Intro. The quality of your Dr. I-485 package depends on what you feed it. In Phase 1, Dr. I-485 reads your uploaded documents and auto-fills your forms from them — so the more complete and legible your uploads, the less polishing you'll do later. This checklist covers what to gather, why each item matters, and how to upload it.
Core identity and status documents
Document | Why it's needed |
Passport (biographic page; valid) | Identity, name, date/place of birth |
I-94 arrival/departure record | Proves lawful admission and current status |
Current visa / status document | Confirms your qualifying nonimmigrant status |
Birth certificate (with certified translation if not in English) | Confirms date and place of birth |
Immigration petition documents
Document | Why it's needed |
I-140 approval notice (I-797) — or the I-140 package if filing concurrently | Establishes your underlying immigrant petition and priority date |
Prior USCIS notices (receipts, approvals) | Continuity of your immigration history |
Photos and biographic items
Two passport-style color photos (per current USCIS specifications)
Marriage certificate and spouse/children documents if you're including derivatives
Prior marriage termination documents (divorce decrees), if applicable
Medical and financial
Document | Why it's needed |
Form I-693 medical exam | Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, completed by a USCIS civil surgeon and sealed. You can add this later — see below. |
Financial / employment records | Employment verification letter, recent pay stubs, tax records, or Form I-864/I-864EZ where an affidavit of support applies |
A note on the I-693 medical
You do not need the I-693 in hand to start. Book an appointment with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, who examines you and seals the completed form. Upload it when you have it — Dr. I-485 will slot it into your package during polish. The civil surgeon's fee is set by the provider and is separate from your USCIS filing fees.
How to upload
Drag and drop files into the upload area
Upload from your phone — photograph documents and send them straight in
Add items over time — your package saves as you go, so upload the medical or a missing translation whenever it's ready
Foreign-language documents don't need to be translated before you upload — the built-in translation tool in Phase 2 can translate and certify them for you.
Upload quality tips
Capture the full page, flat and in focus, with no glare
Use color, not grayscale, for photos and stamped documents
Upload the most recent version of any status document
Keep multi-page documents (like the I-140 package) together
FAQ
What if I'm missing a document? Upload what you have. Dr. I-485's eligibility check flags gaps so you know exactly what's still outstanding.
Do I upload originals? Upload clear copies/scans. Keep your originals — you'll assemble the physical filing yourself (or via the Print/Mail add-on).
Can I include my spouse and kids? Yes — upload their identity documents and your marriage/birth certificates, and ask your specialist about derivative I-485s.
Dr. I-485 and QuickFiling are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. This article is general information, not individualized legal advice.
Related: Complete Guide: Filing Your I-485 with Dr. I-485 · I-485, I-765 & I-131 Explained · Dr. I-485 FAQ
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