Cover letter is not required for marriage-based green card applications but if you want to submit one, you can use the template below. Our comments are highlighted in red.
[Date]
USCIS
Attn: AOS
P.O. Box 4109
Carol Stream, IL 60197-4109
(The correct mailing address depends on the state of your residence: USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family-Based Forms)
Marriage-Based Petition I-130 and I-485
John Williams (US Citizen Petitioner)
Camilla Williams (Spouse Beneficiary)
Dear Immigration Officer:
Enclosed please find concurrently filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status filed on behalf of U.S. Citizen Petitioner John Williams and his spouse beneficiary Camila Williams. Attached, please find personal checks for $625, $1,440, $260, and $630 for the filing fees for the I-130, I-485, I-131, I-765. Passport-style photographs of petitioner and beneficiary are attached to the respective petitions/applications.
In support of the applications, we are also including the following:
- Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative; (or Form I-130 receipt notice, if you choose to file Form I-130 online – recommended)
- Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary;
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decrees for prior marriages, plus English translation (if applicable);
- Petitioner’s naturalization certificate;
- Petitioner’s unexpired U.S. passport;
- Joint Lease showing shared residence;
- Joint Health Insurance Card;
- Joint bank account statements;
- Wedding Invitation;
- Annotated personal photographs of the wedding ceremony and from throughout the relationship;
- Joint car insurance;
- Joint phone bills;
- Joint utility bills (provide as many documents as possible from this checklist: How to Prove Bona Fide Marriage Relationship)
- Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status;
- Beneficiary’s birth certificate, plus English translation;
- I-94 issued to Beneficiary upon most recent entry;
- Beneficiary’s nonimmigrant documents, including H-1B Approval Notices, I-20s and OPT EAD (front and back);
- Beneficiary’s Passport (biographic page);
- Beneficiary’s U.S. visas;
- Beneficiary’s U.S. entry stamps;
- Beneficiary’s sealed medical form.
- I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA;
- Couple’s Joint IRS Tax Return Transcript for most recent year, plus W-2 and 1099 forms;
- Petitioner’s Employment Letter;
- Petitioner’s Certificate of Naturalization;
- I-765, Application for Employment Authorization;
- I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
Sincerely,
______________________
Signature
[US citizen petitioner’s full name]
US citizen petitioner’s address
US citizen petitioner’s email address
US citizen petitioner’s phone number
Watch Our Client’s Success Story – From Parole to Green Card in 9 Months:
Introduction
Securing a marriage-based green card can feel overwhelming, but our client’s story proves it’s possible to navigate the U.S. immigration system efficiently with the right guidance.
The Starting Line: CBP One Entry
In September 2023, the client entered the U.S. via the CBP One mobile app—setting the wheels in motion for the green card process.
Building the Case: Marriage-Based Petition
Once married to a U.S. citizen, the client filed Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I?485 (Adjustment of Status) simultaneously—streamlining the process under the “AOS” procedure.
Efficient Timeline
Over nine months, the couple:
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Filed the complete application packet
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Attended biometrics and the in-person marriage interview
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Received the green card approval
This marks a notably swift approval for a marriage-based case.
Why It Mattered
- Professional Support: The immigration attorney’s preparation—organizing evidence, preparing clients for the interview—was key to success.
What You Can Learn
- File I?130 and I?485 together if eligible—it can reduce wait times.
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Document your relationship thoroughly: joint finances, photos, affidavits, and shared residence.
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Prep for the interview early—knowing each other’s history, daily routine, and relationship narrative makes a difference.
Final Word
This nine-month green card approval showcases how strategy, preparation, and timely filings can lead to success. If you’re navigating a similar route, consider legal guidance—and don’t underestimate the impact of a well-documented, organized application.
Learn More: