If you're applying for a [marriage-based green card](/immigration-resources/marriage-based-green-card-guide) in the United States, you're in the right place. This article is designed to guide you and your sponsor through the process of gathering the necessary documentation. It's a crucial step in your journey, and having the correct documents can make the difference between a smooth application process and a frustrating one.

This guide is comprehensive, covering the ten most commonly required documents for a marriage-based green card application. These include [birth certificates](https://www.usa.gov/birth-certificate^), [marriage certificates](/immigration-resources/obtaining-marriage-certificate-green-card), [financial documents](/immigration-resources/us-immigration-financial-guide), evidence of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, [evidence of lawful U.S. entry and status](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-d-chapter-2^), [police clearance certificates](https://tr.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/faqs/faqs-immigrant-visa-related-questions/^), [divorce papers](/immigration-resources/divorce-impact-green-card-naturalization), [court, police, and prison records](/immigration-resources/submitting-court-police-prison-records-green-card), [military records](/immigration-resources/military-immigration-guide), and [deportation documents](https://www.uscis.gov/i-212^).

We'll provide detailed instructions on how to obtain each of these documents, including where to get them and what information they must contain. We'll also provide advice on what to do if a document is unavailable. This could involve submitting a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and providing secondary evidence or affidavits from other people.

Remember, any documents not in English must be translated into English by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

Finally, we'll provide information on how to submit a request for immigration records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and provide a link to the [U.S. Department of State's list of country-specific document sources](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html^).

A birth certificate is a fundamental document in the green card application process. It serves as proof of your identity and age, and it's required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Here's how to obtain your birth certificate:

Remember, the birth certificate must contain your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of both parents. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If your birth certificate is unavailable or non-existent, don't panic. You can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a baptismal certificate, hospital birth record, or an affidavit from someone who has personal knowledge of your birth.

And don't forget, if your birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

Your marriage certificate is a crucial document for a marriage-based green card application. It serves as proof of your marital relationship to your sponsor.

Here's how to obtain your marriage certificate:

Your marriage certificate must contain your full name, your spouse's full name, the date of the marriage, and the place of the marriage. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If your marriage certificate is unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a wedding invitation, wedding photos, or an affidavit from someone who attended the wedding.

Remember, if your marriage certificate is not in English, it must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

Financial documents are a key part of your marriage-based green card application. They serve as proof of your financial stability and ability to support yourself in the U.S.

Here's how to obtain your financial documents:

Your financial documents should show your name, the date, and relevant financial information. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If any of your financial documents are unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a letter from your bank or employer.

Remember, if your financial documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

V. Evidence of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence

If you're a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident sponsoring your spouse for a green card, you'll need to provide evidence of your status. This is a crucial part of the application process as it establishes your eligibility to sponsor your spouse.

Here's how to obtain evidence of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residence:

Remember, these documents must contain your full name, date of birth, and the date of issuance. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If any of these documents are unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a passport stamp or an affidavit from someone who can confirm your status.

Remember, if your documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

VI. Evidence of Lawful U.S. Entry and Status

Providing evidence of lawful U.S. entry and status is an essential part of your marriage-based green card application. This evidence shows that you entered the U.S. legally and have maintained a lawful status.

Here's how to obtain evidence of your lawful U.S. entry and status:

Remember, these documents must contain your full name, date of birth, the date of your entry into the U.S., and your immigration status. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If any of these documents are unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as an affidavit from someone who can confirm your lawful entry and status.

A police clearance certificate, also known as a police certificate or a criminal record check, is a document that provides a summary of your criminal record in the country from which it is issued. This document is crucial for your marriage-based green card application as it provides evidence of your good moral character.

Here's how to obtain your police clearance certificate:

Your police clearance certificate must contain your full name, date of birth, and any criminal record information. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If your police clearance certificate is unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as court records or an affidavit from someone who can confirm your good moral character.

