Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-730. The checklist is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.
If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Did you provide the following?
- Proof of your status as a principal asylee or refugee in the United States, for example:
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, (granting you asylee or refugee status);
- Court order from an immigration judge;
- Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
- Form I-512, Authorization for Advance Parole; or
- Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document.
- A passport-style photograph or a recent, clear photograph of each family member you are filing for;
- A copy of both sides of your family member’s Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, if they are in the United States; and
- Primary evidence of a family relationship for each family member you are submitting a petition for:
- Spouse (PDF, 997.34 KB):
- A copy of your marriage certificate, evidence you each legally terminated any previous marriages (if either you or your spouse were), and evidence of legal name changes (if applicable).
Note: On Feb. 14, 2022, the USCIS Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate issued Revised Guidance on Informal (“Camp”) Marriages (PDF, 997.34 KB). The revised guidance recognizes certain informal marriages for the purpose of obtaining derivative refugee or asylee status and directs USCIS officers to consider evidence of an informal spousal relationship, including when a marriage certificate may not be available.
- Child:
- If you (the petitioner) are the child’s mother: A copy of your child’s birth certificate showing their name and your name, and evidence of legal name changes if the names on the birth certificate do not match the names on the petition.
- If you (the petitioner) are the child’s father: A copy of your child’s birth certificate showing the child’s name and your name, and a copy of your marriage certificate if you were married to the child’s mother. If you were not married to the child’s mother, then you must either submit evidence that the child was legitimated by civil authorities or submit evidence that a bona fide parent-child relationship exists or existed between you and the child. Legitimation laws may vary by country. (For more information on legitimation, see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part B, Chapter 8.)
- Stepchild:
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate, a copy of the marriage certificate between you and the child’s natural parent, and evidence of legal name changes (if applicable).
- Adopted child:
- A certified copy of the adoption decree, evidence that you lived with the child for at least two years, a certified copy of the court order granting custody (if applicable), and evidence of legal name changes (if applicable).
If primary evidence is not available from civil authorities, submit the following as secondary evidence:
- Religious institution record;
- School record; or
- Census record.
If secondary evidence is not available, submit affidavits (sworn written statements related to the facts at issue). If you submit affidavits, they must overcome the absence of primary and secondary evidence.