Love is a beautiful thing. And when you meet and marry a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it’s only sensible that you figure out how they can join you in the country so you can be one happy family. Fortunately, a marriage-based green card can make this happen.
For this to happen, however, you must prove that your marriage is indeed bona fide. Basically, the USCIS defines a bona fide marriage as one that is entered into in good faith with a genuine intention of living together as a family. So, how exactly do you prove that your marriage is indeed bona fide?
Here are some of the kinds of evidence that can help convince the USCIS when verifying the authenticity of your marriage.
Evidence that you are living together
If you are officially married, the USICS expects you to live under one roof. Some of the evidence you may provide to prove that you are living together includes a joint bank account, mortgage or lease contract, property deed or utility bills that bear both spouses’ names.
But what if you are not living together?
Of course, no two marital arrangements are the same. Work or other circumstances might compel you to live apart. In this case, you will need to provide a clear explanation as to why this is not possible. A letter signed by both parties can help with this.
Evidence of a childrearing
If you have children together, or from previous relationships, then proof of childrearing can be your strongest evidence of marriage. Evidence of childrearing can include the children’s birth certificates (with both parents’ names), adoption certificates as well as school and medical records that indicate both parties as emergency contacts.
Proof of marriage is crucial when petitioning the USCIS for a green card. Find out how sound legal advice can set you on the right path to obtaining a marriage-based green card.