Document library
Use this library when you already know the record, form, or evidence artifact you are trying to understand. Use pathways for legal-route discovery, process guides for stage questions, glossary for terminology, and checklist support only for exact-case routing.
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Use these quick routes if you know the artifact but still need help separating records, forms, sponsor packets, interview documents, humanitarian proofs, special immigrant route records, legacy-law evidence, or lifecycle evidence.
Featured common documents
These are the first document pages to deepen because they recur across many user questions, even outside checklist-supported combinations.
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- PassportIdentity and civil records
A valid passport used to prove identity and nationality across many green card processes.
- Birth CertificateIdentity and civil records
The official civil birth record used to prove identity, age, parentage, or family relationship.
- Marriage CertificateRelationship and family records
The official civil marriage record used when a current marriage matters to the case.
- Marriage Termination RecordsRelationship and family records
Divorce decrees, annulment records, or death records proving how each prior marriage ended.
- Police CertificateIdentity and civil records
A country-specific police record or clearance certificate showing criminal-record history, or lack of it, when the official process requires that history.
- Certified TranslationsIdentity and civil records
The certified translation set used when an immigration stage requires an accepted-language version of a record.
- Visa Photographs (2)Identity and civil records
Recent visa-style photographs prepared to the current government photo specification.
- NVC Interview Appointment LetterConsular, NVC, and interview documents
The official appointment notice showing the date, time, and location for an interview, biometrics step, or other required appearance.
- DS-260 Confirmation PageConsular, NVC, and interview documents
The confirmation page generated after the immigrant-visa application is completed online in CEAC.
The medical-exam packet or handoff materials produced by a panel physician for a consular immigrant-visa case.
Form I-693, the medical-exam record completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon for many adjustment-of-status cases.
Form I-485, the main application used to adjust status to permanent residence from inside the United States.
Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support used to show qualifying financial sponsorship in categories that require it.
- Tax Transcripts and W-2sFinancial sponsorship
IRS tax transcripts, returns, W-2s, and related records used to document sponsor income when sponsorship rules apply.
- Proof of Petitioner Status and DomicileFinancial sponsorship
Evidence showing the sponsor or petitioner has the qualifying U.S. status and domicile the sponsorship stage expects.
- Joint Sponsor Financial PacketFinancial sponsorship
The separate sponsor form and financial evidence used when a joint sponsor is needed.
- Relationship EvidenceRelationship and family records
Evidence used to show a qualifying or bona fide relationship between people in the case.
- Children's Birth CertificatesRelationship and family records
Birth records for children tied to the case when a process or post needs the full family structure documented.
- Employer Job Offer LetterEmployment evidence
A letter from the employer confirming the qualifying job offer or ongoing employment relationship behind the case.
- Qualifications Evidence (Degree and Work History)Employment evidence
Degrees, licenses, transcripts, and work-history records used to show the applicant meets the qualifications claimed in the employment case.
- 245(i) Grandfathering Filing EvidenceLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
The older filing records used to prove that a qualifying petition or labor-certification filing created 245(i) grandfathering in the first place.
- Afghan SIV Congressional Cap Reference and COM LetterSpecial immigrant evidence
The Chief of Mission (COM) approval letter confirming the Afghan national's qualifying U.S. government or contractor employment, faithful and valuable service, and the threat element. Also include any congressional allocation reference or DOS status documentation confirming visa number availability under the Afghan SIV program. Verify the current DOS Afghan SIV page for operational status before relying on prior cap availability information, as the program is subject to suspensions and operational changes.
- Amerasian Paternity and Birth EvidenceSpecial immigrant evidence
Documentary evidence supporting the claimed Amerasian relationship to a U.S. citizen father (such as civil birth records, historical documents, or other documentary evidence recognized in the USCIS policy manual), plus evidence of birth in a qualifying country during the qualifying period described in the controlling policy manual chapter.
