What Documents Do You Need for a Marriage Green Card? (2025 Guide)
Applying for a marriage-based green card is one of the most important and paperwork-heavy steps in the U.S. immigration process. Whether your spouse is applying from inside the United States through Adjustment of Status or from abroad through Consular Processing, preparing the correct documents from the start can prevent delays, Requests for Evidence, and unnecessary stress. In this guide, we break down every document you need for a successful marriage green card application in 2025, with clear explanations and links to trusted government sources to help you feel confident and prepared.
1. Identity Documents (Required for All Applicants)
For the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse:
- U.S. passport (biographic page) OR U.S. birth certificate OR naturalization certificate OR certificate of citizenship OR Green Card.
USCIS Proof of Status Requirements
For the foreign-national spouse:
- Passport biographic page
- Birth certificate (with certified English translation if required)
Country-Specific Birth Certificate Requirements
2. Evidence of a Real (Bona Fide) Marriage
Submit strong evidence:
- Joint lease or mortgage
- Joint tax returns
- Joint bank account statements
- Insurance policies listing each other
- Birth certificates of shared children
Additional relationship evidence:
- Wedding photos
- Travel itineraries
- Joint bills
- Affidavits from friends/family
3. Financial Documents for the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Required:
- Most recent federal tax return
- Last 3 pay stubs
- Employment letter
- Proof of assets (bank statements, property deeds, etc.)
Poverty Guidelines (USCIS Link)
4. Required USCIS Forms (Marriage Green Card Packet)
Adjustment of Status (inside U.S.): I-130, I-130A, I-485, I-864, I-693, I-765, I-131
Consular Processing (outside U.S.): DS-260, police certificates, civil documents
5. Medical Exam Documents (Form I-693)
- Vaccination records
- Passport
- I-693 form (printed, unsigned)
6. Police Certificates (If Applying From Outside the U.S.)
- Required for applicants who lived abroad 6+ months after age 16
