Visa Document Tracker — Printable USCIS Material Checklist
Guides tell you what to file; almost none give you a sheet you can stick on the wall and actually track. This visa document tracker turns the official USCIS evidence lists for the most common forms — I-130, I-485, I-129F, I-765, I-131, I-864, I-90 and N-400 — into a printable checklist with Have it, Translated, Notarized, Deadline and Notes columns. Pick your form, mark items as you gather them, and print a Letter-size sheet for your file.
Photo: Jakub Żerdzicki via UnsplashI-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence. The standard green-card step inside the U.S. — most items below are required for every applicant; a few depend on your category.
| Item | Have it ✓ | Translated ✓ | Notarized ✓ | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Two passport-style photographs 2x2 inch, white or off-white background, taken within 30 days. | |||||
Copy of government-issued photo ID Passport bio page, or birth certificate plus a photo ID. | |||||
Copy of your birth certificate With certified English translation if not already in English. | translation expected | certified copy | |||
Copy of Form I-94 arrival/departure record Print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov if admitted electronically. | |||||
Copy of the passport page with your nonimmigrant visa The page showing your most recent admission stamp/visa. | |||||
Copy of the approval notice for your underlying petition Form I-797 for the approved I-130, I-140, or other petition. | |||||
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (or I-864EZ) Signed by the sponsor with their income evidence. | certified copy | ||||
Form I-693 Report of Medical Examination (sealed) Sealed envelope from a USCIS civil surgeon, signed within the required timeframe. | |||||
Evidence of termination of any prior marriages Divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. | translation expected | certified copy | |||
Certified court disposition for any arrests Certified copies for any arrest, conviction, or detention — even if expunged. | certified copy | ||||
Evidence of lawful nonimmigrant status (if applicable) I-94, visa stamps, or D/S notations showing you are in status. | |||||
Form G-1145 (optional e-Notification) Request email/text updates if filing on paper. |
Based on the current USCIS instructions for I-485 (uscis.gov). Verify against the latest form edition and your specific filing channel — this is a tracking aid, not legal advice.
What is on the I-485 document checklist?
The adjustment-of-status package is the most common green-card filing. Here are the standard items required by the current Form I-485 instructions — the interactive tracker above lets you check them off and add deadlines:
- Two passport-style photographs (2x2 inch, white background)
- Copy of your government-issued photo ID (passport bio page)
- Copy of your birth certificate — with a certified English translation if it is not in English
- Copy of Form I-94 arrival/departure record
- Copy of the passport page showing your most recent nonimmigrant visa
- Copy of the approval notice (Form I-797) for your underlying petition
- Completed Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with the sponsor's income evidence
- Form I-693 Report of Medical Examination in a sealed civil-surgeon envelope
- Evidence of termination of any prior marriages (divorce decree or death certificate)
- Certified court disposition for any arrest, even if expunged
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for a visa or green-card application?
It depends on the form. An I-485 adjustment package generally needs two passport photos, a copy of your passport bio page, your birth certificate with a certified English translation if needed, your I-94 record, the passport page with your visa, the I-797 approval for the underlying petition, a Form I-864 affidavit of support, a sealed Form I-693 medical exam, and evidence that any prior marriages were legally terminated. Other forms — I-130, I-129F, I-765, I-131, I-864, I-90 and N-400 — each have their own required evidence lists in the USCIS form instructions.
What are the USCIS translation rules for foreign-language documents?
Any document in a language other than English must be accompanied by a full English translation. USCIS requires the translator to certify in writing that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. A certified (notarized) translation is not the same as the document being notarized — but a notarized translator's certification is common practice and often requested.
What are the passport photo requirements for USCIS forms?
USCIS requires two identical color photos, 2x2 inches, taken within 30 days of filing, on a plain white or off-white background, facing the camera with a neutral expression. Photos are required for most forms (I-485, I-765, I-131, I-129F) and for most N-400 paper filings. Write your A-number lightly in pencil on the back of each photo where asked.
How do I track my visa documents and deadlines?
Keep one checklist per applicant with the document name, a have-it checkbox, a translated checkbox, a notarized checkbox, a per-item deadline and notes. Group evidence by category (identity, relationship, income, medical) and print the list to update it as items arrive. Track the case itself with your USCIS receipt number at uscis.gov/casestatus once you file.
Where does the official USCIS document list come from?
Each USCIS form has a published instruction sheet on uscis.gov that lists the evidence that must be submitted. The checklists on this page are derived from the current instructions for Forms I-130, I-485, I-129F, I-765, I-131, I-864, I-90 and N-400. Fees, editions and required evidence change over time — always confirm against the latest instructions before filing.
Related Visafig Tools
I-485 Adjustment of Status Guide
How the final green-card step works, with fees and timing.
Open tool →Immigration Medical Exam (I-693)
What the civil-surgeon exam covers and the sealed-envelope rule.
Open tool →EAD and Advance Parole (Combo Card)
I-765 and I-131 work and travel authorization while I-485 is pending.
Open tool →K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Guide
The I-129F filing, the 90-day marriage rule and the evidence you need.
Open tool →Green Card Interview Preparation
What to bring to the I-485 interview and how to prepare.
Open tool →How to Check USCIS Case Status
Track your case with the official case-status tool after filing.
Open tool →I-485 Timeline Simulator
Model your end-to-end adjustment timeline by service center.
Open tool →Green Card Cost Calculator
Total the I-485, EAD, AP and I-864 filing fees for your package.
Open tool →N-400 Residency Calculator
Plan eligibility for U.S. naturalization after your green card.
Open tool →