What Documents does a UK Spouse Need to Apply for a Green Card and Move to the US After Marriage
Planning to move to the U.S. after marrying a U.S. citizen? If you’re a UK-based partner gathering paperwork to start the green card process, you’re in the right place.
At Khunkhun Law, we’ve worked with countless British-American couples, and we know how overwhelming the document preparation stage can feel. That’s why we’ve created this detailed, easy-to-follow checklist of everything you’ll need to submit a strong, well-organized application, whether you’re going through marriage based consular processing in the UK or adjustment of status in the U.S.
If you're looking for what documents are needed for a UK spouse to get a green card to the USA, this blog is your roadmap.
Overview: Two Green Card Paths, Two Slightly Different Checklists
Before we dive into the documents, it’s important to know which process applies to you:
Consular Processing UK spouse living in the UK while Processing their Green Card:
You'll apply from abroad and attend your green card interview at the U.S. Embassy in London.Adjustment of Status (UK spouse already in the U.S. legally):
You'll file your application from within the U.S. after marriage, provided your entry was legal (e.g., ESTA, B-2, F-1, H-1B, etc.). Note that as of 2025, we do not recommend that the UK spouse overstay their visa or violate their status when applying for their adjustment of status for a marriage based Green Card. This means that ESTA entrants and B-2 visitor visa holders may not be able to adjust their status when pursuing their marriage based Green Card.
Section 1: Documents Required for All UK Spouse Green Card Applicants
Regardless of the process you use, these are the core documents you and your U.S. citizen spouse will need to prepare:
Proof of Marriage
Certified original copy of your marriage certificate
If applicable: Divorce decrees or death certificates from any prior marriages (for both spouses)
Passport-Style Photos
2 passport-style color photos of both the U.S. citizen and the UK spouse (must meet U.S. Department of State specifications)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Petitioner)
U.S. passport biographic page OR
U.S. birth certificate OR
Naturalization certificate OR
Certificate of Citizenship
Relationship Evidence (Proving a Bona Fide Marriage)
You must demonstrate that your marriage is genuine, not solely for immigration purposes. Strong evidence includes:
Joint lease or mortgage
Joint bank account statements
Utility bills with both names
Photos together over time (captioned with dates and locations)
Travel itineraries or tickets from visits
Affidavits from friends/family attesting to the relationship
Social media screenshots showing relationship history
Proof of communication between the spouses such as text messages and emails
Financial Sponsorship (Affidavit of Support)
The U.S. citizen must show they can financially support the UK spouse by filing Form I-864.
Required documentation includes:
Most recent IRS tax transcript (preferred) or tax return (Form 1040)
All W-2s or 1099s for the most recent year
Recent pay stubs (3–6 months recommended)
Employment verification letter
Proof of assets (if using savings or property to qualify)
If a joint sponsor is needed, the same documents are required from them
Section 2: Additional Documents for UK-Based Spouses (Consular Processing)
If you're applying from the UK, these are additional documents you'll need for the NVC and U.S. Embassy in London stages:
Passport
Valid UK passport, not expiring within 8 months of your planned U.S. entry
Birth Certificate:
Full UK birth certificate, listing both parents as per the U.S. Department of State visa reciprocity guidelines
Police Certificates
ACRO Police Certificate covering all UK residences
If you've lived in other countries for over 6 months since age 16: additional police certificates from those countries
Medical Exam Report
Must be completed by an approved panel physician in the UK (you’ll be instructed when to schedule this by the NVC or Embassy)
Form DS-260 Confirmation
Online immigrant visa application form for consular processing
You’ll bring your DS-260 confirmation page to your interview
I-864 (Affidavit of Support) Packet
Completed by your U.S. spouse (and any joint sponsors)
Submitted to the NVC before your interview
Section 3: Additional Documents for UK Spouses Adjusting Status in the U.S. for their Green Card based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
If you’re applying from within the U.S. after entering legally, here’s what else you’ll need:
Proof of Legal Entry to the U.S.
I-94 arrival record (can be retrieved online)
Passport page with U.S. entry stamp and visa, if applicable
Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
You’ll submit this alongside the I-130 if filing concurrently if and only if the U.S. spouse is a U.S. Citizen.
Form I-944 or I-693 (Public Charge & Medical)
Form I-693: Completed medical exam in a sealed envelope (done by a U.S. civil surgeon)
Note: The I-944 public charge form was eliminated, but could return under new rules, check for the latest requirements
Advance Parole and Work Authorization (Optional but Recommended)
If you’d like to work or travel while your green card is pending:
File Form I-765 (Work Permit)
File Form I-131 (Advance Parole/Travel Document)
Special Tips: Avoid These Common Document Mistakes
Make sure all foreign-language documents are translated into English.
