It is not necessary to have an attorney to file for your marriage petition. However, having a good immigration attorney helping you in the process can make the difference between an approval and a denial. This legal guide will give you some tips and checklist of few of the necessary documents that you would want to put in your case to make sure the process goes smoothly. Note that this list is for general use only. Each case is particular, and it will be advisable to act or refrain to act  solely based on this list

• Petitioner’s most recent tax returns
• Petitioner’s W2 or 1099
• Letter from employer stating annual salary, job title and date you started working
• 3 most recent check stub
• Original petitioner’s naturalization certificate, U.S passport or certified copy of birth certificate of petitioner if born in the USA.
• Applicant entry documents (passport, I-94, I-20s, IAP-66, etc)
• Airline ticket for marriage trip
• Miscellaneous: anything regarding a bona fide marriage
• Phone bills of calls made between the two of you
• 6 passport size photographs. (2X2 inch and white background)

BENEFICIARY (Foreign National) – Documents required

• Certified copy of birth certificate with translation, if applicable
• Medical Examination*
• applicant only (form and list of doctors attached)
• Miscellaneous: anything regarding a bona fide marriage
• 6 passport size photographs. (2X2 inch and white background)

* You will be asked about your vaccination history. If available, bring immunization records to your appointment. Note that if you are a beneficiary of INA 245(i) candidate, you will need to bring more proofs such as presence, copy of petition filed, etc.

Documents required by BOTH Petitioner and Beneficiary

• Certified copy of marriage certificate with translation, if applicable
• Engagement pictures, wedding pictures, photos of couple with family/friends, family photos (please label as to date, location and names of individuals in the photographs)
• Bank accounts, property registered in both names
• Insurance policies (medical, life, auto, etc.) with both names
• Any documents with both your names on them, e.g. Letters, bills, statements, etc.
• Lease or mortgage showing joint signatures/tenants

Disclaimer

This article is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the website publisher. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. Feel free to check our website to read more about marriage petitions