I-130 document checklist

Documents from the US citizen or LPR petitioner

Proof of US Citizenship or LPR StatusRequired2 copiesUS passport, naturalization certificate, or green card copyUS citizens can submit passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. LPRs submit front and back of green card.
Passport-Style Photos (Petitioner)Required2 copiesTwo passport photos of the petitioner

Documents from the foreign national beneficiary

Beneficiary PassportRequired2 copiesCopy of biographical page
Beneficiary Birth CertificateRequired2 copiesCertified copy with English translation
Passport-Style Photos (Beneficiary)Required2 copiesTwo passport photos of the beneficiary

Evidence that the marriage is bona fide

Marriage CertificateRequired2 copiesCertified civil marriage certificate with translationOnly if the answer is yes: Is this petition for a spouse?
Prior Divorce/Death CertificatesIf it appliesProof all prior marriages were legally terminatedOnly if the answer is yes: Were either of you previously married?
Photos TogetherRequiredPhotos of the couple at various events and locationsOnly if the answer is yes: Is this petition for a spouse?Include photos from different dates and events: wedding, vacations, holidays, family gatherings. Label with date and location.
Joint Financial DocumentsIf it appliesJoint bank accounts, leases, insurance policiesOnly if the answer is yes: Is this petition for a spouse?Joint bank statements, joint tax returns, joint lease/mortgage, joint insurance.
Comingling of Lives EvidenceIf it appliesAffidavits from friends/family, shared address proofOnly if the answer is yes: Is this petition for a spouse?

Evidence for parent-child petitions

Child Birth CertificateRequired2 copiesShowing both parent namesOnly if the answer is yes: Is this petition for a parent or child?
Adoption DecreeIf it appliesIf the relationship is through adoptionOnly if the answer is yes: Is the relationship through adoption?

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Document checklist