Every form requires a different document set. Missing or wrong documents cause RFEs (3-6 month delays) or denials. Below: complete checklists for the major form filings, organized by what they ask.
I-485 (Adjustment of Status) — family-based
- Form I-485, signed
- Form G-1145 (eNotification, optional)
- Filing fee: $1,440
- Two passport-style photos
- Copy of birth certificate (with certified English translation)
- Copy of biographical passport pages
- Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record
- Copy of all U.S. visas (current and expired)
- Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable, with translation)
- Copy of divorce decrees from prior marriages (with translation)
- Form I-693 (medical exam, sealed envelope from civil surgeon)
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) from petitioner
- Sponsor's tax returns (last 3 years recommended; transcripts preferred)
- Sponsor's W-2s or 1099s
- Sponsor's recent pay stubs (last 2-3 months)
- Sponsor's employment verification letter
- Joint sponsor's I-864 + same evidence (if needed)
- Form I-130 receipt or approval (if not concurrent filing)
- Marriage bona fides evidence (if marriage-based): joint financial documents, joint lease, photos with dates, communications, affidavits from witnesses
I-485 — employment-based
- Same base list as above (passport, photos, I-94, etc.)
- I-140 receipt or approval notice
- Employer support letter confirming continued offer (or self-petition documentation for NIW/EB-1A)
- Recent pay stubs showing current employment
- Resume/CV
- Educational diplomas + transcripts (with translations)
- Form I-693 medical exam
- I-864W (no I-864 required for most EB; W is the exemption form)
I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- Form I-130
- Filing fee: $675
- Petitioner's proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status
- Birth certificate proving relationship (or marriage certificate)
- Beneficiary's birth certificate
- If marriage: marriage certificate + termination of all prior marriages
- If marriage: bona fides evidence (joint accounts, lease, photos, etc.)
- Two passport photos of each (petitioner and beneficiary)
N-400 (Naturalization)
- Form N-400
- Filing fee: $760
- Two passport photos (only required for applicants outside the U.S.)
- Copy of green card (front and back)
- Travel records for last 5 years (3 years if marriage-based exception)
- Tax returns for last 5 years
- Selective Service registration confirmation (if male, registered 18-25)
- Marriage certificates and divorce decrees (if applicable)
- Court records of any arrests or charges
- If marriage-based 3-year filing: spouse's USC proof, marriage certificate, joint financial evidence
I-90 (Replace/Renew Green Card)
- Form I-90
- Filing fee: $465
- Copy of current green card (or police report if lost/stolen)
- Two passport photos (only if not biometric)
- Identity documents (passport, license)
I-751 (Remove Conditions, marriage-based)
- Form I-751 (file in 90-day window before card expires)
- Filing fee: $750
- Copy of conditional green card (front and back)
- Comprehensive marriage bona fides evidence
- Joint tax returns
- Joint bank accounts, credit cards
- Joint lease/mortgage
- Children's birth certificates (if any)
- Photos throughout marriage with dates and locations
- Affidavits from friends/family (3-5)
- Travel records together
- Communications log
- Insurance policies listing each as beneficiary
I-526E (EB-5 Investor Petition)
- Form I-526E
- Filing fee: $11,160
- Source of Funds documentation (massive — see EB-5 guide)
- Path of Funds documentation (every transfer to investment)
- Investment subscription agreement
- Wire transfer confirmations
- Project business plan (Matter of Ho-compliant)
- Project I-956F approval (if Regional Center)
- Economic report (job creation methodology)
- Investor's biographical documents (passport, tax records)
Document standards across all forms
- Translations: Every non-English document needs certified English translation by competent translator with signed certification
- Copies vs originals: USCIS wants copies; never send originals unless specifically requested
- Signatures: Wet ink signatures preferred; some forms accept e-signatures
- Tax transcripts: IRS Form 1722 transcripts preferred over copies of 1040s
- Police certificates: Must be original or certified copies, current within 6 months for some uses