Proving the Bona Fides of Your Marriage for Immigration Purposes

Is your marriage the real thing, or just a sham to get an noncitizen a U.S. green card? That's the question U.S. immigration authorities will ask of anyone applying for U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card) based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Proving the bona fides of one's marriage can be more challenging than people expect. This is not the time to think, "Of course our marriage is real, they'll be able to see that." You'll need to supply written evidence of your having taken concrete steps to establish a life together, with shared finances, living arrangements, and more. Learn how to do this successfully, here.