If you’re applying for a marriage-based green card, you’ve likely already discovered that the I-485 process means a lot of paperwork. Forms, documents, photos, translations, financial records—it’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why a solid I-485 checklist is essential.
We get it. The adjustment of status process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure if you have everything you need. That’s exactly why we created this checklist: to give you one place where you can see everything required, check items off as you go, and feel confident you’re not missing anything.
Here’s the thing: submitting an incomplete application doesn’t just slow things down, it can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) that adds another 3-6 months to an already lengthy process. Some applications get rejected outright and sent back. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. This checklist helps you stay organized and avoid common mistakes.
Quick overview: For a typical marriage-based adjustment of status package, you’ll file 6-9 forms, gather supporting documents across several categories, and pay approximately $2,065-$3,005 in USCIS fees (as of December 2025).
Want a printable version? Download our complete marriage-based I-485 checklist and keep track of the forms, documents and fees you need to submit.
Table of Contents
Adjustment of Status Package: The Forms
Before diving into the documents, here’s a quick look at the forms typically included in your I-485 package. For a marriage-based adjustment of status, you’ll usually file these forms:
Required:
- Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative
- Form I-130A — Supplemental Information for Spouse
- Form I-485 — Application to Adjust Status
- Form I-864 — Affidavit of Support
- Form I-693 — Medical Examination
- Form G-1450 or G-1650 — Payment Authorization
Optional:
- Form G-1145 — E-Notification (highly recommended)
- Form I-765 — Work Permit
- Form I-131 — Travel Document
For detailed guidance on each form, including who fills out what and package organization tips, see our full guide to adjustment of status forms.
Ready to tackle Form I-130? Head to our step-by-step guide to filing out Form I-130.
Form I-485 Checklist: Supporting Documents
This is where most of the work happens. The documents below support the three core forms: I-130, I-485, and I-864. Submit copies of the required documents. If you’re also filing I-765 (work permit) or I-131 (travel document), check those form instructions for any additional requirements.
A few important notes before you start:
- Translations: Any document not in English needs a certified English translation. The translator must include a statement certifying the translation is complete and accurate, and that they’re competent to translate.
- Photos: All passport-style photos must be 2″ x 2″ (51mm x 51mm). Write the person’s name and A-number (if any) lightly in pencil on the back.
- Your situation may vary: This checklist covers typical marriage-based applications. Always double-check the official USCIS form instructions for the most current requirements.
Foreign Spouse (Beneficiary) Documents
Identity
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- 4 passport-style photos total (2 each for I-130 and I-485)
Proof of Legal U.S. Entry
This is crucial—you need to show you entered the country lawfully:
- Passport page showing U.S. entry stamp
- Passport page showing U.S. visa (if applicable)
- Form I-94 arrival/departure record — print yours from the CBP website
Civil Documents
- Divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) proving any prior marriages ended (if applicable)
- Proof of legal name change (if applicable)
- Police certificates and court records for any arrests, charges, or convictions (if applicable)
- Approved waivers of inadmissibility (if applicable)
Documents You’ll Gather Together
Proof of Marriage
- Marriage certificate
Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage
USCIS wants to see that your marriage is real—not just a certificate, but a life together. Submit several of the following to evidence your marriage:
- Joint bank account statements
- Joint lease or mortgage documents
- Property deeds with both names
- Insurance policies listing spouse as beneficiary
- Birth certificates of children you share (if applicable)
- Photos together from different occasions and time periods
- Affidavits from family and friends who know you as a couple
- Utility bills, subscriptions, or memberships in both names
- Travel records showing trips taken together
Pro tip: Quality matters more than quantity here. Choose documents that clearly show your names and images together and span time. Fewer strong pieces of varied evidence are typically more convincing than a stack of weak ones.
U.S. Sponsor (Petitioner) Documents
Identity & Immigration Status(for I-130)
You’ll need to prove you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Include one of the following:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. birth certificate
- Naturalization certificate
- Green Card
Plus:
- 2 passport-style photos
Financial Evidence(for I-864)
USCIS needs to see that you can financially support your spouse at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Gather:
- IRS tax transcripts for the most recent tax year (3 years is even better)
- If employed: 6 months of recent pay stubs
- If self-employed: Each Form 1040 schedule filed with your federal tax return
- Employment verification letter (helpful but not always required)
Don’t meet the income requirement? You can use a joint sponsor—they’ll need to submit their own I-864 with the same financial documentation.
