Immigration Checklist: What our law office generally recommends

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Documents! Documents! Documents!

US Immigration Filings REQUIRE documentation to establish eligibility and confirm the information provided and what resulted in a background check. Without documents, nothing is believed. Without documents, an immigration filing can be Rejected, RFE-ed/Delayed, or Denied.

This post will break the Immigration Process down into 3 main time periods: Filings generally before a Green Card, Filings to get a Green Card, and what comes after a Green Card is in hand.

Below is a Drop-down List for easy locating the appropriate Checklist:

Prior to Green Card or other filings:

DACA Renewal or Other EAD Checklist

  1. Your 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
  2. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  3. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  4. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  5. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  6. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  8. [Name] Your Birth Certificate [Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/ ]
  9. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  10. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  11. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  12. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  13. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  14. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  15. [Criminal Screening] Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    • Any Deportation Court Records
  16. [Employment] Your 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  17. [Employment] Your W-2/1099 for most recent tax year

Military PIP Checklist

  1. Service Member or Veteran’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
  2. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
  3. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  4. All Birth Certificates (Mandatory)
  5. Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  6. Service Member or Veteran’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  7. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  8. Service Member or Veteran’s Divorce Decrees, if any
  9. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Divorce Decrees, if any
  10. Service Member or Veteran’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  11. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  12. Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    • Any Deportation Court Records
  13. Service Member or Veteran’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  14. Service Member or Veteran’s US Passport, if any
  15. Any US Social Security Cards
  16. Any US Visas, if any
  17. I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  18. Foreign Military Records, if any
  19. Any previously Provided Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  20. Any I-9 Form (If you ever worked illegally or without authorization. If you have an Illegal employment history, notify the law firm immediately since this can cause a bar on eligibility and make you deportable)
  21. Service Member or Veteran’s Military ID, if any
  22. Any Military Dependent ID, if any
  23. Service Member’s Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  24. Service Member’s RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  25. Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  26. Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
  27. Service Member or Veteran’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  28. Service Member or Veteran’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  29. Service Member or Veteran’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year (Mandatory)
  30. Service Member or Veteran’s LES/Paystubs for the past 12 months (Mandatory)
  31. Veteran – If receiving VA Disability, Military Retirement, or any retirement, then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits

Military DA Checklist

  1. Service Member or Veteran’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
  2. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
  3. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  4. All Birth Certificates (Mandatory)
  5. Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  6. Service Member or Veteran’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  7. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  8. Service Member or Veteran’s Divorce Decrees, if any
  9. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Divorce Decrees, if any
  10. Service Member or Veteran’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  11. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  12. Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    • Any Deportation Court Records
  13. Service Member or Veteran’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  14. Service Member or Veteran’s US Passport, if any
  15. Any US Social Security Cards
  16. Any US Visas, if any
  17. I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  18. Foreign Military Records, if any
  19. Any previously Provided Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  20. Any I-9 Form (If you ever worked illegally or without authorization. If you have an Illegal employment history, notify the law firm immediately since this can cause a bar on eligibility and make you deportable)
  21. Service Member or Veteran’s Military ID, if any
  22. Any Military Dependent ID, if any
  23. Service Member’s Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  24. Service Member’s RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  25. Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  26. Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
  27. Service Member or Veteran’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  28. Service Member or Veteran’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  29. Service Member or Veteran’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year (Mandatory)
  30. Service Member or Veteran’s LES/Paystubs for the past 12 months (Mandatory)
  31. Veteran – If receiving VA Disability, Military Retirement, or any retirement, then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits

Military IMMVI Checklist

A little more information on IMMVI can be found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/2022-military-immigration-option-immigrant-military-members-and-veterans-initiative-immvi/

NOTE: IF HIRING OUR OFFICE, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ON HAND AND ABLE TO PROVIDE IT TO OUR OFFICE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF HIRING. FILINGS WITH ALL DOCUMENTS PROVIDED CAN BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 3-7 BUSINESS DAYS (PAYMENT CLEARING IS A BIG FACTOR).

Every supporting documents plays a roll in the IMMVI Filing. Any Foreign Document not in English MUST be Translated to English. Our Office recommends Military One Source or Montesino Translation.

Documents are segregated by their intended purpose.

