Submitting Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation is the initial evidence that is required as proof of identification and as justification of eligibility for a benefit. These documents are required for USCIS to make a decision on your application. Examples of supporting documentation include copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, Permanent Resident Cards, etc.

Check the instructions for the form you are e-Filing to determine what supporting documentation, if any, is required.

Instructions for Submitting Supporting Documentation for e-Filed Applications Only

• Review the instructions for your e-Filed form to determine what supporting documentation is required.
• Gather your supporting documentation for your e-Filed application.
  • Originals and copies. In almost all cases, submit a photocopy of your supporting document to USCIS. For more information, see How do I Know if I Need Original Documents (in the Related Links section of this page)? If form instructions state that a copy of a document may be filed with an application, and you choose to send USCIS the original, USCIS may keep the original for our records.
  • Translations. Any foreign language document must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and correct, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate the foreign language into English.
• Print a copy of your Confirmation Receipt notice and attach it as a cover page (or first page) to your supporting documentation package.
  • Do not include a copy of your e-Filed application with your supporting documentation.
  • If you e-Filed several applications concurrently (See E-Filing Forms Concurrently in the Related Links), you will have a Confirmation Receipt notice for each application submitted.
  • Include the Confirmation Receipt notice as the first page of the supporting documentation for each application.
  • Do not include any paper-based applications or fees with your supporting documentation for the e-Filed application.
• NOTE: All attorneys and Organizational Representatives e-Filing an application or petition on behalf of a client, must perform the following steps:
  • Generate a copy of the G-28 (it will be generated as part of the PDF file application after you click the "Finish" button).
  • Confirm that the Applicant/Beneficiary/Petitioner name and address information does appear on the G-28.
  • If the Applicant/Beneficiary/Petitioner name and address information does not appear on the G-28, print out the G-28 (it will printout with the PDF file application).
    • Make a copy of the G-28 for each application electronically submitted.
    • Fill in the Applicant/Beneficiary/Petitioner name and address information by hand.
    • Sign each G-28.
    • Submit the completed and signed G-28s to the address on the Confirmation Receipt notice with the required supporting documentation.
    • If you e-File Form I-907 by itself or concurrently with any other application, please see the list of Special Mailing Addresses.
• Keep a copy of your Confirmation Receipt notice(s) and application(s) for your records, noting what supporting documentation you mailed and the date you mailed it. You may wish to make a copy of the entire package before mailing it.
• Place all supporting documentation into one package and mail it to the address provided on the Confirmation Receipt notice.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in processing delays or even denial of your application.