To apply for a family-sponsored immigrant visa in the United States, specific documentation is required depending on whether the applicant is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or falls under the family preference category. Below are the detailed document requirements for each category.

Immediate Relative Visa Requirements

For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents), the following documents are typically required:

1. Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
2. Form I-797: Copy of the Approval or Receipt Notice for Form I-130 filed on your behalf (unless filing concurrently).
3. Photographs: Two passport-style photographs.
4. Identity Document: Copy of a government-issued identity document with a photograph.
5. Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
6. Passport Copies:
   • Copy of the passport page with a nonimmigrant visa (if applicable).
   • Copy of the passport page with your admission or parole stamp (if applicable).
7. Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record or CBP admission/parole stamp (if applicable).
8. Proof of Lawful Status: Documentation proving continuous lawful status since arriving in the U.S.
9. Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.
10. Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
11. Criminal Records: Certified police and court records for any criminal charges, arrests, or convictions (if applicable).
12. Additional Forms:
    • Form I-601 (Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility) if applicable.
    • Form I-212 (Permission to Reapply for Admission) if applicable.

Family Preference Visa Requirements

For family preference visas (which include more distant relatives), applicants must provide similar documentation:

1. Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
2. Form I-797: Copy of the Approval or Receipt Notice for Form I-130 filed on your behalf.
3. Photographs: Two passport-style photographs.
4. Identity Document: Copy of a government-issued identity document with a photograph.
5. Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
6. Passport Copies:
   • Copy of the passport page with a nonimmigrant visa (if applicable).
   • Copy of the passport page with your admission or parole stamp (if applicable).
7. Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record or CBP admission/parole stamp (if applicable).
8. Proof of Lawful Status: Documentation proving continuous lawful status since arriving in the U.S.
9. Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.
10. Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
11. Criminal Records: Certified police and court records for any criminal charges, arrests, or convictions (if applicable).
12. Additional Forms:
    • Form I-601 (Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility) if applicable.
    • Form I-212 (Permission to Reapply for Admission) if applicable.

These documents are essential to ensure that both sponsors and applicants meet the necessary requirements for family-sponsored immigration to the United States.