I-130 Checklist for a Spouse

Petitioner status evidence

Include proof that you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident using documents the current Form I-130 instructions accept.

Marriage certificate

A civil marriage certificate is generally required. A marriage license alone is usually not enough. Names and dates should match the petition.

Termination of previous marriages

If either spouse was married before, include divorce decrees, annulments, or death certificates as applicable so USCIS can see that earlier marriages ended.

Bona fide marriage evidence (examples)

USCIS may ask for evidence that the marriage is genuine. Common examples include joint leases, combined finances, children born of the marriage, photographs, and third-party affidavits.

These are examples drawn from CivicNest’s curated filing guidance—not a mandatory universal list. CivicNest does not decide whether a marriage is bona fide.

Beneficiary information

Include identity and civil records for your spouse that match the petition, plus certified English translations of any foreign-language documents.

Form I-130A

For a spouse beneficiary, USCIS wants Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, in the same package as Form I-130.

CivicNest prepares Form I-130. It does not currently prepare Form I-130A. See the I-130A page for how that form fits the filing.

Translations

Any foreign-language document generally needs a complete English translation and a translator certification.

Official USCIS sources

• USCIS Form I-130
• Form I-130 instructions (PDF)
• USCIS Form I-130A
• Form I-130A instructions (PDF)
• USCIS filing fees (G-1055)