Marriage Green Card Forms and Documents (Chicago Cases)
When you apply for a marriage green card through adjustment of status, you have to send the right forms and documents to USCIS.
Getting the forms wrong—or submitting incomplete evidence—can delay your case by months or trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE).
This page explains the main marriage green card forms, what each form requires, and the supporting documents most couples need.
If you are just starting the process, you may also want to review our
main marriage green card page,
our marriage green card timeline guide, and our
bona fide marriage evidence checklist.
For current filing fees, use the
USCIS Fee Calculator.
Fees change periodically, so confirm amounts before submitting payment.
Core Marriage Green Card Forms
In a typical marriage green card case filed in Chicago, most couples use the following USCIS forms. Click a form to expand details.
Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative
Form I-130
is filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse (the “petitioner”) to establish that a qualifying family relationship exists.
This is the foundation of the case—without an approved I-130, there is no path to the green card.
- Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate) or permanent residence (green card, I-551 stamp)
- Certified marriage certificate
- Proof that any prior marriages were legally terminated (divorce decrees, annulment orders, or death certificates)
- Passport-style photos of both spouses
Forgetting to document termination of prior marriages. If either spouse was previously married, include certified copies of every divorce decree or death certificate.
USCIS will reject or RFE the petition if this is missing.
Form I-130A — Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
Form I-130A
collects biographic information about the foreign-born spouse (the “beneficiary”), including employment history and address history.
This form is filed together with the I-130 in spouse cases.
Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Form I-485
is the main green card application. The foreign-born spouse files this form to request permanent residence in the United States.
For spouses of U.S. citizens (immediate relatives), the I-485 is usually filed concurrently with the I-130—sometimes called “one-step filing” or “concurrent filing.”
For spouses of permanent residents, timing depends on visa availability in the F2A preference category.
- Immigration history (prior visas, entries, overstays, prior applications)
- Criminal history (arrests, charges, and convictions—even if expunged)
- Inadmissibility grounds (health, security, public charge, prior removal orders)
- Employment and residence history
Failing to disclose arrests that did not result in conviction. The form asks about arrests, not just convictions.
Omitting an arrest—even one that was dismissed—can be treated as misrepresentation.
Form I-864 — Affidavit of Support
Form I-864
is a legally binding contract in which the petitioner (and sometimes a joint sponsor) agrees to financially support the immigrant spouse.
This form causes more RFEs than almost any other part of the marriage green card packet.
Who must file the I-864: The petitioning spouse is always required to submit an I-864, even if they have no income.
If the petitioner’s income falls below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size, a joint sponsor with sufficient income must also submit a separate I-864.
- Most recent federal tax return (IRS transcripts are acceptable and often preferred)
- W-2s or 1099s for the most recent tax year
- Recent pay stubs (typically covering the last several months)
- Employment verification letter stating position, salary, and permanence of employment
- If using assets to qualify: bank statements, property valuations, or other asset documentation
- Using the wrong household size (you must count the immigrant spouse and any dependents)
- Submitting unsigned tax returns instead of IRS transcripts or signed copies
- Math errors when calculating income or assets
- Joint sponsor submitting incomplete documentation
The I-864 obligation continues until the immigrant spouse becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters of work, permanently departs the U.S., or dies.
Divorce does not end this obligation.
Form I-693 — Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Form I-693
documents the required immigration medical exam, which must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
The exam includes a physical examination, review of vaccination history, and certain lab tests.
Timing strategy: Many Chicago couples wait to complete the medical exam closer to the interview, then bring the sealed I-693 envelope to the interview.
This can help avoid expiration issues in cases with longer processing times. Strategy varies by case.
Finding a civil surgeon: Use the
USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator
to find authorized physicians in the Chicago area.
- Missing vaccinations (especially for applicants from countries with different vaccination schedules)
- Submitting an unsealed envelope (the civil surgeon must seal it; you should not open it)
- Expired I-693 due to processing delays
Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (Optional)
Form I-765
requests an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows the foreign-born spouse to work in the United States while the green card case is pending.
When filed concurrently with the I-485, there is typically no separate filing fee.
- The foreign-born spouse does not currently have work authorization
- Current work authorization will expire before the green card is approved
- The spouse wants employment flexibility not tied to a specific employer or visa status
Form I-131 — Application for Travel Document (Optional)
Form I-131
requests Advance Parole (AP), which allows the foreign-born spouse to travel internationally and return to the United States while the I-485 is pending.
Leaving the United States without Advance Parole while an I-485 is pending is generally treated as abandonment of the application under 8 CFR 245.2(a)(4)(ii).
Do not travel internationally until you have the AP document in hand—not just the receipt notice.
Some applicants may have other travel options depending on their current status (for example, H-1B and L-1 visa holders have more flexibility).
Consult an attorney before making travel decisions during the pendency of your case.
Supporting Documents for a Marriage Green Card Case
Beyond the forms, USCIS requires supporting documents to prove identity, the qualifying relationship, and eligibility for a green card.
