Family Based Immigration

Family-based immigration has two basic building blocks: the qualifying relationship itself, and the visa category that determines how quickly the case can move.

• Step 1 Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

  Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency:

  • Birth certificates
  • Naturalization or citizenship certificates
  • Current U.S. passports or green cards

  Proof of the qualifying relationship:

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Divorce Certificates (if applicable)
  • Evidence of bona fide marriage (e.g. property co-ownership, shared residence, combined financial resources, affidavits)
  • Adoption decrees or certificates
  • Evidence of legal custody of an adopted child over a two-year period
• Step 2 Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status

  Checklist for Principal Applicants

  • Two passport-style photographs;
  • A copy of a government-issued identity document with photograph;
  • A copy of your birth certificate (or acceptable alternative evidence with proof of unavailability);
  • Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole documentation;
  • Documentation of immigrant category (e.g., Form I-797 Approval/Receipt Notice);
  • Evidence you continually maintained a lawful status since arriving in the United States (does not apply to immediate relatives);
  • Form I-864, Affidavit of Support;
  • Certified police and court records of all criminal charges, arrests, or convictions (if applicable);
• Finance Form I-864, Affidavit of Support

  For ALL sponsors:

  • Federal income tax return + W-2s (most recent year) or explanation if not required to file
  • All Forms 1099, schedules, and any other income evidence
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence
  • Optional: most recent three tax years, six months of pay stubs, and/or employer letter

  For SOME sponsors:

  • Schedule C/D/E/F if self-employed
  • Photocopies of the affidavit for additional intending immigrants on the same filing
  • Proof of active military status if using 100% of poverty guidelines for spouse/child
  • Form I-864A for each household member whose income you will use (if required)
  • Proof of household member residency/relationship and evidence their income will continue (if used)
  • Additional tax returns for household members if needed
  • Asset documentation (location, ownership, value, and any liens)
  • If joint/substitute sponsor: proof of U.S. citizenship, LPR status, or U.S. national status
• Add-ons Other key filings

  Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
  File with I-485 or later with proof of pending I-485 (receipt or similar evidence).

  Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
  File with I-485. Include photo ID, two passport photos, proof of current status, and proof of pending adjustment (if filing after I-485).

  Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application

  • Original or certified birth certificates for each immigrant
  • Certified court/prison records for any convictions
  • All marriage certificates and proofs of termination of prior marriages
  • Military record (if applicable)
  • Passport biographic page copy for each immigrant
  • Police certificates from all required countries (age 16+)
  • Completed medical exam from Embassy-approved physician