The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is the foundational document. It establishes the qualifying family relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. The I-130A is required only for spousal petitions and collects supplemental biographical information about the beneficiary.

• Form I-130 must be signed by the petitioner (U.S. citizen or LPR)
• I-130A must be signed by the beneficiary (the foreign national spouse)
• Filing fees must be paid via check, money order, or credit card — attach Form G-1450 if using credit card
• Include a cover letter indexing all submitted documents

Form I-485 is the core application. In marriage-based cases, it is typically filed concurrently with I-130. Forms I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole) are included at no extra fee. USCIS issues a combo card serving both purposes.

• I-485 filing fee (unless fee waiver is granted on Form I-912)
• I-765 for employment authorization — allows work while pending
• I-131 for Advance Parole — international travel without abandoning I-485
• Both I-765 and I-131 use the same biometric photo set (2-inch × 2-inch)

USCIS requires certified copies — not photocopies — of all civil documents. Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation with a translator's statement of competency. Officers scrutinize the authenticity of marriage certificates closely in fraud-sensitive categories.

• Certified marriage certificate from the issuing authority
• Birth certificates for both spouses — with English translation if foreign
• Valid passports, visa stamps, and all prior I-94 records
• Divorce decrees or death certificates from all prior marriages (for both spouses)
• Name change documents if any legal name changes occurred

The I-864 Affidavit of Support is a legally binding contract. The petitioner must demonstrate household income at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines (100% for active-duty military). Insufficient income requires a joint sponsor who meets the same standard independently.

• Three most recent federal income tax returns — IRS transcript preferred over self-prepared copies
• W-2s and/or 1099s corresponding to those tax years
• Current employment verification letter on company letterhead
• Recent pay stubs (typically last 6 months)
• If using assets: bank statements, property appraisals, or investment account statements
• If joint sponsor is needed: their complete I-864 package, tax returns, and proof of status

Form I-693 must be completed by a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon. The examination covers vaccination records, communicable disease screening, and mental health history. The sealed envelope must not be opened by the applicant — USCIS will open it.

• Schedule appointment only with a USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon
• Bring vaccination records — missing vaccines will be administered during the exam
• The Civil Surgeon provides the sealed envelope and a copy for your records
• I-693 is valid for two years from the date the Civil Surgeon signs it

This is often the most heavily reviewed portion of the case. USCIS evaluates whether the marriage was entered in good faith. Evidence should span the entire relationship, not just the most recent months. Quality and consistency matter more than quantity.

• Joint bank account statements — showing regular deposits and withdrawals
• Joint lease or mortgage documents in both names
• Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiary (life, health, auto)
• Utility bills in both names at the same address
• Photographs together over time — with dates and locations noted
• Correspondence, cards, emails, or text message screenshots
• Sworn affidavits from people who personally know the couple and the marriage
• Travel records showing trips taken together