Identity and Immigration Status Documents
- Copy of each spouse’s passport (biographical page and all pages with visas, stamps, or annotations)
- Copy of any current or expired U.S. visas
- I-94 arrival/departure record (download the full travel history from the CBP I-94 website)
- Current immigration status documents (I-20 for F-1 students, I-797 approval notices for H-1B holders, etc.)
Civil Documents
- Certified marriage certificate (with certified translation if not in English)
- Certified birth certificates for both spouses
- Certified divorce decrees, annulment orders, or death certificates for all prior marriages of either spouse
- Court records for any name changes not reflected in other documents
Proof of Petitioner’s U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence
- U.S. passport (current or expired), or
- U.S. birth certificate, or
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, or
- Green card (for LPR petitioners)
Passport-Style Photographs
Both spouses need passport-style photos meeting USCIS specifications:
- 2 inches by 2 inches
- Taken within the last 6 months
- White or off-white background
- Full face, front view, eyes open
- No glasses
- Write the applicant’s name and A-number (if any) lightly in pencil on the back
Financial Documents (for Form I-864)
- IRS tax transcripts or signed copies of federal tax returns for the most recent tax year
- W-2s or 1099s for the most recent tax year
- Recent pay stubs
- Employment verification letter on company letterhead
- If using assets: bank statements, investment account statements, property valuations
- If using a joint sponsor: complete duplicate set of financial documents for the joint sponsor
Bona Fide Marriage Evidence
USCIS needs to see that your marriage is genuine, not just that it is legal.
For detailed guidance on what to include and how to organize your evidence, see our
bona fide marriage evidence checklist.
Documents from Other Countries: Translations and Authentication
If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you must include:
- A complete English translation, and
- A certification from the translator stating that the translation is accurate and complete, and that the translator is competent to translate from that language
The translator does not need to be certified or professional, but they cannot be you or your spouse.
Apostilles and authentications: USCIS generally does not require apostilles for foreign documents in adjustment of status cases.
Certified copies with translations are typically sufficient. If you have documents from countries that do not issue certified copies, consult an attorney about alternative evidence.
Organizing Your Marriage Green Card Packet
A well-organized packet makes it easier for USCIS officers to review your case—and reduces the chance that something gets overlooked.
- Use a logical form order: I-130, I-130A, I-485, I-864, I-765, I-131
- Separate forms from supporting documents with tabs or cover sheets
- Label each section clearly: “Petitioner Identity Documents,” “Beneficiary Immigration Status,” “Financial Evidence,” “Bona Fide Marriage Evidence”
- Include a cover letter with a table of contents listing everything in the packet
- Place G-1145 (e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) on top for electronic receipt notifications
- Make a complete copy of everything you send—you will need it for interview preparation
Common Filing Mistakes That Cause Delays
Based on cases we see in Chicago, these errors frequently trigger RFEs or rejections:
- Wrong form edition: USCIS updates forms regularly. An outdated edition will be rejected. Always download forms from USCIS.gov immediately before filing.
- Missing signatures: Both spouses must sign where required. Unsigned forms are rejected.
- Incorrect fee: Fees change. Using the wrong amount results in rejection.
- Missing prior marriage termination evidence: Every prior marriage of either spouse must be documented as legally ended.
- Incomplete I-864: Missing tax transcripts, wrong household size, or math errors.
- Poor quality copies: Illegible documents may be treated as missing.
- Omitting arrest history: Even dismissed or expunged arrests must be disclosed on the I-485.
Do We Need All of These Forms in Every Case?
Not every marriage green card case is the same:
- Some couples file the I-693 medical exam later, bringing it to the interview
- Some applicants do not need a separate I-765 or I-131 if they have valid work authorization and no travel plans
- Spouses of permanent residents may not be able to file the I-485 immediately if the F2A category is backlogged
- Cases with past immigration violations or criminal history may require additional forms or waivers
Because small mistakes on the forms can lead to delays or denials, many couples choose to work with an immigration lawyer before filing.
FAQ
How long does it take to gather all the documents?
Can I submit photocopies or do I need originals?
The I-693 medical exam must be submitted in the sealed envelope from the civil surgeon.
What if I cannot obtain a document from my home country?
This can include affidavits from family members, church records, school records, or other official documents.
Should I include a cover letter?
What happens if USCIS requests more evidence (RFE)?
Failing to respond, or providing an incomplete response, can result in denial. An RFE adds weeks or months to your timeline, which is why thorough initial filing matters.
Do I need certified translations for all foreign documents?
The translator cannot be you or your spouse.
Get Help with Marriage Green Card Forms in Chicago
If you are planning to file a marriage green card case in the Chicago area, I can help you choose the right forms, organize your supporting documents, and prepare for each step in the process.
As a Chicago immigration lawyer, I work with couples to avoid common problems and present a clear, complete packet to USCIS.