Resources, Checklists & Templates | Immigration Advisors

CHECKLIST Form I-485 / I-130

Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status Packet Checklist

Complete inventory of civil documents, certified translations, passport photos, bona fide marriage evidence index, and civil surgeon medical report (I-693).

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TEMPLATE I-601 / I-601A

Sample Hardship Declaration Outline & Structure

Structural paragraph-by-paragraph framework for qualifying US citizen and LPR spouses/parents explaining medical, psychological, and country-condition hardship.

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CALCULATOR Form I-864 / I-912

Federal Poverty Guidelines (HHS) Reference Table

Calculates 100%, 125% (I-864 Affidavit of Support threshold), and 150% (I-912 Fee Waiver limit) for household sizes from 1 to 8 persons.

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DIRECTORY Official Government Links

USCIS, EOIR & NVC Direct Official Portals

Direct official links to USCIS online case status tracker, EOIR automated case information, Visa Bulletin, and CEAC consular portal.

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RESEARCH Asylum & Waivers

Country Conditions Research Repositories

Authoritative repositories including US State Department Human Rights Reports, UNHCR Refworld, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

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LEGAL AID DOJ Accredited

National Pro Bono Legal Aid Directory

Find free and low-cost legal representation from DOJ Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) accredited non-profits nationwide.

Justice.gov OLAP Government Directory

Marriage-Based Adjustment (I-485) Evidence Checklist

Part A: Civil & Identity Documents

US Citizen Petitioner's proof of citizenship (US Birth Certificate, US Passport, or Naturalization Certificate). Beneficiary's Foreign Passport, Visa stamp, and I-94 Arrival/Departure record showing lawful inspection/parole. Official Certified Marriage Certificate (with certified English translation if issued in a foreign language). Certified Final Divorce Decrees or Death Certificates for all prior marriages of both petitioner and beneficiary.

Part B: Bona Fide Marriage & Financial Evidence

Joint residential lease, mortgage deed, or property title showing both spouses residing at the same address. Joint checking & savings account statements showing recurring household financial commingling over months. Joint health, auto, or life insurance policies naming each other as primary covered beneficiary. Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with petitioner's last 3 years of IRS tax transcripts and recent pay stubs.

Federal Poverty Guidelines (HHS Thresholds)

Applicable for Form I-864 (125% requirement) and Form I-912 Fee Waivers (150% threshold).

Household Size	100% (Base Poverty)	125% (I-864 Affidavit of Support)	150% (I-912 Fee Waiver Maximum)
1 Person (Sponsor alone)	$15,060	$18,825	$22,590
2 Persons (Sponsor + Spouse)	$20,440	$25,550	$30,660
3 Persons	$25,820	$32,275	$38,730
4 Persons	$31,200	$39,000	$46,800
5 Persons	$36,580	$45,725	$54,870
For each additional person add:	+$5,380	+$6,725	+$8,070

Sample Hardship Declaration Structural Framework

Recommended 7-section outline for qualifying relative statements under Form I-601/I-601A.

Section I: Identity & Citizenship — State full name, date of birth, US citizenship/LPR status, and familial relationship to applicant.

Section II: Marital & Family History — Chronology of how the couple met, courtship, shared values, and dependency of minor children.

Section III: Relocation Hardship (If Moving Abroad) — Why the US citizen cannot relocate to the foreign country (loss of career, medical care interruption, language barriers, security risks).

Section IV: Separation Hardship (If Remaining in US) — Psychological devastation, single parenting strain, and inability to cover US household expenses alone.

Section V: Medical & Psychological Diagnoses — Reference specific clinical evaluation reports, DSM-5 diagnoses, medication regimens, and therapy records.

Section VI: Discretionary Factors — Community ties, volunteer work, good moral character, and lack of criminal history.

Section VII: Jurat / Penalty of Perjury — Mandatory statutory oath: "I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct." Signed & dated.