In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common immigration documents you may need for a marriage-based green card application, and provide tips on how to obtain them. We’ll also discuss what to do if you can’t get official copies of some documents. Many of these same documents are required for family-based green card applications.
As more records are kept electronically, it’s common to lose track of physical documents. Don’t worry! You’re not alone. The good news is, that you can still start your green card application while you track down the necessary paperwork.
Top 10 Hard-to-Find Immigration Documents
Here’s a list of 10 of the most commonly requested documents for a marriage-based green card application, with guidance on who needs to provide them. Keep reading to find out where to get official copies or alternative documents. You can also see the full list of required documents for a marriage-based green card.
| Document | Required for… |
| 1. Birth Certificate | Both spouses or family members |
| 2. Marriage Certificate | Both spouses (if applicable) |
| 3. Financial Documents | Both spouses or family members |
| 4. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Green Card Holder Status | Sponsoring spouse (U.S. citizen or green card holder) |
| 5. Proof of Lawful U.S. Entry and Status | Family member seeking a green card |
| 6. Police Clearance Certificate | Family member seeking a green card from abroad |
| 7. Divorce Papers | Both spouses (if applicable) |
| 8. Court, Police, and Prison Records | Family member seeking a green card (if applicable) |
| 9. Military Records | Family member seeking a green card from abroad (if applicable) |
| 10. Deportation Documents | Family member seeking a green card (if applicable) |
1. Birth Certificate
Both the applicant and their sponsor must provide a copy of their birth certificate. Where you get the official copy depends on where you were born. It should include your full name, your parents’ names, and your place of birth. You can follow our detailed guide to obtaining a certified copy of your birth certificate or alternatives if necessary.
2. Marriage Certificate
If you’re applying based on your marriage, you must provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate. The process of obtaining this certificate depends on where you got married. Check our detailed guide for step-by-step instructions on how to get it.
3. Financial Documents
To sponsor a spouse, the U.S. citizen or green card holder must meet income requirements to prove they can support the applicant. This ensures that the sponsor will not rely on government assistance.
4. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Green Card Status
The U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsoring the application must show proof of their citizenship or permanent residency. Acceptable documents include:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Naturalization certificate
- U.S. passport
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
If none of these is available, you may need a sworn statement from a U.S. consular officer confirming your citizenship.
5. Proof of Lawful U.S. Entry and Status
If you are applying for a green card from within the U.S., you must show evidence of lawful entry and status. This includes submitting an I-94 travel record, admission stamps, and any visa information.
6. Police Clearance Certificate
If you’re applying from outside the U.S., you need a police clearance certificate from each country where you have lived since turning 16. This is different from a police record, which is only required if there are legal issues in the applicant’s history.
7. Divorce Papers
If either spouse has been previously married, they must provide divorce papers showing that each prior marriage was legally ended. Different documents are needed if the marriage ended due to the spouse’s death or annulment. Our guide provides more details on how to get divorce records.
8. Court, Police, and Prison Records
If you’ve ever had legal issues, you must provide court, police, and prison records. These records are required from any family member applying for a green card. Details on how to obtain these documents are included in our guide.
9. Military Records
If you or your spouse has served in any military, including the U.S. military, you will need to submit your military records. This includes records for anyone who was discharged, retired, or resigned. Learn more about how to access military service records in our guide.
10. Deportation Documents
If you’ve ever been deported from the U.S., you will need to submit deportation records. Your eligibility for a green card may depend on the reason for your deportation. You can request deportation records from the immigration court or via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
What if You Can’t Find Your Documents?
If you’re unable to get a specific document or it was destroyed (such as by a fire or flood), you can submit a notarized affidavit explaining the situation. Be sure to include any supporting documentation, such as news reports or statements from relevant authorities.
If applying from within the U.S., you may also need secondary evidence or affidavits from others who can attest to the facts, such as your birth or marriage. For example, a church record or census record can substitute for a birth certificate. If that’s not available, at least two affidavits from people who know you well will help support your case.
Translations
If any of your documents are in a foreign language, you must submit a certified English translation. Many translation services are available online, and you can check the U.S. embassy or consulate’s website for certified providers in your country. Be cautious, as these services are not endorsed by the U.S. government.
Country-Specific Guidance
If you’re applying from abroad, check the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines for your country, as requirements for certain documents may vary. Some countries may report a document as “unavailable,” and you won’t be required to submit it.
If you have any questions or need help with your green card application, Boundless offers unlimited support from experienced immigration professionals. You can get personalized guidance throughout your entire application process, ensuring everything goes smoothly. Learn more today.