- Bona Fide Marriage Evidence (Joint Life Records)After approval and removal of conditions
Documentary evidence showing the marriage was entered in good faith and reflects a real marital relationship, as required for I-751 joint filings and waiver filings. Acceptable evidence includes joint tax returns, joint bank account statements, joint lease or mortgage records, joint insurance policies, evidence of shared finances, birth certificates of children born of the marriage, and photographs showing the couple together. The I-751 instructions identify categories of evidence USCIS accepts; a variety of record types covering the full conditional period is stronger than a single category.
- Chief of Mission (COM) Approval LetterSpecial immigrant evidence
The Chief of Mission approval or equivalent certification letter used in SIV workflows where COM review is part of the eligibility chain.
- Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance)USCIS filing forms and notices
Optional form clipped to the front of the I-485 package to request an email or text notification when USCIS accepts the application.
- Form I-485 Supplement A (INA 245(i) Overlay)PDF availableLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
Form I-485 Supplement A, the 245(i) overlay form used only when a case relies on grandfathering under INA 245(i).
The primary petition form for removing conditions on a marriage-based conditional permanent residence, filed with USCIS by the conditional resident and, for joint filings, jointly signed by the petitioning spouse. A timely joint filing must be made within the 90-day window before the two-year conditional green card expires. Waiver filings may be made at any time prior to removal. Includes the required filing fee unless a fee waiver applies.
- Form I-829 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)PDF availableUSCIS filing forms and notices
The primary petition form for removing conditions from EB-5 investor-based conditional permanent residence, filed with USCIS within the 90-day window before the second anniversary of the conditional green card. Must be accompanied by evidence that the qualifying investment was sustained throughout the conditional period and that the required full-time U.S. jobs were created. Includes the required filing fee.
- Form I-881 (Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal)PDF availableUSCIS filing forms and notices
The primary application form for NACARA Section 203 relief filed with USCIS when the applicant is not in removal proceedings. Includes supporting evidence of cohort eligibility, continuous physical presence, good moral character, and hardship where required.
- G-4 Qualifying Service Residence and Tenure EvidenceSpecial immigrant evidence
Employment or retirement records documenting the qualifying G-4 international-organization service and any required residence-and-physical-presence thresholds as specified by the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 6 Part F Chapter 8 for G-4 special-immigrant cases. May include employment letters, pay records, official organization records, Form I-566 materials, and records of the qualifying principal's service period with the international organization.
- HRIFA Pre-December-31-1995 Entry EvidenceHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
Documentary evidence establishing entry into the United States before December 31, 1995, as required for principal-applicant eligibility under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA). May include contemporaneous immigration arrival records, I-94 records, or other official dated documents proving the qualifying entry. Also include evidence of Haitian nationality.
- HRSA HPSA Designation Evidence and Public-Interest AttestationPDF availableSpecial immigrant evidence
Evidence of HRSA Health Professional Shortage Area designation for the qualifying worksite, plus the required public-interest attestation from the relevant federal, state, or local agency confirming the physician's qualifying service to an underserved population under the special immigrant physician category.
USCIS approval notice for the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. Bring the original or a copy of the I-797 approval notice to the consular interview.
The USCIS approval notice showing an I-360 special immigrant petition was approved under the specific classification the later case depends on.
- I-751 Abuse Waiver EvidenceAfter approval and removal of conditions
Evidence supporting an I-751 waiver filed on the basis that the conditional resident was subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent. Acceptable evidence includes police reports, court orders of protection, medical records documenting injuries, counseling or therapy records, evidence of shelter stays or victim-services involvement, affidavits from witnesses, and other records that credibly document the abuse pattern. The I-751 instructions and USCIS Policy Manual chapter provide the evidentiary standard for this waiver basis.
