Applying for a marriage-based green card can be an exciting yet stressful process. One of the biggest hurdles? Proving that your marriage is real. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires couples to demonstrate that they have a bona fide marriage — a real, good-faith marriage — not one entered into just for immigration purposes.
If you can’t convince USCIS officers that your marital relationship is genuine, your green card application could be denied. So how do you show that your marriage is authentic? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Bona Fide Marriage?
A bona fide marriage is one that’s entered into because you and your spouse intend to build a life together — not just to get an immigration benefit. U.S. immigration laws require you to prove this in order to qualify for a marriage-based green card.
USCIS officers are trained to spot red flags for marriage fraud. They want to make sure you’re not in a sham marriage arranged solely for immigration purposes. That’s why they ask for strong evidence that shows your relationship is the real deal.
Why Does USCIS Care About Proving a Bona Fide Marriage?
Marriage fraud is a serious offense under immigration law. USCIS screens marriage green card applications carefully to prevent fraudulent marriages. If they believe you’re trying to game the system, they can deny your green card, refer your case for further investigation, or even impose penalties.
By submitting convincing proof of your marital relationship, you show USCIS that you and your spouse meet the eligibility requirements for a marriage-based green card.
Types of Evidence That Prove a Bona Fide Marriage
There’s no single document that proves your marriage is genuine. Instead, immigration authorities look for a combination of evidence that paints a clear picture of your shared life. Below is a comprehensive list of documents and records that USCIS officers expect to see.
Primary Documents
These are the basics that every married couple should have:
- Marriage certificate: This certificate proves you’re legally married.
- Birth certificates for any children: These documents show you are raising children together.
- Adoption certificates: If you’ve adopted children together, include these as well.
Proof of Shared Financial Responsibility
USCIS wants to see that you and your spouse share finances. Examples include:
- Joint bank statements showing shared accounts
- Joint credit card statements with both spouses’ names
- Investment accounts or mutual funds in both names
- Joint insurance policies (health, life, car)
- Other evidence of joint ownership, such as property deeds or car titles
- Other utility bills showing both spouses’ names at the same address
Proof of Shared Life and Living Arrangements
Living together is a big indicator of a bona fide marriage. Prove you live at the same address with:
- Lease agreements or mortgage documents
- Utility bills with both names listed
- Mail sent to the same address
- Photos of your home together
Social and Emotional Evidence
Your relationship isn’t just about finances — it’s about building a life together. Provide:
- Photos of you and your spouse with family members and friends
- Wedding-related expenses and receipts (venue, photographer, catering)
- Plane tickets and travel itineraries showing trips taken together
- Social media posts showing your relationship over time
- Emergency contact designations on health or employment forms
- Phone bills showing frequent communication
- Medical records listing one spouse as an emergency contact
- Affidavits from family members and friends attesting to your good faith marriage
Life Events and Long-Term Plans
Describe your future plans as a couple:
- Documentation of fertility treatments or plans for children
- Wills or estate documents listing your spouse
- Joint memberships (gyms, clubs, etc.)
What If You’ve Been in a Previous Marriage?
If you or your spouse were previously married, you must provide evidence that the prior marriage ended legally. Documents that can help you prove this may include:
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Annulment documents
This clears up any concerns about polygamous marriages, which are not recognized under U.S. immigration laws.
Red Flags USCIS Looks For
Certain factors can make USCIS skeptical about your marriage. Be aware of these red flags:
- A large age difference between spouses
- Different religious or cultural backgrounds with no explanation
- A short time between meeting and marriage
- Language barriers with little shared communication
- Living apart for long periods without explanation
- Inconsistent answers during the green card interview
If any of these apply, it’s critical to provide more convincing proof and additional documentation to show your marriage is genuine.
What Happens at the Green Card Interview?
During your marriage green card interview, an immigration officer will ask you questions about your relationship. They may quiz you about:
- How you met
- Your daily routines
- Details about your wedding
- Your spouse’s family members
- Shared responsibilities and finances
They’ll compare your answers to the documents you submitted. Being honest and consistent is the key. If your story checks out and you’ve provided enough strong evidence, you’re on track.
FAQs
What is considered convincing proof of a bona fide marriage?
USCIS looks for a combination of documents like joint bank accounts, shared leases, photos with family, and affidavits from friends. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.
Do we have to live together to prove a bona fide marriage?
Not always, but living together helps. If you’re living apart (e.g., due to work), provide a clear explanation and more evidence of your marital relationship.
Can social media posts help prove our marriage is real?
Yes. Posts showing your relationship over time, celebrations, and interactions with family and friends can be helpful.
What happens if USCIS suspects marriage fraud?
They can deny your application, refer your case for investigation, and impose penalties. It’s critical to be truthful and provide strong evidence.
How long do we have to be married before applying for a green card?
There’s no minimum time requirement, but the longer your relationship, the easier it often is to provide convincing proof of a good-faith marriage.
Prove Your Marriage Is Authentic with SimVisa
Proving a bona fide marriage isn’t about paperwork alone — it’s about telling your story with clarity and truth. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can make the difference between approval and denial. We help married couples gather strong evidence, avoid red flags, and prepare for the green card interview.
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen sponsoring your spouse or a green card holder building a life with your partner, SimVisa ensures your marriage-based green card application is solid from the start. Contact SimVisa today to get legal help with your green card application.
