How to Prove Your Marriage Is Real for a Green Card

I've read thousands of private text messages and DMs between couples.

Not because I'm nosy, but because as an immigration attorney, I need to verify if marriages are genuine before submitting Green Card applications.

After 13 years and over 1,000 cases, here's what I look for to determine if a relationship will pass USCIS scrutiny:

1. Daily life documentation

   
   

   • Joint bank accounts and credit cards.

   • Shared leases or mortgages.

   • Joint insurance policies.

   • Utility bills with both names.

   • Photos spanning your relationship (not just the wedding day).

   
   

2. Digital footprints

   
   

   • Text message history showing regular communication.

   • Social media interactions and photos together.

   • Video/phone call logs if it's a long-distance relationship.

   • Travel itineraries showing visits to each other.

     
     

3. Third-party verification

   
   

   • Declarations from family members who've witnessed your relationship.

   • Statements from friends who can attest to your genuine connection.

   • Photos with each other's social circles.

The strongest cases show a natural progression of the relationship.

I recently helped a couple whose initial evidence was weak. He was in Europe, she was in the US, and they'd only met in person three times.

The solution? We dug deeper. We documented:

• Their shared interests and hobbies

• How they maintained connection despite distance

• The genuine reasons they fell for each other

• Their concrete plans for a shared future

That couple just received their approval this week.

Remember: Immigration officials aren't looking for perfect relationships. They're looking for authentic ones.

If you're preparing for a marriage-based immigration case, start documenting your relationship now, not when you're filing.

Are you having problems with documenting your relationship or don't know how to start? Call (949) 940-6725, or book a consultation online to speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.

DISCLAIMER: This post does not constitute legal advice, or make any guarantees as to a potential outcome. Consult with a qualified, licensed immigration attorney about the facts of your case before proceeding.