- I-751 Divorce Waiver EvidenceAfter approval and removal of conditions
Evidence supporting an I-751 waiver filed on the basis that the marriage was entered in good faith but has ended in divorce or annulment. Required documents include the final divorce decree or annulment judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction, plus any bona fide marriage evidence showing the marriage was genuine when entered into. The conditional resident may file a waiver petition at any time after the marriage ends; the petition need not wait for the standard 90-day filing window.
- I-751 Extreme Hardship Waiver EvidenceAfter approval and removal of conditions
Evidence supporting an I-751 waiver filed on the basis that removal of the conditional resident would result in extreme hardship. The extreme hardship standard under INA 216 requires a showing of hardship beyond the ordinary hardship of removal. Relevant factors include health conditions requiring ongoing treatment, length of residence, family ties, country conditions, economic disruption, and other country-specific and individual circumstances. The I-751 instructions and USCIS Policy Manual chapter describe the multi-factor hardship analysis.
- I-829 Business Operations EvidenceAfter approval and removal of conditions
Documentation demonstrating that the new commercial enterprise existed and operated as a going concern throughout the conditional residence period. Acceptable evidence includes state business registration records, corporate filings, business licenses, a description of the enterprise's business activity, evidence of ongoing operations such as business bank account statements, contracts, invoices, and other operational records. The USCIS I-829 instructions and suggested documentation-order page identify the specific categories of business-operations evidence the petitioner should organize.
- I-829 Investment Sustained EvidenceAfter approval and removal of conditions
Documentation demonstrating that the qualifying EB-5 capital investment was made and remained invested and at risk throughout the entire conditional residence period, as required under INA 216A and the USCIS I-829 instructions. Acceptable evidence includes capital contribution records, wire transfer records, subscription agreements or limited partnership records, business bank account statements, audited financial statements for the new commercial enterprise, capital account records, and tax filings for the entity and investor reflecting the continued investment position.
- I-829 Job Creation EvidenceAfter approval and removal of conditions
Documentation establishing that the required full-time U.S. jobs were created by the new commercial enterprise during the conditional period, as required under INA 216A. For direct-employment cases, acceptable evidence includes payroll records, Forms W-2, Forms I-9, organizational charts, and tax filings showing the employees' qualifying employment. For regional-center cases, job-creation evidence may include the economic methodology and model inputs accepted by USCIS, along with the regional center's supporting documentation for the indirect and induced job count as described in the USCIS I-829 instructions and the suggested documentation-order guidance.
- Indochinese Qualifying Parole EvidenceHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
Documentary evidence of parole into the United States under a qualifying historical parole program as required by the Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act, combined with evidence of nationality from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. May include parole authorization documents, I-94 records, or other official records tying the entry to the qualifying historical parole authority.
- IRS Tax-Exempt Status Verification LetterSpecial immigrant evidence
IRS determination letter or verification confirming that the petitioning religious organization or affiliated employer holds valid tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. Required for special immigrant religious worker cases.
- Joint Financial RecordsAfter approval and removal of conditions
Financial records showing that the conditional resident and the petitioning spouse have combined or intermingled finances, such as joint bank account statements, joint credit card statements, joint investment account records, joint tax returns (IRS transcripts or copies), joint loan documents, or other records showing a shared financial life during the conditional residence period. The I-751 instructions list joint financial records as a primary category of bona fide marriage evidence.
- Joint Residence RecordsAfter approval and removal of conditions
Records demonstrating that the conditional resident and the petitioning spouse shared a physical residence during the conditional period, such as lease agreements or rental contracts listing both names, mortgage documents, utility bills in both names, official mail addressed to both parties at the same address, or similar evidence. The I-751 instructions recognize joint lease or mortgage records as a primary category of bona fide marriage evidence.
- Lautenberg Cohort and Parole Authority EvidenceHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
Documentation establishing membership in the Lautenberg Amendment cohort (religious-minority national from the former Soviet Union, Iran, or other listed country) and the qualifying parole authority under which the applicant entered the United States. May include parole records, parole authorization letters, religious-community affiliation evidence, and any records that tie the parole grant to the Lautenberg route described on the current USCIS page. Verify that the USCIS page still indicates the route is actively adjudicating before filing.