Passport-Style Photos: [NOTE: Passport-Style Photos are selfies with a white background, no hat, no glasses, hair behind the ear, and matching the following US Government Guidance: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html]

  1. Service Member or Veteran’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo [MANDATORY]
  2. Your Spouse Minor Child’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo [MANDATORY]

Identification Cards, and Proof of Name and Nationality:

  1. Your Spouse or Minor Child’s Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport [MANDATORY]
  2. All Birth Certificates [MANDATORY]
  3. Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation) [MANDATORY]
  4. Any Proof of Legal Name Change [MANDATORY]
  5. Service Member or Veteran’s Naturalization Certificate, if any [MANDATORY]
  6. Service Member or Veteran’s US Passport, if any [MANDATORY]
  7. Any US Social Security Cards
  8. Any US IDs (e.g. State ID, Driver’s License, etc.)
  9. Any US Visas, if any
  10. I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  11. Any Previously Provided Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  12. Any I-9 Form (If you ever worked illegally or without authorization. If you have an Illegal employment history, notify the law firm immediately since this can cause a bar on eligibility and make you deportable)

Civil Status [MANDATORY]: If a prior Marriage ever existed, the marriage to the prior spouse MUST have a divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate. If currently married with prior marriages, the ONLY way the current marriage can be recognized is by PROVING each and every prior marriage is “terminated.”

  1. Service Member or Veteran’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any [MANDATORY]
  2. Service Member or Veteran’s Divorce Decrees, if any [MANDATORY]
  3. Service Member or Veteran’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage [MANDATORY]
  4. Beneficiary’s Divorce Decree(s), if any [MANDATORY]
  5. Beneficiary’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage [MANDATORY]

Criminal Check:

  1. Police Clearance for EVERY COUNTRY ever lived in for more than 6 months AFTER THE AGE OF 16: Immigration Guidance found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html [Note: if the police certificate is not in English, it should be translated to English: Military One Source or Montesino Translation] Note: No Police Record Certificate Requests can take a few weeks or months, depending on country, and such certificates CAN BE TAKEN TO THE CONSULATE/EMBASSY.
  2. Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed [MANDATORY if Criminal History]
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
  3. Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search and/or Fingerprint Card [MANDATORY IF BENEFICIARY HAS EVER BEEN IN THE US ILLEGALY]
  4. Any Deportation Court Records [MANDATORY if deported or ever in deportation court]

Military Records:

  1. Service Member or Veteran’s Military ID, if any [MANDATORY]
  2. Any Military Dependent ID, if any [MANDATORY]
  3. Service Member’s Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB) [MANDATORY]
  4. Service Member’s RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  5. Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214 [MANDATORY]
  6. Foreign Military Records, if any (uncommon, but possible for Naturalized Service Member from Mandatory Conscription Countries)

Financial Records for I-134:

  1. Service Member or Veteran’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years. If you haven’t filed your 1040 for the most recent year, then see the next item. [MANDATORY]
  2. Service Member or Veteran’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ ) If you haven’t filed your 1040, the IRS will have a Record of “non-filing” for the past 4 years available for download. [MANDATORY]
  3. Service Member or Veteran’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year (Mandatory) [MANDATORY]
  4. Service Member or Veteran’s LES/Paystubs for the past 12 months (Mandatory) [MANDATORY]

VA Records for “Urgent Humanitarian” or “Significant Public Interest” Requirement [MANDATORY]:

  1. If Disabled Veteran, VA Disability (monthly) Award Letter. Electronic Copy located at: https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=ebenefits [MANDATORY]
  2. If Disabled Veteran, VA disability rating letter or screenshot of rating located at: https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=ebenefits [MANDATORY]
  3. If Disabled Veteran, VA medical records download it from: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-medical-records/ [MANDATORY]
  4. If Veteran receiving VA Disability and/or Military Retirement, then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits [MANDATORY]
  5. If veteran with other (non-VA) medical-related issues, medical record from civilian doctor and a letter from the doctor’s office summarizing medical issues [MANDATORY]
  6. Note: VA Records are used to establish proof for the “Urgent Humanitarian” or “Significant Public Interest” Requirement. More Information can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/immvi/immvi-how-to-prove-urgent-humanitarian-reason-or-significant-public-benefit/ [MANDATORY]

[MANDATORY] Items are items that are required in order to submit the IMMVI Request. You CANNOT submit now and send later. Failure to provide Mandatory Items leads to Rejection (Delay), Denial (Loss of Money and Delay), or Request for the items by USCIS (Delay).

