.avif)
You’d be surprised how many people stress over this part. When you apply for a marriage-based green card, the biggest thing USCIS wants to know is simple: Is this marriage real? Not perfect or glamorous—just real.
A “bona fide” marriage means you didn’t marry only for immigration. You're married to share a life, and the government wants proof you’ve built something genuine together.
What USCIS Actually Looks For
They look for signs of a shared household—details that naturally occur when two people share a life. Maybe it’s joint bills, family photos, or even text messages when you’re apart. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s marriage.
Think of it as telling your story through evidence: “We live together. We share things. This is normal for us.”
What Kind of Proof Helps
There isn’t one document that proves a real marriage. It’s the combination that tells your story.
- Lease or mortgage showing both names.
- Joint bank accounts or shared credit cards.
- Joint tax returns.
- Health or car insurance listing each other.
- Bills or mail showing the same address.
- Photos—not posed ones, just real life.
- Screenshots or call logs if you’ve been apart.
- Letters from friends or relatives who know both of you.
USCIS doesn’t expect every item. They’re looking for patterns—daily life, shared habits, and real details.
What Happens at the Interview
The interview isn’t to scare you. It checks if your story makes sense. Officers might ask how you met, your first date, or who cooks.
Sometimes, you’ll be interviewed separately. Don’t memorize answers. Just answer naturally. If you forget, say so—that’s better than guessing.
When You Don’t Live Together
If you don’t live together, it’s common—maybe for work or moving. That’s not a problem. Just show how you stay connected.
Plane tickets. Messages. Call logs. Bank transfers. Anything that shows you’re still living a connected life, even from different places.
What Not to Do
Don’t make things up or fake documents to look good. USCIS verifies everything. If details don’t match, it’s worse than having less evidence.
And don’t panic if you don’t have everything. Explain it. Maybe you just got married and haven’t filed taxes together yet; that’s fine. Write a short note about why. It shows transparency.
A Real Example
We helped a couple once, married two years, and lived in different states for most of it. USCIS flagged them because they didn’t share an address. We sent travel records, photos, call logs, and letters from friends who’d visited both homes. That was enough. The case got approved without issue.
The main takeaway: Real relationships leave evidence, even if it’s not perfect. Focus on showing what’s true for you.
Final Thoughts
If your marriage is real, the evidence is there—just organize it. Don’t overthink. Gather what you have, explain what’s missing, and tell your story honestly.
And if you’re nervous, talk to an immigration attorney before the interview. A quick prep session helps you walk calmly and be ready.
Remember: USCIS wants proof of a genuine partnership, not a perfect love story. Show your real life together.
Sources:
- USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 6 Pt. B Ch. 2
- 8 C.F.R. §204.2(a)(1)(i)(B)
- INA §275 (Marriage Fraud Penalties)
- USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual
.avif)
.svg){kind=small}
