together: wedding photos, photos with family and friends, and from different times in your relationship.

☐  Letters from family and friends confirming your marriage is real.

☐  Communication records: emails, messages, cards, and call or text logs between you.

☐  Social media: posts or photos showing you as a couple.

☐  Gifts: receipts for gifts to each other, including wedding rings.

☐  Wedding planning: contracts or receipts for wedding expenses.

☐  Trips and activities: tickets or receipts for outings or vacations together.

☐  Travel records: itineraries, boarding passes, and hotel reservations in both names.

☐  Joint memberships: gyms, clubs, or organizations.

☐  Emergency contact: a letter from an employer or doctor naming your spouse as your emergency contact.

☐  Any other document connecting you as a couple, such as items showing both names or a shared home address.

4. Financial Documents

These help show that the spouse coming to the U.S. is supported and not likely to need public assistance. Provide what applies to your situation.

If your life is centered in the U.S., you may also gather documents that show it, such as an employer letter or proof of how long you have worked here, proof of long-term residence, or records of family and community ties. These are simply examples of what some people include; what fits your situation is best reviewed with a licensed attorney.

☐  Pay stubs from the last 6 months (if working with authorization).

☐  Tax transcripts for the last 3 years.

☐  Bank statements from the U.S. or home country showing available funds.

☐  Proof of stocks or bonds.

☐  Diplomas, certificates, or licenses.

☐  Proof of health insurance.

☐  Public benefits information, if any government assistance was received (more documents may be needed).

5. Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

Sponsoring spouse (needed even if there is a joint sponsor)

☐  Federal tax transcripts for the last 3 years.

☐  W-2 copies (not needed if you provide tax transcripts).

☐  Employment letter from a current employer confirming the job and income (recommended).

Joint sponsor (only if needed)

A joint sponsor may be used if the sponsoring spouse’s income is below the Poverty Guidelines (uscis.gov/i-864p). If the joint sponsor adds the income of another person in the same household, that person fills out Form I-864A.

☐  Federal tax transcripts for the last 3 years.

☐  W-2 copies (not needed if tax transcripts are provided).

☐  Employment letter confirming job and income (recommended).

☐  Proof of status: U.S. citizenship (certificate or birth certificate) or both sides of the green card.

☐  Full address, phone number, and email.

☐  City and country of birth.

☐  Social Security Number.

☐  Household size: how many people the joint sponsor supports (spouse, children, others on their taxes).

☐  Prior sponsorships: has the joint sponsor ever sponsored another immigrant before?

☐  Employer name and occupation.

☐  Tax filing details: filed for the last 3 years, and as single, married filing separately, or jointly?

6. Forms

These are the forms commonly involved in marriage-based green card cases filed inside the U.S. Which ones apply depends on your situation.

☐  Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.

☐  Form I-130A: Spouse Beneficiary information.

☐  Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence / Adjust Status.

☐  Form I-864: Affidavit of Support.

☐  Form I-864A: Contract for a household member’s income (only if used).

☐  Form I-693: Medical Examination (sealed by the civil surgeon).

☐  Form I-765: Work permit (optional, if you want to work while the case is pending).

☐  Form I-131: Travel document (optional, if you want to travel while the case is pending).

7. USCIS Filing Fees

Fees as of May 2026. USCIS fees can change, so please check uscis.gov for the current amounts before you pay. Form I-130 is $675 by paper or $625 if filed online.

   Form Description Fee

I-130 Petition for Alien Relative $675

I-485 Adjust Status (standard)  $1,440

I-485 Adjust Status, under 14 $950

I-765 Work permit (with I-485)   $260

I-131 Travel document (optional) $630

How to pay the USCIS fees. As of October 2025, USCIS no longer accepts paper checks or money orders for paper filings. You now pay one of these ways: by credit, debit, or prepaid card using Form G-1450; directly from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650 (ACH); or, if you file online, through Pay.gov. Include the correct payment form on top of your package. See current fees and payment details at uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees.

Questions? I Am Here to Help

I put this guide together to make the green card process a little clearer and less stressful for couples going through it. I know how overwhelming it can feel. If anything here raises a question, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to hear from you.

Vusal Yusif Immigration

contact@vusalyusif.com

Version 1. May 25, 2026

Information current as of May 2026; rules may change.