Colombian J1 NOS Checklist

  1. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse [Note: If Colombian, Birth Certificate MUST be Front and Back, from the Civil Registry. More Guidance found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/consular-processing/us-immigration-requirements-colombia-birth-marriage-divorce-and-police-certificates/ ]
  2. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  3. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
  4. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
  5. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
  6. Any Foreign Passport
  7. Any US Visas
  8. Any US Passport
  9. Any US Driver’s License
  10. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
  11. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
  12. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

Jamaican J1 NOS Checklist

It is important to note that Jamaica requires all documents sent to the Jamaican Government to be Notarized/Notarised True Copies. The following is a list of documents normally required:

  1. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
  2. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
  3. Any Foreign Passport
  4. J1 and J2 Visas
  5. Any US Passport
  6. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
  7. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
  8. TRN Card

The DOS may also request:

  1. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
  2. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
  3. Any US Driver’s License
  4. Any/All US Visas

Brazilian J1 NOS Checklist

  1. No Objection Statement or Repayment Confirmation letter for any Government or Organization Funds received with regards to receiving the J1 Visa
  2. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
  3. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  4. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
  5. Any Foreign Passport
  6. Any US Visas
  7. Any US Passport
  8. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
  9. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
  10. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

The DOS may also request:

  1. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
  2. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
  3. Any US Driver’s License
  4. Any/All US Visas

Costa Rican J1 NOS Checklist

  1. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
  2. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  3. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
  4. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
  5. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
  6. Any Foreign Passport
  7. Any US Visas
  8. Any US Passport
  9. Any US Driver’s License
  10. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
  11. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
  12. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

Venezuelan J1 NOS Checklist

  1. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
  2. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  3. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
  4. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
  5. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
  6. Any Foreign Passport
  7. Any US Visas
  8. Any US Passport
  9. Any US Driver’s License
  10. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
  11. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
  12. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

J1 Exceptional Hardship Checklist (Common for Philippines and Honduras)

First, it may be beneficial to understand the Hardship Waiver more thoroughly, before reviewing the checklist: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/the-j1-exceptional-hardship-waiver-form-i-612-brief-summary/

  1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  4. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  5. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  6. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  8. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  9. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  10. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  11. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  12. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  13. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  14. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  15. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  16. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  17. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  18. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  19. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  20. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
  21. [Financial] Your Spouse’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  22. [Financial] Your Spouse’sIRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  23. [Financial] Your Spouse’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year
  24. [Financial] Your Spouse’s LES/Paystubs for the past 12 months 
  25. [Financial] Veteran – If receiving VA Disability, Military Retirement, or any retirement, then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits
  26. The Hardship will need to be explained and backed up by evidence. For instance, if pursuing a Medical-related or Psychological-related hardship, the Civilian or VA Hospital Records would be required.

Filings to get a Green Card:

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Category 1: Government Issued Documents

  1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  4. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  5. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  6. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  8. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  9. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  10. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  11. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  12. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  13. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  14. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  15. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  16. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage

Category 2: Bona Fide Evidence

If filing for a Minor Child or Parent, the following would be helpful to prove a continued relationship:

  1. 50 to 100 family photos
  2. vaccination records that name the parent or show the shared address
  3. school records that name the parent or show the shared address

However, for Marital Evidence, Spouses MUST provide as much as possible. Further guidance/ideas found here:

Joint Bona Fide Documents: How to Start meeting the USCIS I-130 Evidence Requirement for a Marriage

Category 3: Military Documents

  1. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  2. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  3. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  4. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled

Category 4: Financial Documents

  1. US Citizen’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  2. US Citizen’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  3. US Citizen’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year
  4. US Citizen’s LES/Paystubs for the past 12 months
  5. US Citizen’s 1040 and IRS Tax Return Transcripts for the tax filing 2 years ago and 3 years ago

Further Guidance:

  1. Self-employed or Business Owner: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-self-employment-and-business-ownership/
  2. Joint Sponsorship: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-affidavit-of-support-joint-sponsor-guidance/
  3. Using Assets: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/i-864-asset-calculations/
  4. Using VA Disability: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/va-disability-and-us-immigration/
  5. Using SSDI: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-sponsorship-how-is-ssi-and-ssdi-assessed/

Category 5: I-693 Immigration Medical

USCIS requires an I-693 Immigration Medical for any Green Card filing. Our recommendations can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/local-uscis-doctor-in-eastern-north-carolina-our-recommendation/

Ask our office “when” would be a good time to acquire the medical. Some filings can take longer than 24 months (the shelf life of a medical) and some filings may highly recommend it occur at the beginning of the I-485 process.

