Green Card Document Checklist: Everything You Need to Apply

Green Card Document Checklist

Applying for a green card (permanent residency) requires extensive documentation. Missing even one document can delay your case by months. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything.

Documents for ALL Green Card Applications

No matter which category you're applying under, you'll need:

• ☐Completed forms (I-485, I-130, I-864, etc.)
• ☐Passport-style photos (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 30 days)
• ☐Copy of passport (all pages with stamps, visas, or annotations)
• ☐Copy of current visa and I-94 arrival record
• ☐Birth certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)
• ☐Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in 6+ months after age 16
• ☐Medical examination results (Form I-693, sealed envelope from USCIS-designated doctor)
• ☐Filing fees or fee waiver request

Family-Based Green Card (I-130 + I-485)

Petitioner (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) needs:

• ☐Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
• ☐Marriage certificate (if sponsoring a spouse)
• ☐Divorce decrees for all prior marriages (both petitioner and beneficiary)
• ☐Evidence of bona fide relationship (photos together, joint bank statements, lease, shared bills, correspondence)

Affidavit of Support (I-864):

• ☐Most recent federal tax return with W-2s and 1099s
• ☐Tax transcripts from the IRS (last 3 years recommended)
• ☐Current employment letter with salary
• ☐Recent pay stubs (last 6 months)
• ☐Bank statements (last 6 months)
• ☐If income is insufficient: joint sponsor with their own I-864 and financial documents

Employment-Based Green Card

From the employer:

• ☐Approved I-140 petition
• ☐PERM labor certification (for EB-2 and EB-3)
• ☐Employment verification letter (job title, duties, salary, start date)

From the employee:

• ☐Resume/CV
• ☐Degree certificates and transcripts
• ☐Credential evaluation (for foreign degrees)
• ☐Professional licenses or certifications
• ☐Letters from previous employers (for experience-based qualifications)

Adjustment of Status (I-485) Additional Documents

• ☐Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence)
• ☐Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) — optional but recommended
• ☐Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) — optional but recommended
• ☐Copy of all previous immigration approvals (I-797 notices)
• ☐Evidence of maintained lawful status in the U.S.
• ☐Court records (if applicable — arrests, convictions, traffic violations over $500)

Medical Examination (I-693)

The medical exam must be done by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Bring:

• ☐Vaccination records (especially childhood immunizations)
• ☐Photo ID
• ☐I-693 form (some doctors provide this)
• ☐Payment (typically $200-$500, not covered by insurance)

Required vaccinations include: Mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, meningococcal, varicella, pneumococcal, and COVID-19.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• 1.Unsigned forms. Every form must be signed and dated. Sounds obvious, but USCIS rejects thousands of applications for this.
• 2.Wrong photo specs. Must be 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 30 days. No glasses.
• 3.Expired medical exam. The I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature.
• 4.Insufficient financial evidence. The sponsor must prove income at 125% of the federal poverty guideline.
• 5.Missing translations. Every document not in English needs a certified translation.
• 6.Forgetting prior addresses. You need every address for the last 5 years. Check your records.

Processing Times

Track Your Green Card Application

After filing, use your receipt number to check your case status. Our AI assistant can help you understand any status updates you receive.