Civil Documents(for I-130, if applicable)
- Divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) proving any prior marriages ended
- Proof of legal name change (if your name differs from documents)
Ready to prepare your package? Download our printable Adjustment of Status Checklist. See the forms, typical documents and filing fees while assembling your marriage-based green card application.
Filing Fees at a Glance
| Form Number | Fee |
|---|---|
| I-485 | $1,440 |
| I-130 (by mail) | $675 |
| I-130 (online) | $625 |
| I-765 (work permit) | $260 |
| I-131 (travel document) | $630 |
Total for required forms (I-130 and I-485): $2,065–$2,115.
Total with work permit (I-765) and travel document (I-131): Up to $3,005.
How to pay: USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for paper filings. You’ll need to use:
- Credit or debit card via Form G-1450, OR
- Bank account (ACH transfer) via Form G-1650
Quick tip: Submit a separate payment authorization form for each filing fee rather than combining them into one total. This helps avoid processing issues.
Need help with fees? Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver using Form I-912.
Always confirm current fees at USCIS.gov before filing—they do change.
Medical Examination (Form I-693)
One item on your I-485 checklist that requires advance planning is the medical exam. You (the foreign spouse) will need to complete this from a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon. Regular doctors can’t do this exam—it has to be someone on the approved list.
The civil surgeon completes Form I-693, seals it in an envelope, and hands it to you. Don’t open it. Submit the sealed envelope with your application.
How to prepare:
- Find a civil surgeon near you using the USCIS online locator
- Bring vaccination records (childhood immunization records save time and money!)
- Bring a valid passport
What about cost? Civil surgeons set their own prices, and costs vary quite a bit. It can be anywhere from $200 to $500+ depending on your location and what vaccines you need. We recommend calling a few offices to compare before booking.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
These are common issues people often trip up on. Avoiding them can save you months of additional delays, or outright rejection:
Mistake #1: Incomplete form or missing sections
USCIS will reject your petition if any required fields are left blank. Even if a question doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” rather than leaving it blank. Review every page before submitting.
Mistake #2: Missing or incomplete financial evidence
USCIS wants to see that you meet 125% of federal poverty guidelines—and they want proof with Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support. Submit tax transcripts, pay stubs, AND an employment letter if you can. When it comes to financial evidence, more is better.
Mistake #3: Weak relationship evidence
A marriage certificate alone isn’t enough. USCIS needs to see that you’re building a life together. Joint accounts, shared leases, photos from different times-these paint the picture.
Mistake #4: Missing translations
Every document in a foreign language needs a certified English translation. The translator must include a signed statement saying they’re competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. Missing translations are a common reason for RFEs.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to sign
It sounds simple, but it happens all the time: forms get submitted without signatures. USCIS will reject the entire package without even looking at it. Double-check every signature line before you mail.
Mistake #6: Outdated forms
USCIS updates forms regularly. Always download forms directly fromUSCIS.gov right before you file. Check the edition date in the bottom left corner. Forms from third-party websites may be outdated.
Putting It All Together
Once you’ve worked through this I-485 checklist and gathered everything, you’ll need to organize it into a complete package. For step-by-step guidance on how to assemble your forms, the recommended submission order, and where to mail your application, see our Complete Guide to AOS Forms.
You’ve Got This
We know this process can feel like a lot. There are so many forms, so many documents, and the stakes feel high. But here’s the truth: thousands of couples successfully navigate adjustment of status every year.
The key is preparation. Use this I-485 checklist to gather your documents systematically, double-check everything before you submit, and don’t rush. A complete, well-organized, thoroughly documented application is the best way to avoid delays and get through the process as smoothly as possible.
Questions about forms? Our Complete Guide to AOS Forms walks you what you need.
You’re taking a big step toward your future together. We’re here to help make the paperwork part a little easier.
Get Your Complete Adjustment of Status Checklist
Download our printable I-485 checklist. Every required form, examples of supporting documents, current fees, and submission order in an easy-to-follow, printable PDF format.
Takes 2 minutes to download—ensure you have your package organized before you apply for your green card.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the adjustment of status process. It is not legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures change frequently. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a qualified immigration attorney. NovaNido is a document preparation service, not a law firm.