Passport

Also searched as

travel document, passport book

What this is

A valid passport used to prove identity and nationality across many green card processes.

Usually stable: The document itself is durable, but filing format still needs a stage check.

Who usually needs it

Most principal applicants and many derivative family members need it as a baseline identity record.

When it usually appears

Usually during filing prep, identity verification, immigrant-visa processing, travel planning, and interview-day check-in.

What changes by process, path, or post

Some stages need a scan, some need a photocopy, and some need the physical passport on the day of travel or interview.

Common format or evidence traps

• Using a passport that will expire too soon for the stage ahead.
• Assuming a prior upload means the physical passport is unnecessary later.
• Forgetting that some posts ask for photocopies in addition to the original.

Related pages

• Civil documents and translations guideSee format, originals, copy, and translation rules.
• Consular processing guideSee the immigrant-visa route abroad.
• Adjustment of status guideSee the USCIS route inside the United States.

Related glossary terms

Admission · Immigrant visa · Consulate or embassy (interview post)

Examples from current exact-support flows

Coverage posture: Current public exact-support flows include multiple direct examples for this document, but exact requirements still depend on the route, process stage, and official instructions.

• Usually needed

  Bring a valid passport for each applicant attending the interview. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of U.S. entry. (Sources: DOS Step 10, DOS NVC consular processing guidance)

  Shown when: scope.green_card_path: family-based · scope.processing_context: consular-processing

• Usually needed

  Include a copy of the applicant's valid passport biographical page. If you have a current passport, bring the original to your I-485 interview as well. (Sources: USCIS I-485 instructions, USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 7)

  Shown when: scope.green_card_path: family-based · scope.processing_context: adjustment-of-status

• Usually needed

  Bring a valid passport for each applicant attending the interview. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of U.S. entry. (Sources: DOS Step 10, DOS NVC consular processing guidance)

  Shown when: scope.green_card_path: employment-based · scope.processing_context: consular-processing

• Usually needed

  Include a copy of the applicant's valid passport biographical page. If you have a current passport, bring the original to your I-485 interview as well. (Sources: USCIS I-485 page, USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 7, USCIS employment-based adjustment of status overview)

  Shown when: scope.green_card_path: employment-based · scope.processing_context: adjustment-of-status

• Usually needed

  Include a copy of the applicant's valid passport biographical page. Bring the original passport to your I-485 interview. If you do not have a valid passport, include the best available travel or identity document per the I-485 instructions. (Sources: uscis_i485_instructions, uscis_i485_initial_evidence_checklist)

  Shown when: scope.green_card_path: humanitarian · scope.processing_context: adjustment-of-status

• Usually needed

  Include a copy of the applicant's valid passport biographical page. Bring the original passport to the I-485 interview. (Sources: uscis_i485_instructions, uscis_i360_instructions)

  Shown when: scope.green_card_path: special-immigrant · scope.processing_context: adjustment-of-status