List of Documents you need to file form I-485 (with a K-1 visa)

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After your fiance arrives with a K-1 visa, you two get married, and prepare the I-485, there will be several documents to include and keep track of … reminding you of the days you prepared for the K-1 visa interview. 

However, this time, instead of applying for a K visa, you’re going to be applying for Permanent Residency (Green Card) with the USCIS. 

So, the documents and procedures are a bit different. In this article, you’re getting a comprehensive list of which documents to prepare with your I-485 Adjustment of Status.

Remember, you must get married within 90 days of entry. The I-485 application is encouraged to be applied as soon as possible afterwards.

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General form I-485 filing information

In of 2018, statistics of Adjustment of Status for fiance visa entrants reveal that there were 21,885 (CF1) + 3,103 (CF2) = 24,988 K visa applicants who got their green cards… fairly close to the number of people who came to the US with the visa in the same year.

Which goes to show you that most folks apply as soon as possible– and so should you.

Before we begin, please note the following two things:

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• ➭ The “principal applicant” is the K-1 visa beneficiary who married the US petitioner. A “derivative applicant” is any child (K-2 visa) applying together. 

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• ➭ All documents can be photocopies (except the actual I-485 and I-864). Originals are not required unless specifically asked for in the instructions. Normally, a clear and legible photocopy is acceptable for nearly all documents. 

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• ➭ The following list applies to BOTH the principal and derivative applicant.

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The complete I-485 AOS checklist

The USCIS’s official checklist for the I-485 is listed under the “immediate relative” category. However, I find that it’s vague and doesn’t offer more help than what’s in the I-485 instructions.

So, here’s my comprehensive checklist. You can download it, print it out, and mark it up before submitting your application. 

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Download the I-485 checklist (Fiance visa)

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Documents you must include

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1. ✔ Form I-485 – your original, completed, signed application to Adjust Status. Each applicant K-1 and K-2 will submit separate forms (but they can be sent in the same packet). Be sure you’re using the latest edition.

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1. ✔ Marriage certificate – showing that the US petitioner and beneficiary married within 90 days of entry. 

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1. ✔ Passport style photographs – 2 inch by 2 inch, 2 for each applicant, more if you include the I-765 or I-131.

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1. ✔ Government Issued identification – government-issued official ID. This is generally your passport biographic page for each applicant.

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1. ✔ Birth Certificate – copy of birth certificate or acceptable secondary evidence

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1. ✔ Proof of admission / inspection by CBP – this is generally the I-94 printout. Also include a copy of the K-1 or K-2 visa stamp + entry stamp from your passport.

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1. ✔ Immigrant Category proof – your approval letter (I-797) for the I-129F petition

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1. ✔ I-864 Affidavit of Support – a completed, original, signed affidavit with supporting documents (including: Tax returns or IRS Transcript, employment letters, etc. as necessary). Remember each applicant must be supported.

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1. ✘ Form I-944, Declaration of Self-sufficiency – NOT REQUIRED. Discontinued; No longer required to show that each applicant won’t become a public charge. This includes supporting documents as applicable. (how to fill out the I-944 form)

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1. ✔ Certified police / criminal documentation (if any) for K-1 or K-2 visa entrants. Notice this doesn’t mean you’re getting a new Police Clearance certificate. This only applies if you have criminal history.
   

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1. ✔ Filing fees – USCIS payment for all applicants for the form + biometrics. Filing fees are age-dependent, so be sure you pay the correct amount using an accepted method such as: personal check (recommended), money order, or credit card (G-1450).

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1. ✔ Proof of a bona fide marriage – not necessary, but highly recommended to prove that you’ve maintained a bona fide marriage (albeit a short time from K visa entry, marriage, and submission of the I-485. You will have another opportunity to submit additional evidence at the Green Card interview). Proof include photos, children born together, shared accounts, medical coverage, joint property, etc.

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1. ✔ Translations – for non-English documents, provide a translation

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1. ✘ G-325A – not required

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Documentation you should include

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1. ✔ [OPTIONAL, highly recommended] Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – if you want a temporary EAD/AP card. Filing fee waived if you send it together with the I-485.
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2. ✔ [OPTIONAL, highly recommended] Form I-131, Application for Travel Document – if you want advance parole to be able to travel abroad while your Green card is pending adjudication.  Filing fee waived if you send it together with the I-485.

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Documentation you may need

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1. ✔ Form I-693, Medical Exam and Vaccination – if you need to get a new exam if the overseas exam is expired or get vaccinations (if not done already for K visa).
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2. ✔ I-601, waiver for inadmissibility or other waivers. Examples include: Waiver request for medical inadmissibility (religious, etc.).
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3. ✔ G-1450, Authorization for Credit card Transaction – if paying the fee with a credit card.

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How to prepare the final I-485 Packet

Assembly instructions are simple. You’re going to print everything on paper, organize it, and mail it out to the appropriate address. This is almost exactly the way you prepared your I-129F.

To help, follow these tips:

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Do this

• ❒ Organize your important, required paperwork first like form I-485, passports, marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc. Then have supporting evidence like proof of relationship, the I-864, and more follow behind.
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• ❒ Use adhesive tabs to separate paperwork and folders so they’re easier to pull out when needed.
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• ❒ Use binder clips, paperclips, etc.
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• ❒ Print single sided. Make clear, legible copies (preferably color).

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Don’t do this

• ❒ Shrink paperwork or text.
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• ❒ Staple unless necessary.
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• ❒ Mix documents or statements.
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• ❒ Leave it up to the last day.

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Download and use checklist

Remember, the I-485 form to adjust status for K visa applicants is very important. Once you gather up and organize your documents, you can mail it out.

After that, you get your I-797c (Notice of Action) and your status changes from “K visa entrant” to “pending Permanent Residency adjudication”.

Download, print out, and mark off the list when you’ve completed all the paperwork. You don’t have to submit this checklist with your I-485 petition.

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Download the I-485 checklist (Fiance visa)

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For more help, please drop a comment or question. Join our email list for more help and guidance on the Adjustment of Status procedures.