You may think there’s only one document to submit to get a Green Card after you get married to a U.S. citizen, but that’s not true! There are several forms you need to submit along with the main application.
We’ll describe some of the main forms and what you need to know about each one.
Main Green Card Application Forms
I-485
Form I-485 is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is the main form that you would need to submit for your application. It’s a long form that asks about your family, employment, addresses, and criminal history, among other things.
After filling out this form, there are still other items you’ll need to attach with the document, such as personal identification. The extra documentation that you would need to provide along with the I-485 could differ from another individual applying for a Green Card as each person’s history is a little different. Some countries require special documents while others will not. Your attorney should know which records and which legal documents you will need to include.
DS-260
If you live outside of the U.S. and you want to get a Green Card after you marry a U.S. citizen, then instead of filing an I-485 application, you will file a DS-260 form which is another immigrant visa application. The DS-260 is different than the I-485 because you must submit it at a different time in the application process. Consult with your attorney to know what you need to do if you have to wait outside the United States for your permanent residence approval.
I-130
Form I-130 is the Petition for Alien Relative which is one of the forms that the U.S. citizen spouse will need to fill out. This form can be submitted before or at the same time as the I-485; your attorney will decide what is best for your specific circumstances. For example, if you are applying for a green card while living in another country, then you will submit the I-130 before your other documents.
Oftentimes, there are additional supplementary forms you will need in addition to the I-130. If you are married to a citizen, then you will need the supplementary form I-130A and the appropriate supporting documents.
I-864
In addition to the form I-130, your spouse will also fill out the I-864, which is the Affidavit of Support. This document means that your U.S. citizen spouse is financially responsible for you if the need arises. Your spouse will need to know their tax and income information to properly fill it out.
Depending on your spouse’s annual income, you may need to supply additional forms or documents such as pay stubs and employment letters. If your spouse's income is not sufficient based on your household size and federal poverty guidelines, then you may need to add supplementary forms to your I-864.
Other Forms and Documents
Some of the other forms you can submit are optional depending on your specific needs. These could include forms pertaining to work authorizations, travel permissions, and text notifications.
Regardless of your special circumstances, you will need copies of your passport (or other travel documents), visas, birth certificate, and marriage certificate. Bring these with you when you meet with your attorney.
When you meet with your attorney, they will tell you what other documents you will need for a successful Green Card application. These could include criminal records, divorce decrees, house registration records, military service documents, and even joint utility bills.
Attorney Tim Jones
Our team at the Law Office of Timothy Jones can help you with your Green Card application process after your marriage to a U.S. citizen. After meeting with Tim Jones, we will communicate with you regarding the documents and information we need to fill out all the appropriate forms and supporting documents.
You can be at ease regarding your case because Attorney Jones specializes in immigration cases, so he knows the newest updates to the complex requirements and forms you need to receive your Green Card. Give us a call to schedule a consultation to meet with Attorney Tim Jones so he can assess your case!
