Document checklist · I-130

Proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residence

Where to find it: U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, FS-240, or passport; if you are a resident, your Green Card, both sides.

The civil record that links your name to your relative's

Where to find it: Spouse: marriage certificate. Child or parent: birth certificate naming the parents. Sibling: both birth certificates.

USCIS fee payment

Where to find it: The current amount is on the uscis.gov fee calculator. By mail you pay by card (G-1450) or bank account (G-1650); paid to USCIS separately.

Clear copies of each document, not originals

Where to find it: A copy shop, or your phone camera in good light with the whole document in the frame.

Proof that each earlier marriage ended

Only if you or your spouse were married before

Where to find it: Divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate issued by the civil authority.

Identical passport-style photos of you and your spouse, taken in the last 30 days

Only if you are petitioning for your spouse

Where to find it: Pharmacies and photo counters shoot them to USCIS size; pencil your name and A-Number on the back.

Form I-130A completed by your spouse

Only if you are petitioning for your spouse

Where to find it: Download it from the same I-130 page; your spouse signs it if they are in the U.S.

Evidence of your shared life with your spouse

Only if you are petitioning for your spouse

Where to find it: A lease or deed in both names, joint accounts, birth certificates of shared children, and sworn statements from people who know you.