- LRIF Continuous Presence Since November 20, 2014 EvidenceHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
Documentary evidence establishing continuous physical presence in the United States since November 20, 2014, as required for LRIF eligibility under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act and the USCIS LRIF policy chapter. A chain of overlapping dated records spanning from the anchor date to the present is needed. Acceptable records include entry documents, lease agreements, tax filings, employment records, school records, bank statements, medical records, and other dated official or contemporaneous documents. Also include evidence of Liberian nationality.
- NACARA Section 203 Cohort Eligibility EvidenceLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
Documentation establishing membership in the qualifying NACARA Section 203 cohort, including nationality evidence (passport, birth certificate, or consular records) and immigration registration history (ABC registration receipt, TPS documentation, or other cohort-specific registration records required for the applicable cohort). The I-881 instructions describe the specific cohort criteria and the evidence required to establish each element.
- NACARA Section 203 Good Moral Character EvidenceLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
Documentation establishing good moral character throughout the required qualifying period for NACARA Section 203. Evidence categories include tax returns and IRS tax transcripts showing filing compliance, criminal history records (state police clearance letters and FBI identity history summary), court disposition records for any arrests or charges, community or character reference letters, and employment records. The I-881 instructions and USCIS NACARA eligibility page describe the applicable good-moral-character standard and the period covered.
- NATO-6 Service and Residence-Threshold EvidenceSpecial immigrant evidence
Records documenting the qualifying NATO-6 employment, retirement, or other status and any required residence or physical-presence thresholds per the USCIS Policy Manual G-4 and NATO-6 chapters. May include NATO employment letters, official NATO-6 status records, Form I-566 materials, and records of the qualifying service period. The NATO-6 route is distinct from the G-4 route; evidence must clearly establish the NATO-6 basis.
- Panama Canal Zone Employment RecordsSpecial immigrant evidence
Employment records proving historical Panama Canal Zone service as required by the USCIS Policy Manual chapter for former Panama Canal Zone employees. May include official Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government employment records, pay stubs, orders, or other official documentation of the qualifying historical workforce service that the policy chapter recognizes.
Department of Labor PERM labor certification (ETA Form 9089) approved on behalf of the beneficiary. Required for EB-2 PERM and EB-3 cases. Not required for EB-1 or EB-2 NIW cases.
- Petitioner's Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)Identity and civil records
Copy of the front and back of the petitioning LPR's Permanent Resident Card. Required when the petitioner is a lawful permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen.
- Physical Presence EvidenceHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
Dated documentary evidence establishing the required period of physical presence in the United States, such as entry records, lease agreements, school or work records, tax filings, or other dated official documents.
- Physical Presence on December 21, 2000 EvidenceLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
Documentary evidence establishing physical presence in the United States on December 21, 2000, required when the qualifying grandfathering filing was made on or after January 14, 1998. May include records such as tax filings, pay stubs, school or medical records, government documents, or other dated official records.
- Physician Service ContractSpecial immigrant evidence
A signed contract or employment agreement documenting the physician's commitment to the required period of qualifying service at the designated underserved worksite under the special immigrant physician category, as required by the USCIS policy manual and 8 CFR 245.18.
- Prior A or G Diplomatic Status DocumentationSpecial immigrant evidence
Documentation of prior A-1, A-2, G-1, or G-2 admission as a principal officer or qualifying employee of a foreign government or international organization, including visa records, I-94 arrival history, I-566 materials, and any State Department or mission confirmation needed to verify the prior diplomatic status history for Section 13 adjustment cases.
- Proof of Asylum GrantHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
The approval notice, immigration judge order, or derivative grant record showing asylum was actually granted, not merely requested.
