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Obtaining a Green Card through marriage involves more than just submitting a marriage certificate. Both U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State require applicants to prove that the relationship is authentic and that the marriage was entered into in good faith, not for the primary purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit.
For this reason, authorities review various documents and evidence that help verify that the couple shares a life together and maintains a genuine relationship. Below, we explain which documents are the most important.
Why must you prove that your marriage is real?
According to USCIS, for a marriage-based petition to be approved, the union must be legally valid and have been entered into in good faith. The agency verifies that both individuals were legally free to marry and that the relationship was not created solely to obtain immigration benefits.
During the process, both USCIS and consular officers may review documents and conduct interviews to confirm the authenticity of the relationship.
Marriage certificate: the basic document
The first requirement is to present a marriage certificate issued by the competent authority. This document proves that the union is legally valid. Additionally, if either spouse was previously married, they must provide proof of the legal termination of those marriages, such as divorce decrees or death certificates of the previous spouse.
However, immigration authorities make it clear that the marriage certificate alone is not enough to prove that the relationship is genuine.
Joint financial documents
One of the most solid types of evidence is shared financial documentation. These documents help show that the couple manages economic aspects together and is building a life in common. Among them are:
- Estados de cuenta bancarios conjuntos.
- Tarjetas de crédito compartidas.
- Declaraciones de impuestos presentadas como matrimonio.
- Pólizas de seguros donde uno de los cónyuges figure como beneficiario del otro.
- Documentos de inversiones o cuentas compartidas.
Proof of shared address
Authorities also value proof that both spouses live together. Some examples are:
- Contratos de arrendamiento con ambos nombres.
- Escrituras de propiedad.
- Recibos de servicios públicos.
- Correspondencia oficial dirigida a ambos en el mismo domicilio.
Photographs and trips together
Photographs are usually not sufficient on their own, but they can complement other evidence. It is advisable to present images taken throughout the relationship, especially at family events, celebrations, vacations, and social gatherings.
Also useful are documents showing trips taken as a couple, such as plane tickets, hotel reservations, or shared itineraries. This evidence helps show that the relationship has been consistent over time.
Children in common and other family documents
If the couple has children, birth certificates can become one of the most compelling proofs of an authentic relationship. Likewise, documents related to education, medical care, or family insurance can be presented.
Statements from family and friends
In some cases, family and friends can provide written statements explaining how they know the couple and why they consider the relationship to be genuine. These letters are usually used as supplementary evidence when there is little documentary proof.
The interview is also part of the proof
In addition to reviewing documents, immigration authorities may conduct an interview to verify that the information presented matches the reality of the relationship. Both USCIS and consular officers evaluate the consistency of the answers and the evidence provided during the process.
The key is to show a life in common
The most solid evidence for a Green Card through marriage is that which shows that the couple shares responsibilities, finances, housing, and daily experiences. Instead of relying on a single document, immigration authorities analyze the set of evidence to determine if the marriage was entered into in good faith.
Therefore, the more documentation that exists reflecting a shared life, the greater the chances of proving that the relationship is authentic and meeting the requirements demanded by U.S. immigration authorities.
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