Whether you're applying for a green card, work visa, asylum, or citizenship, starting with the right plan and paperwork can make or break your case.

Let’s break it down step by step so you can take action with clarity, and avoid common pitfalls that delay or destroy immigration success.

Documents You Need to Submit

Before you do anything else, gather the right documents. Here’s a core list most immigration paths will require:

  • Valid Passport – not expired and with enough pages for visas/stamps.

  • Birth Certificate – translated if not in English.

  • Marriage Certificate – if applying through a spouse.

  • Employment Letters – if applying for a work visa or employer sponsorship.

  • Proof of Legal Entry – visa stamp or I-94 if applicable.

  • Criminal Records – any and all, even dismissed charges.

  • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) – if a sponsor is supporting your application.

  • Form I-130, I-485, DS-260, or other core applications – depending on your status.

  • Photographs – recent passport-style images following USCIS specifications.

  • Medical Examination Form (I-693) – if required.

Note: Every immigration category (family-based, employment-based, humanitarian, etc.) has its own document checklist. One missing item can lead to rejection or long delays.

What Order Your Documents Should Be

USCIS and immigration authorities love organized, clear, and logical document submissions. Sloppy packages raise red flags.

Here’s the recommended order of your document assembly:

Cover Letter or Table of Contents

a clear roadmap of what’s included.

Completed Application Forms

typed, signed, and checked.

Supporting Identity Documents

passports, birth certificates, etc.

Relationship Evidence

photos, joint bills, messages (for marriage/family cases).

Proof of Status/Entry

visas, I-94s, prior USCIS notices.

Financial Documents

tax returns, bank statements, affidavits of support.

Translations & Certifications

if any document is not in English.

Medical Exam (in sealed envelope)

if required.

labeled and clipped, not stapled.

Photographs

Tip: Use tabs, labels, and clear headers. USCIS reviewers go through hundreds of applications a day. Help them help you.

What Not to Do

Even small errors can cause big problems. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

❌ Submitting incomplete forms or unsigned applications.
❌ Out-of-date documents (expired IDs, old addresses, missing translations).
❌ Providing inconsistent information across different forms.
❌ Skipping the filing fee or sending an incorrect amount.
❌ Overloading your packet with unnecessary or duplicate documents.
❌ Submitting documents in the wrong order or with confusing labels.
❌ Not keeping a copy of everything you send

Want Us to Review Your Final Document Assembly?

You’ve done the hard part—now let us double-check your work before you hit "send."
Our team of immigration professionals will carefully review your completed package for:

Accuracy and completeness
Proper order and presentation
Red flag risk factors
Missing documents or common rejection triggers

Don’t risk a denial over a preventable mistake.

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You’ve already gathered your documents. You’ve filled out the forms. Now, before you submit everything to USCIS, make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. With 123 Citizen’s Final Document Review, an experienced immigration expert will:
Review all your forms and evidence
Flag errors, or missing items
Confirm everything is in the correct order and properly labeled
Provide clear, written feedback so you can file confidently

Flat fee of $239 – no hidden costs, extra fees.
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