What Documentation Do You Need to Apply for a Green Card?
27 Mar 2023
The documentation required to apply for a U.S. Green Card depends on the basis of your application. Naturally, the document requirements will be different between an employment-based green card application and a family-based green card application?
In general, you may need the following documents as you consider applying for a green card.
Birth Certificate
Current or expired U.S. Visas
Divorce Decree
Death Certificate of a former spouse
Court Records
Financial Documents
Marriage Certificate
Military Records
Immigration Violation Records
Medical Examination Documents
Police Records
Police Clearance Certificate
Prison Records
Proof of Lawful Entry into the U.S.
Proof of Funds for an Investment
Proof of Bona Fide Marriage
Proof of Current Immigration Status
Proof of Employment Offer
Proof of Sponsor’s Lawful Permanent Resident Status or U.S. Citizenship
Valid Passport
However, you might only need some of these documents depending on your application. For instance, you will not require proof of employment offer if you are seeking a marriage-based green card. You will not require a marriage certificate if seeking an immigrant investor-based green card.
Types of Proof for Various Situations
In several instances, you may need various types of documents to offer sufficient proof to USCIS. The sections below explain what documents constitute sufficient proof for each situation.
Proof of Bona Fide Marriage
You can prove to the USCIS that you are genuinely married using documents like:
Shared utility bills
Affidavits from friends or colleagues who know you and your spouse and can testify that you live together.
Bank statements for joint accounts, showing comingling of funds
Evidence of having insurance together (health, automobile, life, etc.)
Rental contracts or lease agreements with you and your spouse's names
Photos with friends and families
Travel itinerary showing taking trips together
Mails (including holiday cards, or even “junk” mail) address to you and/or your spouse showing that you live in the same place
Proof of Lawful Entry to the U.S.
When you are entering the U.S. through a lawful port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will inspect you and admit you formally. You might be given a paper form I-94 admission record, and your entry may be recorded electronically at CBP’s website at I94 - Official Website (dhs.gov). You can show that you lawfully entered the U.S. by providing a copy of your I-94 document. You can also show an admission or parole stamp on your passport page that has your non-immigrant visa.
Proof of Your Present Immigration Status
You may be required to demonstrate your current immigration status when you apply for the green card, using documents such as:
Refugee Travel Document
Re-entry Permit
Alien Registration Number
Employment Authorization Status
Proof of Sponsor’s Permanent Residence Status or U.S. Citizenship
If you are applying for a sponsor-backed green card; you will need to demonstrate that the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A birth certificate is the best way to prove your sponsor’s citizenship. If the sponsor is a lawful permanent U.S. resident, you must present their green card.
Proof of Funds for an Investment
If you are applying for a green card as an investor or entrepreneur, you will have to offer proof of funds for an investment in a company in the U.S. You can achieve this by providing tax documents, bank statements, and other financial details.
Apply for Green Card With the Assistance from a Scottsdale Immigration Attorney
At JCL Immigration Attorneys, PLLC, we have an experienced legal team that will assist you in identifying and meeting all your specific green card application requirements. Our legal proficiency in immigration matters will give you the best chance of your green card application being accepted. Contact us today for more insights on the green card application process from a competent Scottsdale immigration attorney.
