There is a lot that is involved in preparing a successful immigrant visa petition.  A lot of it involves experience in dealing with the regulations and beauracracy of the USCIS and properly screening prospective applicants.  However, even a qualified applicant who has the knowledge or an immigration attorney to assist them navigate the U.S. immigration law system will not be successful without a well documented case.  The majority of immigrant visa petitions filed by qualified applicants which are rejected are returned because of a lack of the proper supporting documentation.  This article outlines the supporting documentation that must be provided for a typical immigrant visa petition.

Evidence of the petitioner's status as a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

All petitioners for family-based immigrant visas must be U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent residents.  Thus, the first piece of supporting documentation must establish the petitioner's status as a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.  Examples of such documentation inlcude a lawful permanent resident card, a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. naturalization certificate.

Evidence of familial relationship to the petitioner

All family-based immigrant visa petitions are based on a familial relationship between the petition and the prospective immigrant.  Thus, the most important piece of evidence in these cases is documentation establishing the familial relationship.  For example, if the prospective immigrant is the son or daughter of the petitioner, you would need to provide a birth certificate or other evidence establishing the parent-child relationship.  (*In some cases this may be a adoption
decree or for step-children a marriage certificate and a birth certificate.)

Evidence of ability to support the intending immigrant

All prospective family-based immigrants to the U.S. must establish that they will not become a "public charge."  Essentially, this means that the intending immigrant must establish that they have sufficient financial assets to ensure the U.S. government that they will not require goverment support.  This is typically accomplished through an affidavit of support.  The affidavit of support is submit by the petitioning relative.  The affidavit requires the petitioner to submit sufficient evidence to show that he or she can support the prospective immigrant.  Such evidence includes, recent tax returns, letters from the petitioner's employer, bank statements, investment statements, and other similar evidence.

Although, other evidence is required for a successful immigrant visa petition, these are a few of the core requirements that must be met by all petitioners.  Part of the immigration lawyers job is to ensure that the petitioner and applicant provide the necessary supporting evidence.