Proof of Legal Status in the United States

Petitioners may need to provide proof of their legal status in the United States when applying for an immigration benefit. Required documents vary for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). 

Proof of U.S. Citizenship 

U.S. citizens may use one of the following documents as evidence of citizenship status. 

U.S. Birth Certificate 

A birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or another authorized civil registrar may serve as proof of birth in the United States. 

The document should show the person’s full name, date and place of birth, and the names of the parent or parents, when listed. In general, hospital-issued birth records are not accepted without an official birth certificate from the appropriate government authority. 

Certificate of Naturalization 

A Certificate of Naturalization serves as official proof that a person obtained U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process after being admitted as a lawful permanent resident. The certificate may have been issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). 

Certificate of Citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad 

A person who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through a parent may have a Certificate of Citizenship or Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. 

Both documents serve as proof of U.S. citizenship for a person born outside the United States. 

Valid U.S. Passport 

The biographic page of an unexpired U.S. passport may serve as proof of U.S. citizenship. It should clearly show the passport holder’s full name, date of birth, passport number, photograph, and expiration date. 

A valid U.S. passport is considered strong evidence of citizenship for immigration purposes. 

Alternative Evidence of Citizenship 

USCIS may accept secondary evidence when primary proof of citizenship is unavailable. 

• Delayed birth certificates 
• Baptismal records 
• Census records 
• School records 
• Affidavits from people with personal knowledge of the relevant facts 

USCIS may request additional documentation before accepting secondary evidence. 

Proof of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status 

Lawful permanent residents, also known as Green Card holders, may use documents showing their permanent resident status in the United States. 

Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) 

A valid Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card, serves as proof of lawful permanent resident status. 

A clear copy of the front and back should show the cardholder’s name, USCIS number or A-Number, card expiration date, and category of admission. 

Temporary Evidence of Permanent Residence 

A person who recently became a lawful permanent resident may not have received a physical Green Card yet. Temporary evidence of permanent resident status may include: 

• A passport containing an immigrant visa endorsed upon admission to the United States 
• A temporary Form I-551 stamp, also called an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp 
• A USCIS notice confirming the grant of lawful permanent resident status 
• Other official USCIS documentation confirming permanent residence 

Evidence When a Green Card Is Unavailable 

A lawful permanent resident may need another proof of status when a Green Card has been lost, stolen, expired, or submitted for renewal or replacement. Available evidence may include: 

• Form I-90 receipt notice 
• Temporary Form I-551 stamp 
• USCIS correspondence about the Green Card renewal or replacement application 

General Document Submission Guidelines 

Clear and complete documentation reduces the risk of processing delays. 

Submit Legible Copies 

Copies should be clear, easy to read, and include the full document. Important details should not be cut off, blurred, covered, or otherwise obscured. 

Include English Translations 

A document containing information in a language other than English must include a complete English translation and a certification from a translator stating that the translation is accurate and complete and that the translator is competent to translate the document 

Keep Original Documents Unless Requested 

Original documents are not required unless USCIS or another government agency specifically requests them. 

Respond to Requests for More Evidence 

USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when more documentation is required to verify citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility for the requested immigration benefit. 

Commonly Submitted Documents 

The documents used to prove legal status vary by immigration category and individual circumstances. The following records are commonly included with petitions or applications requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. 

For U.S. Citizens 

• U.S. birth certificate 
• U.S. passport 
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad 

For Lawful Permanent Residents 

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) 
• Temporary Form I-551 or ADIT stamp 
• Immigrant visa with a temporary I-551 endorsement 
• USCIS documentation confirming lawful permanent resident status 

Providing complete and accurate evidence allows USCIS to verify the petitioner’s legal status and review the immigration petition or application.