The primary source document for marriage-based green card petitions is the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which establishes the legitimacy of the marital relationship and the petitioner's status as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Supporting evidence includes a valid marriage certificate and proof of a bona fide marriage, such as joint financial records, photos, and affidavits from friends and family. These documents collectively demonstrate the genuine nature of the marriage required to advance the green card application process.
Introduction to Marriage-Based Green Card Petitions
Marriage-based green card petitions allow eligible spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent residency. This process involves submitting specific documents to prove the legitimacy of the marital relationship.
The source document for these petitions is the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary in a marriage-based green card application.
Overview of Required Source Documents
Marriage-based green card petitions require specific source documents to verify the legitimacy of your marital relationship and eligibility. These documents provide the foundational evidence needed to support your application.
- Marriage Certificate - Official proof of a legally recognized marriage between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
- Proof of Termination of Prior Marriages - Divorce decrees or death certificates ensuring no previous marriages conflict with the current one.
- Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage - Joint financial records, leases, or affidavits demonstrating a genuine marital relationship.
Proof of U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Status
The source document for marriage-based green card petitions must include proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizen or permanent resident status. Valid proof includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card (Form I-551). USCIS requires these documents to verify the eligibility of the petitioner sponsoring their spouse for permanent residence.
Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage
| Source Document for Marriage-Based Green Card Petitions |
|---|
| The primary source document for marriage-based green card petitions is Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the petitioner, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and the beneficiary, the foreign spouse seeking permanent residency. |
| Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage |
| USCIS requires strong evidence that the marriage is genuine and not entered into for immigration benefits. Commonly submitted evidence includes joint financial documents such as bank statements, mortgage or lease agreements with both names, insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries, and birth certificates of children born to the marriage. |
| Additional proof may involve photographs together over time, affidavits from friends and family attesting to the validity of the relationship, and correspondence demonstrating ongoing communication. Consistency in information across all documents strengthens the case. |
| Your overall goal is to present a comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates the marriage is bona fide to USCIS officials reviewing the petition. |
Identity Verification Documents
What is the source document required for identity verification in marriage-based green card petitions? The primary source document for verifying identity is a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license. These documents confirm the applicant's identity and are essential for the petition process.
Financial Support Evidence (Form I-864 and Supporting Docs)
The primary source document for marriage-based green card petitions is the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864. This form demonstrates the petitioner's ability to financially support the intending immigrant and prevents them from becoming a public charge.
The petitioner must provide supporting documents such as recent tax returns, proof of employment, and pay stubs alongside Form I-864. These financial support materials verify the petitioner's income meets or exceeds the federal poverty guidelines required for sponsorship.
Prior Marriages and Divorce Documentation
The source document for marriage-based green card petitions is the marriage certificate, which verifies the legal union between you and your spouse. Prior marriages must be addressed with corresponding divorce or death records to prove eligibility.
- Marriage Certificate - This document serves as primary evidence of the marital relationship required for the petition.
- Divorce Decrees - Official divorce records from any previous marriages must be submitted to confirm legal termination before the current marriage.
- Death Certificates - If a previous spouse is deceased, a death certificate must be provided to establish marital status.
Proof of Legal Entry and Immigration Status
The source document for marriage-based green card petitions must establish your legal entry into the United States. Proof of immigration status is essential to verify eligibility for adjustment of status.
- Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record - This document proves your lawful entry and current immigration status in the U.S.
- Passport with Visa - A valid passport containing the visa used for entry supports your claim of authorized admission.
- USCIS Approval Notices - Official notices from USCIS confirm your legal status adjustments or extensions.
Submitting accurate source documents ensures a smoother marriage-based green card petition process.
Additional Supporting Documents for Special Circumstances
The primary source document for marriage-based green card petitions is the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Additional supporting documents are required for special circumstances such as prior marriages, military service, or legal name changes. These documents may include divorce decrees, death certificates, military records, and court orders to verify the petitioner's and beneficiary's eligibility and relationship validity.
What Is the Source Document for Marriage-Based Green Card Petitions? Infographic