- Proof of Cuban NationalityHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
Documents establishing Cuban nationality, such as a Cuban passport, Cuban birth certificate, Cuban identity document, or other nationality evidence accepted under the I-485 instructions for Cuban Adjustment Act cases.
The approval and status-history records showing the underlying T or U humanitarian status that may support a later green-card filing.
The admission or status record showing the person was admitted as a refugee under the refugee framework, rather than entering in another status.
- Registry Continuous Residence EvidenceLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
Documentary evidence of continuous physical presence in the United States since before January 1, 1972, as required for registry under INA 249. A chain of dated records across the years is needed to sustain the continuous-presence showing.
- Registry Good Moral Character EvidenceLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
Evidence of good moral character for the required period, including character references and documentation addressing any criminal history or inadmissibility bars relevant to registry eligibility under INA 249. Disqualifying convictions and national-security concerns defeat registry eligibility.
- Registry Pre-January-1-1972 Entry EvidenceLegacy statutory and grandfathering evidence
Dated records used to prove the applicant entered the United States before January 1, 1972 for registry eligibility.
- Religious Organization Employment LetterSpecial immigrant evidence
Letter from the qualifying religious denomination or affiliated organization confirming the offered full-time religious position, the applicant's qualifying role (minister, religious vocation, or religious occupation), compensation structure, and the organization's status as a qualifying nonprofit.
- S Nonimmigrant Status and Agency Certification EvidenceHumanitarian and protection-based evidence
Documentation of S nonimmigrant status admission and the sponsoring law-enforcement or national-security agency certification records, including any Form I-854 related materials, confirming the qualifying cooperation with authorities that underlies the S-nonimmigrant classification. Also include evidence of admission in S status (I-94 or equivalent) and any records showing the status remains valid or that the agency attests continued cooperation for purposes of the adjustment.
- State Court SIJ Findings OrderSpecial immigrant evidence
The state-court order containing the SIJ-required findings about dependency, reunification, and best-interest determinations.
- U.S. Armed Forces Service and Discharge RecordsSpecial immigrant evidence
Official records documenting qualifying U.S. armed forces service, including discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent), orders, or official personnel records showing the required period and character of service for the special immigrant armed forces category.
- U.S. Government Overseas Employment Verification LetterSpecial immigrant evidence
Employer letter, personnel records, or equivalent official documentation proving qualifying overseas U.S. government service as required by the USCIS Policy Manual chapter for international employees of the U.S. government abroad. Must establish the length, location, and nature of the overseas government employment and the correct employer relationship under INA 203(b)(4) and the controlling policy-manual definition.
- USAGM Broadcaster Employer and Role Verification LetterSpecial immigrant evidence
Employment verification letter from the qualifying U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) entity or grantee confirming the applicant's qualifying broadcaster role, dates of service, and the USAGM or affiliated organization that filed the I-360 petition. The letter must establish that the applicant worked in a qualifying media-production role for a covered USAGM entity per the USCIS broadcaster special-immigrant category page and the I-360 instructions.
This library page groups documents for orientation. The checklist and official instructions still control what is currently required.
Recheck the live official source before filing, traveling, paying fees, or relying on post-specific instructions.
Sources used on this page
- Step 5: Collect Financial Documents and Other Civil Documents (DOS)Official source
Why this source is here: DOS guidance on civil document collection, originals vs copies, and document preparation. Source IDs S03/S04 in research pack.
- Step 6: Complete Online Application and Submit Documents (DOS)Official source
Why this source is here: DOS guidance on document submission to NVC and what to bring as originals to the interview. Source IDs S05/S06/S07/S08 in research pack.
- Ciudad Juarez Consulate: Immigrant Visa Information (English)Official sourcePost-specific
Why this source is here: Post-specific guidance for Ciudad Juarez immigrant visa interviews. Bilingual CDJ checklist (A01 in research pack). Source ID S17.
- Maintained Source PolicyProject policy
Why this source is here: Project governance reference for how canonical source-backed content should be maintained.