Consular Processing

Step 1: Government Issued Documents and Relationship Proof:

  1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  4. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  5. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  6. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  8. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  9. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  10. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  11. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  12. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  13. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  14. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  15. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  16. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  17. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  18. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  19. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  20. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled

If filing for a Minor Child or Parent, the following would be helpful to prove a continued relationship:

  1. 50 to 100 family photos
  2. vaccination records that name the parent or show the shared address
  3. school records that name the parent or show the shared address

However, for Marital Evidence, Spouses MUST provide as much as possible. Further guidance/ideas found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/joint-bona-fide-documents-how-to-start-meeting-the-uscis-i-130-evidence-requirement-for-a-marriage/

Step 2: Financial Documents, Police Certificates, and other Eligibility Items

  1. US Citizen’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  2. US Citizen’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  3. US Citizen’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year
  4. US Citizen’s LES/Paystubs for the past 12 months
  5. US Citizen’s 1040 and IRS Tax Return Transcripts for the tax filing 2 years ago and 3 years ago
  6. Police Certificates for every country the immigrant has ever resided in for more than 6 months after the age of 16. Guidance can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html
  7. Foreign Military Records for the Immigrant
  8. Any Court Records for the Immigrant

Further Guidance:

  1. Self-employed or Business Owner: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-self-employment-and-business-ownership/
  2. Joint Sponsorship: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-affidavit-of-support-joint-sponsor-guidance/
  3. Using Assets: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/i-864-asset-calculations/
  4. Using VA Disability: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/va-disability-and-us-immigration/
  5. Using SSDI: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-sponsorship-how-is-ssi-and-ssdi-assessed/

After a Green Card is in hand:

I-751 Removal of Conditions

The focus of any I-751 filing is Marital Evidence after receiving the Green Card. The following takes the highest priority in the I-751 Process:

  1. [Mandatory] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
  2. joint tax returns
  3. joint bills, such as electric, cell phone, water, etc.
  4. joint bank accounts, whether savings, checking, CDs or the like
  5. joint car insurance
  6. joint debt, such as home loans, car loans, or credit cards
  7. joint deeds to land or title to cars and trailers
  8. joint leases
  9. gym memberships
  10. photos together
  11. plane tickets for trips taken together
  12. wills, power of attorneys, advance directives, and life insurances (if they name the spouse as beneficiary)
  13. communication logs, such as Skype, Whatapp, Viber, calls, and texts
  14. baby’s Birth Certificate or Proof of Pregnancy, like an ultrasound or OBGYN Documents
  15. Amazon Order History for the past 2 years

USCIS may also request:

  1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  4. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  5. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  6. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  7. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  8. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  9. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  10. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  11. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  12. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  13. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  14. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  15. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  16. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  17. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  18. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled

N-400 Naturalization based on: 3 years of Marriage

  1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
  2. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  3. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  4. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  5. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  6. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  7. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  8. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  9. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  10. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  11. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  12. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  13. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  14. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  15. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  16. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
  17. [Tax History] The Past 3 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
  18. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
  19. [Marriage Proof] joint bills, such as electric, cell phone, water, etc.
  20. [Marriage Proof] joint bank accounts, whether savings, checking, CDs or the like
  21. [Marriage Proof] joint car insurance
  22. [Marriage Proof] joint debt, such as home loans, car loans, or credit cards
  23. [Marriage Proof] joint deeds to land or title to cars and trailers
  24. [Marriage Proof] joint leases
  25. [Marriage Proof] baby’s Birth Certificate or Proof of Pregnancy, like an ultrasound or OBGYN Documents
  26. [Marriage Proof] Amazon Order History for the past 2 years
  27. [Criminal Records] Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    • Any Deportation Court Records

N-400 Naturalization based on: 5 Years

  1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
  2. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  3. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  4. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  5. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  6. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  7. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  8. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  9. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  10. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  11. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  12. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  13. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  14. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  15. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  16. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
  17. [Tax History] The Past 5 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
  18. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
  19. [Criminal Records] Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    • Any Deportation Court Records

319(b) Expedited N-400 Naturalization based on Spouse being Active Duty or DOD Contractor and stationed abroad for more than 1 year

  1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
  2. [Military] Signed DD-1278
  3. [Military] Accompanying Orders abroad or Support Letter from DOD HR
  4. [Support] A few sentence letter from the Green Card Holder stating the plan to live abroad with the Active Duty or DOD Contractor Spouse
  5. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  6. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  7. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  8. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  9. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  10. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  11. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  12. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  13. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  14. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  15. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  16. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  17. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  18. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  19. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
  20. [Tax History] The Past 3 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
  21. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
  22. [Criminal Records] Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    • Any Deportation Court Records

Military N-400 Naturalization

  1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
  2. [Military] Signed DD-1278
  3. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  4. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  5. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  6. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
  7. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  8. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  9. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  10. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  11. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  12. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  13. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  14. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  15. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation)
  16. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  17. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  18. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  19. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  20. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  21. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
  22. [Tax History] The Past 5 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
  23. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
  24. [Criminal Records] Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    • Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    • Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    • Any Deportation Court Records

 

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