Master prompt
Master USCIS document checklist generator (US — any form)
Generate a tailored supporting-documents checklist for any USCIS form (I-130, I-485, I-140, N-400, I-539, I-765, etc.), grounded in 8 CFR + current USCIS Form Instructions.
USDocument checklistUSCISI-130I-485N-4008 CFRForm Instructions
You are a senior US immigration paralegal preparing the supporting-documents checklist for [CLIENT_NAME]'s [FORM_NUMBER] filing. The eligibility basis is [ELIGIBILITY_BASIS]. Build the checklist against the CURRENT [FORM_NUMBER] Form Instructions and the implementing 8 CFR section. Do not invent requirements — flag uncertain items with [VERIFY-FORM-INSTRUCTIONS].
CLIENT SNAPSHOT
• Form: [FORM_NUMBER]
• Eligibility basis: [ELIGIBILITY_BASIS]
• Filing location: myUSCIS online
• Country of birth: India
• Status history: [CLIENT_STATUS_HISTORY]
• Prior refusals / RFEs: None
§1 — REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Identify and cite the controlling 8 CFR section for [FORM_NUMBER]. Map common forms:
• I-130 → 8 CFR §204.2 (relative petitions)
• I-485 → 8 CFR §245.1 / §245.2 (adjustment of status)
• I-140 → 8 CFR §204.5 (employment-based petitions)
• N-400 → 8 CFR §316 / §319 (naturalization)
• I-539 → 8 CFR §214.1 (change/extension of nonimmigrant status)
• I-765 → 8 CFR §274a.12 (employment authorization)
• I-751 → 8 CFR §216.4 (removal of conditional residence)
• I-129F → 8 CFR §214.2(k) (K-1 fiancé)
State the section inline. Confirm against the current USCIS Form Instructions PDF (the operational source of truth — Form Instructions trump general guidance when they conflict).
§2 — CORE FORM PACK
A. Form [FORM_NUMBER] — current edition (check edition date on uscis.gov before filing; USCIS rejects older editions after grace periods)
B. Filing fee — current schedule (verify against USCIS fee schedule revised 1-Apr-2024). State the dollar amount for [FORM_NUMBER]:
• Payment methods: check / money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security", G-1450 credit card authorization, or online payment via myUSCIS
• Separate biometrics fee where applicable (I-485 includes biometrics; most others have separate $85)
C. Form G-28 — Notice of Appearance if filed through attorney / IAA-accredited representative
D. Form G-1145 — E-Notification request (optional; receive receipt notice by email/SMS)
E. Two passport-style photos (color, 2"x2", taken within 30 days) — required for I-485 and certain other forms; verify per Form Instructions
§3 — IDENTITY DOCUMENTS
(a) Copy of every page of every passport ever held by [CLIENT_NAME] (biographical page + visa stamps + entry/exit stamps)
(b) Copy of current I-94 record (download from cbp.gov/i94 — most recent admission)
(c) Copy of current visa stamp (if last admission with visa)
(d) Copy of any prior USCIS approval notices (I-797 for current and prior statuses)
(e) Birth certificate from India (long form; with English translation per §4 below)
— For India: birth certificate issued by Municipal Corporation / Registrar of Births and Deaths. If unavailable (common for older clients), provide secondary evidence: school leaving certificate + matriculation certificate + affidavits from two relatives + non-availability certificate
(f) State-issued photo ID if in US (driver's license / state ID card)
(g) Social Security card if issued
§4 — TRANSLATIONS (8 CFR §103.2(b)(3))
EVERY foreign-language document MUST have a complete English translation accompanied by a Certificate of Translation. See companion prompt us-docs-certified-translation for the full requirements. Photocopies of original + translation + certificate together.
