Mahaprasad Nanda

Documentation Requirements for Sponsoring a Child for a Green Card

Overview:
This document outlines the necessary documentation to sponsor a child for a Green Card in the United States. It is organized by the applicant (sponsor or child) and the corresponding USCIS forms.

I. Sponsor's Documentation

A. Proof of Citizenship or Residency

U.S. Citizen:
- Certified copy of U.S. birth certificate
- Valid U.S. passport
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Lawful Permanent Resident:
- Copy of Green card (front and back)
- Copy of foreign passport with temporary permanent residency stamp

B. Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
- Certified copy of marriage certificate
- Certified copy of court order for name change
- Certified copy of adoption papers

C. Proof of Relationship to Child

Genetic or Non-genetic Gestational Mother:
- Certified copy of child's birth certificate

Genetic Father:
- Certified copy of child's birth certificate
- Certified copy of marriage certificate to child's mother
- If no longer married, proof of termination (e.g., death certificate, divorce decree)
- If unmarried to mother before child turned 18, evidence of paternity and bona fide parent-child relationship

Step-parent:
- Certified copy of child's birth certificate
- Certified copy of marriage certificate to child's genetic/legal gestational parent
- Proof of termination of all previous marriages for both parents

Adoptive Parent:
- Certified copy of child's original birth certificate
- Certified copy of the final adoption decree
- Evidence of two years of legal and physical custody

D. Passport Photos
- Two passport-style photos of the sponsoring parent

E. Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Evidence of financial support (e.g., most recent U.S. tax return, pay stubs, employment letter)
- Evidence of asset value (if applicable), including:
- Ownership documents and statements for bank accounts, stocks, etc.
- Appraisal and ownership documents for real estate
- Title and valuation for vehicles

II. Child's Documentation

A. Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
- Proof of Nationality (e.g., foreign birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of legal presence in the U.S. (e.g., valid visa and I-94)
- Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)
- Certified copies of any court, police, or prison records (if applicable)
- Documentation of any prior immigration violations (if applicable)
- Two passport-style photos of the child

B. Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
- Proof of pending Green Card application (receipt notice or Form I-485)
- Proof of previous U.S. work authorization or nationality (e.g., birth certificate and photo ID, foreign passport with visa)
- Two passport-style photos

C. Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver's license)
- Proof of current immigration status
- Proof of pending Green Card application
- Two passport-style photos

D. Form I-944 (Declaration of Self-Sufficiency)
- Proof of household income (e.g., tax returns, W-2s, foreign tax transcripts)
- Proof of household assets and liabilities (if applicable)
- Proof of good credit (e.g., credit report, evidence of bill payments)
- Proof of ability to pay for medical treatment (e.g., health insurance policy, doctor's letters)
- Evidence regarding use of public benefits (if applicable)
- Evidence regarding fee waivers (if applicable)
- Evidence of care-taking duties (if applicable)
- Evidence of education (transcripts, diplomas, etc.)
- Evidence of occupational skills (training certificates, licenses, etc.)
- Evaluation of foreign education or training (if applicable)
- Evidence of English proficiency

For more information on these forms and processes, visit the official USCIS website:
- Form I-485: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485
- Form I-765: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
- Form I-131: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131
- Form I-864: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864

Disclaimer:
This document provides a general overview of the documentation requirements. Specific circumstances may necessitate additional evidence. It is strongly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for personalized legal advice.

The information presented in this article is intended for academic and marketing purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified immigration attorney or legal professional for accurate and up-to-date legal counsel specific to your individual circumstances. Laws and regulations are subject to change, and professional guidance is crucial to ensure compliance.

OpenSphere is a technology company and does not hold itself out as a law firm. It operates independently and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any government entity. OpenSphere, its authors, and agents do not warrant the accuracy or real-world applicability of the information herein, nor are they liable for any damages arising from reliance on this information.