Documents Required for Adjustment of Status (Green Card)

Adjustment of Status allows certain individuals who are already present in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residence (a Green Card) without leaving the country. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements such as being sponsored by an eligible family member or qualifying under another immigration category.

Below is a general list of documents commonly required when preparing an Adjustment of Status application. Requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s situation.

Basic Applicant Documents

The applicant will typically need to provide:

• Copy of passport biographical page

• Copy of visa page (if applicable)

• Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

• Copy of birth certificate (translate in english)

• Copy of current immigration documents (if applicable)

• Two passport-style photos

• Medical examination report from a USCIS-approved civil surgeon

Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status

(Spouse of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident)

Applicants applying through marriage may need:

• Marriage certificate

• Proof of termination of previous marriages (divorce decree or death certificate if applicable)

• Copy of spouse’s U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card

• Evidence of a genuine marital relationship, such as:

  • Joint bank account statements

  • Lease or mortgage documents

  • Utility bills with both names

  • Insurance policies listing both spouses

  • Photos together

  • Affidavits from friends or family

• Last 5 Years of Residence and Employment History

Parent Petitioning for Child (Under 21)

Documents may include:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Copy of parent’s U.S. passport, birth certificate, or green card

• Proof of legal relationship between parent and child

• Adoption documents (if applicable)

Child Petitioning for Parent (Child Must Be 21 or Older)

Applicants filing through a U.S. citizen child will generally need:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Copy of child’s U.S. passport or naturalization certificate

• Proof of the parent-child relationship

• Identification documents for both parties

Affidavit of Support (Financial Sponsorship)

Most family-based applicants must submit financial sponsorship documents, including:

• Form Affidavit of Support

• Sponsor’s recent tax returns

• W-2 forms or 1099 forms

• Proof of income (pay stubs or employment letter)

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence of the sponsor

USCIS Notices and Follow-Up

After submission, USCIS may send notices such as:

• Biometrics appointment notice

• Requests for Evidence (RFE)

• Interview appointment notice

• Case decision notice

Applicants should keep all notices and respond within the required timeframe.

Important Notice

We provide administrative assistance with immigration forms preparation and document organization.
We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice or legal representation.
Individuals who require legal advice regarding their immigration case should consult a licensed immigration attorney.