When applying for a green card through marriage, it is not enough just to be legally married. You must also prove that your marriage is real.
U.S. immigration authorities require strong evidence that your relationship is genuine and not just to get a green card. Below are some crucial points to remember.
Why you must prove your marriage is legitimate
The U.S. government takes marriage-based green card applications seriously. Immigration officers are trained to spot fake marriages. They want to make sure that people are not using marriage as a shortcut to permanent residency. Proving your marriage is legitimate protects the immigration system and ensures fairness for everyone.
To show that your marriage is real, you must provide documents like joint bank statements, lease agreements, family photos and letters from friends and family. You may also be asked to attend an interview where both spouses answer questions about the relationship.
What can happen if legitimacy is not proven?
If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) believes your marriage is not legitimate, they can deny your green card application. In serious cases, you may even face legal penalties, including fines or removal proceedings. A finding of marriage fraud can make it much harder to get any future visa or immigration benefit. It is very important to be honest and to submit strong, truthful evidence.
You should gather as much evidence as possible to show that you live together. Save documents, photos and even travel records. Stay consistent with the information you give in your application and interview.
If you are unsure about the process, you may want to seek legal guidance. This will help ensure you submit the strongest possible immigration application.