When submitting documents to USCIS, you need to follow several formatting, scanning, and file organization rules. From paper size to file names — every detail affects whether USCIS will consider your case.
Paper Size and Text Placement
All documents must be printed on American Letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches). This size differs significantly from A4, which is used in most countries worldwide. If the original document is in A4 format, when scanning or copying, you need to select the “fit to printable area” option so it fits on Letter paper.
Documents must be oriented vertically so a USCIS officer can read them without rotating the page. The exception is original documents in landscape orientation: they should be scanned in their natural size, without reorienting or reducing them. When copying, it is important to avoid skewing, tilting, distortion, blurriness, scanner lines, or toner marks.
Color, Size, and Preserving Details
Scanned documents for online submission may be in black and white, but ideally should be in full color. For documents sent by mail, both color and black-and-white copies are acceptable.
Documents should be preserved as close to their natural size as possible. They cannot be reduced or enlarged, as this may affect readability. For example, if a biographical page of a passport takes up half a sheet, it should not be enlarged to fill the entire page.
The document must fit entirely on the page without being cut off. You cannot highlight, underline, or make marks on documents being submitted. USCIS uses scanners that cannot correctly read highlighted text, corrections made with correction fluid, or corrections made with tape.
Double-Sided Documents and Translations
For mailing, all documents must be single-sided. If the original document has both sides, both versions should be copied separately. If the back side contains stamps, seals, signatures, or even a single word, you must submit both the front and back copies on separate sheets of paper.
For online submission, the front and back of a document are included in a single PDF file. For documents like identification cards, insurance documents, and EAD, the front and back sides can be placed on one page.
If a document is not in English, translations must follow immediately after the original copy. For online submission, the translation is placed in one PDF with the original.
File Organization for Online Submission
When uploading documents online, you should organize them by type. Do not upload individual images or bank statements separately. Each file should be given a clear, understandable name. Although this is not a mandatory requirement, this approach makes the case more accessible for processing.
You cannot encrypt or password-protect files. USCIS will not attempt to open protected documents, so such evidence will not be considered.
Originals and Document Authenticity
You do not need to submit original documents such as birth or marriage certificates, unless USCIS specifically requests them. Originals are not returned. You will need to bring them to your interview to obtain a green card. Until then, copies are submitted.
Documents do not need to be apostilled or notarized, but if a copy is already apostilled or notarized, that is also acceptable.
Documents from Third Parties
If a document is provided by a third party and protected by a password — for example, a tax return from a tax consultant — it cannot be uploaded. Even if you attach a separate document with the password, USCIS will not open the protected file, and the evidence will not be considered.
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Reader experience is useful, but it is not advice: check the rules on the official site.
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