Documents Checklist for Adjustment of Status Interview

Introduction 

There are many additional benefits for a green card holder than for other nonimmigrant visa holders, like traveling freely within the US with fewer restrictions. Due to these benefits, many people go for adjustment of status, i.e., transitioning from a nonimmigrant visa to a green card. They have to file Form I-485 to adjust their status. The process of adjusting can be complex, and having correct documents accumulated and submitted may ease up the process. For that, you should have an idea what all documents you may require for your Form I-485. This article will prove a checklist of all such documents you may need to adjust your status. 

What Is Form I-485?

Form I-485 is used to adjust your status to legal permanent residence and get a green card. Adjusting your status is part of getting a green card in the US. If you meet specific criteria requirements, you can adjust your status to legal permanent residence. You may require several documents to be submitted through the process. The list can be found below: 

Documents Checklist 

Due to the complexity of the process of adjusting your immigration status, it’s beneficial to start with a checklist of everything you’ll need to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. The appointment notice from USCIS will contain a documents checklist of things to bring to your adjustment of status interview. Do take all the items listed in your appointment notice. You should expect to take the following items to the interview:  

Checklist for immediate relative to a green card holder or US citizen  

• Two passport-style photographs.
• A copy of your government-issued identity document with a photograph (typically your passport but can also be any other government-issued identity document)
• A copy of your birth certificate. You may submit other documents that prove your date of birth, such as a church, school, or medical records if you do not have a birth certificate available. In such a case, you also have to show evidence of unavailability or nonexistence. 
• Unless you are applying for adjustment under INA 245(i), you must submit inspection and admission or inspection and parole documentation. 
• Approval or Receipt Notice (Form I-797) for your form I-130. You are not required to submit this if you are filing your Form I-485 and Form I-130 together. 
• Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), only if required. 

Other documents if they apply to your case. You may find them on your appointment notice received from the USCIS if you are required to bring these. These are: 

• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
• Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal. 
• Form-612, Your J-1, and J-2 exchange visitor status documents. 
• Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities. 
• Form I-485 Supplement A
• Certified records from the police and the courts of your past arrests, convictions, and criminal charges against you. 
• Form I-566 (only if you have A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status)

If you are a spouse or child under 21 years of age, the checklist for you is the same as for immediate relatives, along with the following documents: 

• You have to show evidence that you are maintaining a lawful status since you have arrived in the US. 
• Documents showing your relationship with the principal applicant or a US citizen. If you are a spouse, you may show a marriage certificate or other acceptable evidence proving the happening of your marriage. If you are a child under 21 years of age, you can show evidence such as a birth certificate or adoption decree if applicable in your case.

Checklist for Employment-Based Form I-485 Applicants

• Two passport-size photographs. 
• A government-issued identification card with a photograph (usually your passport but can also be any other government-issued identity document)
• A copy of your birth certificate. If not available, you may show other documents proving your date of birth along with the evidence of non-availability. 
• Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole documentation unless applying under INA 245(i). 
• Documents proving your immigrant category. You may submit an Approval or receipt notice for the immigrant petition (Form I-797). You are not required to verify your immigrant status if you file your immigrant petition and adjust your status. 
• Evidence that you have maintained a lawful status since you have arrived in the US. 
• If you are a self-petitioner (for example, EB-1 “extraordinary ability” category), a signed statement that you intend to work in the field of expertise was mentioned in your Form I-140 petition. 
• Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), only if required. 

You may also require to submit the following documents if applicable in your case. You may find them on the appointment notice received from the USCIS. 

• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
• Form I-485 Supplement, Confirmation of job offer
• Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal. 
• Form-612, Your J-1, and J-2 exchange visitor status documents. 
• Form I-508, Waiver of Diplomatic Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities. 
• Form I-485 Supplement A, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i) (Supplement A)
• Certified records from the police and the courts of your past arrests, convictions, and criminal charges against you. 
• Form I-566 (only if you have A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status)

This checklist will help you prepare your Form I-485. Specific guidelines and requirements can be found on your I-485 appointment notice. You are not required to send your original documents unless you are specifically asked for them. Consult an immigration attorney in case you get confused about the submission of the documents. 

Conclusion

You could be filing your adjustment of status application from a family-based green card or employment-based green card, and you want the process to go smoothly. For that, you should consult an immigration attorney who will guide you through the process and help you gather all of the required documents. Our professional immigration attorneys help people achieve their dream of getting a green card, and you can get their help by just sending us a message.