Document checklist builder

Every page, with your signature. A typed or stamped name isn't accepted.

Our fees guide explains the amounts and the reduced fee.

USCIS's checklist starts with this for permanent residents. Keep the card itself for your interview.

Only for documents with text in another language. Each translation needs the translator's signed statement that it's complete and accurate and that they're competent to translate.

The letter with your date, time, and location.

The card itself, not a copy. If it has expired, bring your N-400 receipt notice with it.

For example, a driver's license.

Valid and expired ones, even if you haven't traveled as a permanent resident. USCIS says leaving them at home could delay your case.

Applicants who live outside the United States send photos. Others generally don't, though USCIS may ask later.

If your green card was lost, you generally still need to replace it with Form I-90.

A copy of one of these: U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Form FS-240, or the biographical page of a U.S. passport.

On the marriage path, this shows you're married to a U.S. citizen.

Examples: joint bank or credit card statements, leases or mortgages, children's birth certificates, insurance policies, and IRS tax transcripts for both of you for the past 3 years. If you became a resident as the abused spouse of a citizen, the instructions say this isn't required.

Current members of the U.S. armed forces applying based on their service send an original or a copy of a completed N-426.

If you're serving in active-duty status. Send a photocopy, not the original.

For every period of service, if you've separated from the armed forces. Don't send originals.

A divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate for each earlier marriage of yours or your spouse's, with your current marriage certificate if you're married.

A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For a trip of more than 6 months but less than 1 year. Examples: rent or mortgage statements, pay statements, bank statements, car registration and insurance, passport stamps, or IRS tax transcripts.

Any court or government order, and proof of support, such as canceled checks, money order receipts, agency payment records, wage garnishment records, or a notarized letter from the children's caregiver.

A signed agreement with the IRS or the state or local tax office showing you filed and arranged to pay, and a document showing where your repayment stands.

Asked for when you owe overdue taxes.

For a fine, restitution, or wage garnishment.

The instructions say men under 26 who were required to register and haven't must register first.

For men 26 or older who didn't register when required, up to age 31, or 29 on the marriage path.

For men 26 or older who didn't register when required, up to age 31. On the marriage path, the instructions don't ask for these from age 29.

From the arresting agency or the court. This covers incidents anywhere in the world.

You can also add anything else you'd like USCIS to consider.

Includes jail, probation, alternative sentencing, and rehabilitative programs. USCIS won't approve an application while you're on probation, on parole, or under a suspended sentence.

Or a statement from the court that no record exists. You still report the offense on the form.

Required at the interview even if you sent photocopies. If a record isn't available, bring an official statement saying so.

Completed by an authorized medical professional, usually sent with your application. Our exemptions guide explains it.

They can send it with your form or give it to USCIS at your interview.

A court order for a legal guardian or surrogate, or proof that a family member is the primary caregiver, if someone will complete the process for you because of a disability.

A copy of each household member's most recent federal tax return. If someone didn't file, or the return doesn't show current income: pay stubs for at least the past month, a recent W-2, an SSA-1099, or an employer's statement.

Your marriage certificate, any divorce or annulment decree or death certificate, and any court decree that changed your name.

The instructions say to bring them, especially after a trip of more than 6 months. USCIS's G-1151 flyer suggests certified returns for the last 5 years, or 3 on the marriage path.