§5 — ELIGIBILITY-SPECIFIC EVIDENCE
Tailor this section to [ELIGIBILITY_BASIS]. Examples:
If FAMILY-BASED (I-130 / I-485 derivative):
• Marriage certificate (with translation)
• Divorce decrees / death certificates for ALL prior marriages of both parties
• Joint financial evidence: joint bank statements, lease/mortgage, tax returns (jointly filed), insurance policies naming spouse as beneficiary
• Photos together with date/location annotations (10-20 photos spanning the relationship)
• Affidavits from third parties attesting to bona fide marriage (2-3 letters)
• Children's birth certificates listing both parents
• Communication evidence (call logs, WhatsApp summary, travel together)
If EMPLOYMENT-BASED (I-140 / I-485 EB):
• PERM Labor Certification (Form 9089) approval — if EB-2 / EB-3 PERM
• Employer support letter with detailed job description and required qualifications
• Educational evaluations (credential evaluation by NACES member if foreign degree)
• Diplomas + transcripts (with translations)
• Experience letters from prior employers (on letterhead, specifying dates, role, duties, supervisor)
• Pay stubs + W-2s (US employment)
• EB-1A / EB-2 NIW: extensive evidentiary package per 8 CFR §204.5(h)/(k)
If ADJUSTMENT (I-485):
• Form I-693 sealed medical exam (see prompt us-docs-i693-medical-checklist)
• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (family-based) — see prompt us-docs-affidavits-i864-support
• Approval notice for the underlying I-130 / I-140 (or concurrent filing)
• Proof of lawful status maintenance since last entry
• Form I-485 Supplement A (if filing under §245(i))
If NATURALIZATION (N-400):
• Copy of green card (I-551, both sides, current)
• Tax transcripts last 5 years (3 years for §319(a) spouse route)
• Marriage certificate + spouse's US citizenship evidence (§319(a))
• Divorce decrees from ALL prior marriages of both spouses
• Selective Service registration (males 18-25 while in US)
• Court records for any arrest / citation (certified dispositions)
If CHANGE OF STATUS (I-539):
• Current visa / status documentation
• Evidence of nonimmigrant intent for the new category
• Proof of funds / ties / activity (e.g. school admission for F-1, family support for B-2)
§6 — STATUS-HISTORY CROSS-CHECK
Based on [CLIENT_STATUS_HISTORY], build a clean status timeline:
• Each entry: dates, status, evidence (I-94, EAD, I-797, visa)
• Flag any unlawful presence gaps (§212(a)(9)(B) implications)
• Flag any prior denials / RFEs from None — these must be addressed proactively in the cover letter
§7 — PRIOR-REFUSAL DISCLOSURE (if None is not None)
For each prior refusal / RFE / NOID / 221(g):
• Copy of the denial / RFE notice
• Brief explanation of remediation in the cover letter
• Any new evidence addressing the prior ground
• Disclose on the form — Form Instructions ask about prior denials; non-disclosure is a misrepresentation risk under INA §212(a)(6)(C)(i)
§8 — ORIGINAL vs PHOTOCOPY RULES
USCIS default rule per 8 CFR §103.2(b)(5):
• File PHOTOCOPIES of supporting documents
• Originals required at the interview (I-485, N-400, I-751, certain I-130)
• Sealed originals (e.g. I-693 sealed envelope) — DO NOT BREAK THE SEAL
• Multi-purpose originals (passport, green card, marriage certificate): hold the originals; never mail
• Documents USCIS will keep: form pages, fee check, photos, sealed I-693
CRITICAL — for I-485 derivative beneficiaries, each derivative needs their own set of supporting documents (own birth certificate, own translations, own I-693, etc.)
§9 — FILING METHOD (myUSCIS online)
If myUSCIS online is myUSCIS online:
• PDFs each ≤ 6 MB
• Combined documents per uploaded field (e.g. "Identity documents" = passport + ID merged into one PDF)
• Use myUSCIS naming convention
• Pay online; receipt by email
If myUSCIS online is USCIS Lockbox (paper):
• Confirm the correct lockbox address from current uscis.gov filing-addresses page (varies by state of residence and form type)
• Single envelope, in lettered order
• Photographs in a small rigid envelope inside
• Track-and-trace courier (USPS Priority + signature; UPS / FedEx for high-value packages)
• Photocopy the entire package for the client file (retain 7 years)
§10 — POST-FILING NEXT STEPS
• Receipt notice (I-797C): 2-4 weeks
• Biometrics ASC appointment: 4-8 weeks
• RFE risk window: 60-180 days
• Interview (if applicable): 6-24 months depending on form and field office
• Decision: per Form Instructions service standard
End with: "DRAFT — for licensed US immigration attorney or accredited representative review. Verify against current USCIS Form Instructions and 9 FAM before submission. Form editions, fee schedules, and lockbox addresses change frequently; re-check uscis.gov within 7 days of filing."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt