Before your spouse can get a marriage green card, you must prove that both of you entered the relationship for legitimate reasons, not just for immigration. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) imposes this burden of proof on couples to prevent marriage fraud.
A marriage license is just one of the requirements, but it is not enough to prove the authenticity of your marriage. The USCIS will also ask for additional documentation when you submit your I-130 application or undergo your interview. Here are some of the most important ones.
Proof of your relationship over time
To demonstrate that your relationship is legitimate, it is crucial to show evidence of it over time. For example, you can provide photos from five or so years ago to show the duration of your relationship. This holds more weight than, say, photos from just the past few weeks.
Additionally, you can show other documents from over the years, such as:
- Emails, letters or cards
- Shared travel documents
- Phone or chat records
- Receipts from gifts
The key is to demonstrate the duration, progression and strength of your union. Choosing the right evidence can help build a more trustworthy depiction of your marriage.
Proof of joint finances
Joint financial documents show that you and your spouse are sharing financial responsibilities, which is a common characteristic of a genuine marriage. Moreover, it demonstrates a long-term commitment to the relationship as well as trust with each other.
Some helpful documents include:
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared credit card statements
- Shared mortgage or lease agreements
- Joint utility bills
Timing also matters. Newly opened joint bank accounts or credit cards might raise some suspicion as immigration officials may think they were opened for immigration purposes only.
Proof of cohabitation
Another strong sign of an authentic marriage is living together as a married couple. You can show documents with the same address for both you and your spouse, such as driver’s licenses and insurance statements. Stronger evidence will include mortgage or lease agreements in both of your names.
If you do not live together, you can write a letter explaining why that is the case and when you intend to move in together.
How an immigration lawyer can help
The USCIS may require you to jump through many hoops to secure a marriage green card. Given the complexity of such situations, legal guidance can be invaluable in ensuring you take the right steps.