Remember, if your police clearance certificate is not in English, it must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

If you or your spouse were previously married, you'll need to provide divorce papers as part of your marriage-based green card application. These documents serve as proof that any previous marriages have legally ended, allowing for your current marriage.

Here's how to obtain your divorce papers:

Your divorce papers must contain your full name, your ex-spouse's full name, the date of the divorce, and the place of the divorce. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If your divorce papers are unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a newspaper announcement of the divorce or an affidavit from someone who can confirm the divorce.

Remember, if your divorce papers are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

If you've had any encounters with the law, whether in the U.S. or abroad, you'll need to provide court, police, and prison records as part of your marriage-based green card application. These documents provide a detailed account of your legal history, which is important for determining your eligibility for a green card.

Here's how to obtain your court, police, and prison records:

Your court, police, and prison records must contain your full name, date of birth, details of the incident, and the outcome of the case. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If any of these records are unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a newspaper report of the incident or an affidavit from someone who can confirm the details of the incident.

Remember, if your court, police, or prison records are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

If you've served in the military, you'll need to provide your military records as part of your marriage-based green card application. These documents provide a detailed account of your military service, which can be important for determining your eligibility for a green card.

Here's how to obtain your military records:

Your military records must contain your full name, date of birth, details of your service, and discharge status. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If your military records are unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a photograph in uniform or an affidavit from someone who can confirm your military service.

Remember, if your military records are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

If you've ever been deported from the U.S., you'll need to provide your deportation documents as part of your marriage-based green card application. These documents provide a detailed account of your deportation, which is crucial for determining your eligibility for a green card.

Here's how to obtain your deportation documents:

Your deportation documents must contain your full name, date of birth, details of the deportation, and the outcome of the case. If any of this information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents to support your application.

If your deportation documents are unavailable, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available and provide secondary evidence, such as a newspaper report of the deportation or an affidavit from someone who can confirm the details of the deportation.

Remember, if your deportation documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation service. We'll cover this in more detail later in the guide.

If any of your documents are not in English, they must be translated into English by a certified translation service. This is a crucial requirement for your marriage-based green card application, as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs to be able to understand all the information in your documents.

Here's how to get your documents translated:

Remember, the translated documents must contain all the same information as the original documents. If any information is missing or incorrect, you may need to have the documents re-translated.

If you're unable to get a document translated, you can submit a notarized personal affidavit explaining why the document is not available in English and provide secondary evidence, such as an affidavit from someone who can confirm the information in the document.

In some cases, you may need to request your immigration records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This can be done through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. These records can provide important information about your immigration history, which can be crucial for your marriage-based green card application.

Remember, the FOIA allows you to access any USCIS records that pertain to you, unless they are exempt from disclosure by law. If USCIS denies your request, they will provide a reason for the denial.

For more information on obtaining documents from specific countries, you can visit the U.S. Department of State's list of country-specific document sources. This resource provides detailed information on how to obtain various types of documents from different countries.

Gathering the necessary documents for a marriage-based green card application can be a complex task, but with careful attention to detail and a bit of patience, you can successfully navigate this process. Remember, each document serves a specific purpose in demonstrating your eligibility for a green card.

Ensure that all documents contain the necessary information and are translated into English if needed. If a document is unavailable, provide a notarized personal affidavit explaining why and offer secondary evidence where possible.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to compiling a complete and accurate application. However, if you encounter difficulties or have further questions, don't hesitate to seek legal advice. The journey to obtaining a green card can be long, but with the right preparation, you're one step closer to reaching your goal.

Remember, this guide is a starting point. Each individual's situation is unique, and you may need additional documents based on your specific circumstances. Always consult with an immigration professional if you're unsure about what you need for your application. Good luck on your journey to obtaining a marriage-based green card!

Applying for a marriage-based green card? This guide outlines the top 10 documents you need, from birth certificates to deportation records. It provides instructions on obtaining each document, including online requests and embassy assistance. It also emphasizes the need for English translations and how to request immigration records. Always review your documents and consider legal advice if necessary.

Marriage-Based Green Card Application: Essential Documents Guide

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