A certified English translation is required for anything not originally in English.Submit clear, legible copies of all documents.
Illegible or cropped scans can delay your case.Double-check the expiration dates of passports, police certificates, and income documents.
Start collecting evidence of your relationship early; don’t wait until after you apply. If strong evidence is not submitted with the original I-130 application, your case can be considered a red flag case.
Why Legal Support Helps You Get It Right the First Time
Document preparation is not just paperwork—it’s the foundation of your green card case. Missing, incomplete, or inconsistent documents are the #1 reason for delays and Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
At Khunkhun Law, we:
Provide you with customized checklists tailored to your process
Review every document to ensure compliance and strategy
Help build your relationship evidence file to meet USCIS and Embassy standards
Submit fully optimized and organized green card applications for faster processing
Coach you along the entire journey on how to capture your relationship thoroughly to make sure each stage goes through without delay.
Real UK Spouse Success Stories
“We thought we had all our documents, but Sharon found several weak spots and helped us strengthen our case. Our green card was approved in under a year!” — Hector & James, London & Los Angeles
“The checklist saved us. We never would’ve known we needed police certificates from the two countries I lived in. Khunkhun Law caught it in time!” — Freddie & Surinder, Manchester & Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
What documents does a UK spouse need to apply for a U.S. green card?
The core documents include proof of marriage (marriage certificate, divorce decrees if applicable), proof of the U.S. citizen spouse’s status, financial sponsorship documents (Form I-864 with tax returns, pay stubs, etc.), relationship evidence (photos, joint accounts, leases), and passport-style photos. Depending on whether you’re applying through consular processing or adjustment of status, you’ll also need items like a police certificate, medical exam, or proof of legal entry. At Khunkhun Law, we provide couples with customized document checklists so nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need a UK police certificate for my U.S. spouse visa or green card?
No you only need the police certificate for the UK spouse. If you’re applying through consular processing in London, the UK spouse must submit an ACRO Police Certificate covering all your UK addresses. If you’ve lived in other countries for more than 6 months since age 16, you’ll need police certificates from those countries as well. This is a common place where applicants make mistakes, but our team ensures you know exactly which certificates are required.
What financial documents must my U.S. spouse provide to sponsor me?
The U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and provide financial evidence, typically: their most recent IRS tax transcript, W-2s or 1099s, pay stubs, and an employment letter. If they don’t meet the income requirement, a joint sponsor can step in with the same documents. At Khunkhun Law, we carefully review income and asset evidence to avoid rejections or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
What’s the difference between documents for Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status?
Consular Processing (UK-based spouse): You’ll need a UK police certificate, a medical exam with a panel physician, a valid passport, and a DS-260 confirmation page for your U.S. Embassy interview in London.
Adjustment of Status (UK spouse in the U.S.): You’ll need proof of lawful entry (I-94, visa, entry stamp), a U.S. medical exam (Form I-693), and you can optionally apply for work and travel permits. We guide our clients through which checklist applies to them so nothing is missed. Your passport doesn’t have to be valid to apply for a marriage based adjustment of status case.
What happens if I forget any documents in my green card application?
Missing or incomplete documents are the number 1 cause of delays. USCIS or the U.S. Embassy may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) known as 221g paperwork, which can add months to your case. In more serious cases, it can even lead to denial. That’s why we provide our clients with a tailored document strategy and review every submission before filing. With the right preparation, you can avoid unnecessary setbacks and move to the U.S. faster.
Why is Sharon Khunkhun one of the best lawyers for this type of case?
Read more about Sharon here. She was born and raised in the UK. She not only immigrated to the U.S. as a young adult but also is responsible for sponsoring her parents even before she became a lawyer.
Ready to Start Your Green Card Journey?
If you're a UK-based partner gathering your green card documents or newly married to a U.S. citizen, let Khunkhun Law be your legal guide. We’ve helped dozens of UK spouses move to the U.S. through consular processing and adjustment of status—with the highest approval rates. The reason for our high approval rates is that our cases do not go out of the door unless they are winners from the beginning. We are a boutique law firm by design. Your case will not get caught in the shuffle as it could in a large firm. We provide personalized service with excellent results! See for yourself by reading our Google reviews!
Schedule your consultation today, and we'll help you to build a flawless application - starting with documents that matter the most. Should you or your loved one have any questions or need representation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Although we are located in New York City, we represent clients all over the 50 states of the US.Call us, email us, or review other options to get in touch with us for an immigration consultation. We have represented many clients with successful results, even with the most difficult set of facts.