USCIS Forms · Updated 2026
Every USCIS form in a marriage green card case
A marriage-based green card is built from a handful of USCIS forms, each with its own job, filer, and fee. These guides explain each form in plain English: what it does, who fills it out, what it costs in 2026, and the fields that trip applicants up.
Form I-130
Petition for Alien Relative
The petition that starts every marriage green card case. The sponsoring spouse files it to prove the marriage is real and establish the relationship.
Form I-485
Application to Adjust Status
The green card application itself, for spouses applying from inside the U.S. Usually filed together with the I-765 and I-131.
Form I-864
Affidavit of Support
The financial support contract the sponsoring spouse signs, showing income above the requirement — or bringing in a joint sponsor.
Form I-765
Work Permit (EAD)
How the immigrant spouse requests permission to work while the I-485 is pending. Category (c)(9) for marriage-based applicants.
Form I-131
Advance Parole (Travel Document)
Travel permission to leave and re-enter the U.S. while the green card case is pending. Not the same as a reentry permit.
Form I-693
Immigration Medical Exam
The medical exam completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and filed in a sealed envelope with the I-485.
Each guide links to field-by-field breakdowns of the questions applicants get wrong most often. Fees are current as of 2026 — always verify at uscis.gov before filing.
Which forms your case needs
Every marriage case starts with the I-130 petition and includes the I-864 financial contract. What comes next depends on where the immigrant spouse is: applying from inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) adds the I-485 green card application, usually with the I-765 work permit, I-131 travel document, and I-693 medical exam. Applying from abroad (Consular Processing) uses the State Department's DS-260 instead of the I-485.
Not sure which path applies to you? Start with the Adjustment of Status vs Consular Processing comparison or the complete marriage green card guide.
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