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. This page explains the main marriage green card forms, what each one does, 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.

Core Marriage Green Card Forms

In a typical marriage green card case filed in Chicago, most couples use the following USCIS forms:

1. Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
   Filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse to prove that a real qualifying relationship exists. The I-130 package usually includes the marriage certificate, proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or green card, and early evidence that the marriage is genuine.
2. Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
   Gives USCIS biographic information about the foreign-born spouse. It is filed with the I-130 in most marriage green card cases.
3. Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
   This is the main marriage green card form for the spouse in the United States. It asks about immigration history, criminal history, and other eligibility issues. The I-485 is usually filed together with the I-130 in a “one-step” filing for spouses of U.S. citizens.
4. Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
   Shows that the petitioning spouse (and sometimes a joint sponsor) can support the foreign spouse financially. You must include tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs or other proof of income.
5. Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
   Completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. In many Chicago marriage green card cases, couples bring the sealed I-693 to the interview instead of filing it with the initial packet, but strategy can vary.
6. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional)
   Lets the foreign-born spouse work legally in the United States while the marriage green card case is pending. Many couples file the I-765 with the I-485.
7. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (optional)
   Used to request advance parole so the spouse can travel outside the United States while the I-485 is pending. Travel can be risky in some cases, so it is important to get legal advice before using advance parole.

Supporting Documents for a Marriage Green Card Case

USCIS also requires supporting documents to prove identity, the qualifying relationship, and eligibility for a green card. Common items in a Chicago marriage green card packet include:

• Copy of each spouse’s passport and any current or expired U.S. visas.
• I-94 arrival/departure record or other proof of lawful entry, if available.
• Certified marriage certificate and certified divorce decrees for any prior marriages.
• Birth certificates for both spouses (and children, if applicable).
• Two passport-style photos of the foreign-born spouse, and often of the U.S. citizen spouse.
• Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, such as a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.
• Financial evidence for the Affidavit of Support, such as tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and employment letters.
• Evidence of a bona fide marriage, such as joint bank statements, lease or mortgage, joint insurance, utility bills, photos, and other proof of your life together.

Organizing Your Marriage Green Card Forms and Evidence

A well-organized marriage green card packet makes it easier for USCIS officers to review your case. Many couples in Chicago find it helpful to:

• Group the forms in a logical order, starting with the I-130, I-130A, and I-485.
• Use tabs or cover sheets to separate forms from supporting documents.
• Label each section clearly, for example “Identity Documents,” “Financial Evidence,” and “Bona Fide Marriage Evidence.”
• Make a complete copy of everything you send to USCIS so you can review it before the interview.

Do We Need All of These Forms in Every Case?

Not every marriage green card case is the same. For example, some couples file the I-693 medical exam later, and some do not need a separate I-131 or I-765. Spouses of permanent residents may also have different timing rules. Cases with past immigration violations or criminal history can require extra forms or waivers.

Because small mistakes on the marriage green card forms can lead to delays or denials, many couples choose to work with an immigration lawyer to review their situation before filing.

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.

To discuss your marriage green card forms and documents, you can contact me for a free consultation.