Proof of Relationship for Marriage-Based Green Card

US authorities want to ensure that all couples applying for a green card are genuinely married or engaged and not in a sham relationship just to gain status in the United States. Therefore, proof of relationship for a marriage-based green card is an essential part of the process.

Worried about what kind of documents you need to present and what questions you might be asked during the interview? Our US immigrations attorneys provide a detailed overview—how to prepare your application and what to expect.

Documents to Prove the Relationship

Joint Finances

If the couple has shared finances, this is a strong indication of a genuine relationship.

The first step is to provide details of a joint bank account. Another common way to show shared finances is by presenting bank transfers to each other, especially if these are regular transfers.

Another way is to show a joint savings plan, or other joint investments, such as a property bought by both of you or stocks held by both partners.

Shared Children

The strongest evidence of a genuine relationship is shared children. You can present the child’s birth certificate, showing both of your names, as proof.

Joint Residency

When applying for a green card, it is expected that the couple lives together. You can prove this by providing a copy of your property purchase agreement or rental agreement. Moreover, it is advisable to show copies of proof of joint residence over several years to demonstrate the duration of the relationship.

Additionally, you can present utility bills with both spouses listed. This includes bills such as property tax, electricity, water, gas, and internet.

If the property you live in is registered only under one partner’s name, but various bills and letters of both partners, such as bank letters, are sent to the same address, this proves that both partners live at the same address.

If you do not live at the same residence, it is important to provide evidence from other categories and show that you plan to live together in the future.

Life Insurance/Pension Fund/Will

Any proof that your partner will inherit your property after your death is strong evidence of the relationship’s authenticity.

You can show that your partner is the beneficiary of your life insurance policy and pension fund. Additionally, you can present a will proving that your partner will inherit your property in the event of death. Other legal documents, such as a living will and power of attorney, can also be used.

Joint Vacations and Flights

For couples who do not currently live together, it is essential to show frequent visits to each other’s place of residence. It is worthwhile to keep tickets and receipts from all the flights taken to see each other over the years. Additionally, if you have gone on vacations together, you can present joint flights and hotel bookings in both names.

Photos

Many couples have a lot of lovely photos together. The problem with them? Well, they are simply not strong evidence. Who knows when the photos were taken?

There are several ways to prove that the photos indicate a shared life. Social media photos—these provide the date they were uploaded and show that you have been together for a long time. It is advisable to include a handful of photos from each year you have been together, rather than many photos from the same short period.

Affidavits from Friends

Another piece of evidence that can be used is signed affidavits from people who know both of you—friends, family members—and can attest that you are in a genuine relationship. They should state how long they have known the couple and how they are connected to them (how and how well they know each partner). They should then describe what they know about the relationship. It is very important to add personal details that will prove the relationship is genuine.

Relationship Authenticity Interview

In addition to the evidence you provide, the authenticity of the relationship for a marriage-based green card will be tested in an interview. These questions are similar (but not identical) to those in a relationship authenticity interview in Israel. The questions can be quite general; for example, when did you get married and when did you meet, or more personal to ensure you actually live together—on which side of the bed does your partner sleep, what color is their toothbrush, or what car do they drive.

For a genuine couple, there is nothing to worry about. Interviewers are usually trained in body language and can see that you are a real couple. You will also know the answers to the questions asked.

What if the Relationship No Longer Exists?

If you are not in a genuine relationship and have applied for a green card, it is important to note that this constitutes immigration fraud and has severe consequences. If, at the time of application, you were a genuine couple but have since separated, it is important to seek legal advice to see what your options are. Sometimes there are ways to retain your green card even if you have separated from the US citizen who petitioned for you. Similarly, if you have experienced abuse by your petitioner, you may still be able to proceed with your green card application.

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