The United States of America has its laws and regulations for immigration. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits U.S. citizens to bring their spouses to live or work with them.
When the applicants request a marriage-based Green Card, it is also a strict law to prove “good faith” in marriage.
It is imperative to discuss how to prove a good faith marriage when applying for a marriage-based Green Card. If you are applying for a Green Card, it is necessary to understand the good faith marriage.
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Importance of a Green Card
A Green Card provides many advantages and benefits to the holder as it allows them to work and live in the United States permanently and, after several years, become a permanent citizen. The holder becomes eligible to receive all the federal benefits in the U.S as well.
Permanent residents can also apply for financial aid for education. Many people apply for a Green Card after marriage to bring their spouses.
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Marriage Immigration
A marriage-based Green Card allows the spouse’s Green Card holder to live and work anywhere in the U.S.
A Green Card holder will have permanent residence until they decide to apply for U.S. citizenship. Furthermore, after a specific duration, individuals can apply for naturalization.
The marriage-based Green Card is obtained by submitting Form I-130 to the USCIS. The form I-130, along with other supporting documents, serves to establish a legal and documented proof of marriage between the couple.
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Good faith marriage
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to ensure marriage was entered with love, not just for obtaining a Green Card. A good faith marriage is built to live together forever and for true love.
The U.S. permits its citizens to sponsor their spouses from any country to live in the U.S. There are also laws about marriage-based Green Cards. Still, some illegal practices have also been found in different cases. i.e., marrying a U.S. citizen just for immigration purposes and obtaining a Green Card.
This is the main reason the U.S. Government has enforced the “good faith” marriage law to protect the sanctity and legitimacy of marriages.
USCIS wants to ensure that a marriage has been taken place with a true feeling of love, a sincere and pure relationship rather than other hideous purposes.
The most crucial step for attaining a Green Card after marriage is demonstrating that your marriage is “authentic and legitimate.” A genuine marriage has taken place with the desire of both partners to have a wonderful future together, not for immigration or obtaining a Green Card. USCIS attempts to understand the marriage’s genuine intention.
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How To Prove a Good Faith Marriage?
A bona fide marriage is real; the partners have true love and soulful intentions for each other. Each spouse is genuinely in love with the other, and both have the intent to live and have a better and bright future ahead.
The marriage has not taken place for personal or hideous reasons to betray each other for immigration. You have to submit some documents to USCIS.
The requirements to prove good faith in marriage include:
- Joint tax returns
- Joint bank account statements
- Birth certificates of children (if any)
- Leases
- Mortgages
- Evidence of joint vehicle insurance, home or apartment, or health certificates
- Statements from jointly held credits cards
- Photos of couples, including with family and friends
- Utility bills for jointly occupied property
- Copies of wills or investments
Without the abovementioned documents, USCIS will likely deny the I-130 based on insufficient evidence that the marriage is authentic or bona fide.
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Documents for marriage Green Card
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Financial documents
- Proof of sponsor’s U.S. permanent citizenship or permanent residence
- Proof of lawful U.S. entry and status (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
- Court, police, and prison records (if applicable)
- Military records(if applicable)
- Immigration violation records (if applicable)
- Medical examination document
- Proof of official name change, if any
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Green Card interviews are also the best way to prove good faith in marriage:
- The spouse applying for a Green Card lives outside the U.S., then they will have their interview in a U.S. embassy or consult in their native country without sponsoring their spouse.
- If the spouse seeking a Green Card lives in the U.S., they will meet USCIS local field office for their interview.
- The USCIS officers may consult joint or separate interviews. If the officials suspect something wrong or illegal, they also prefer individual interviews.
- If the interview goes well, the U.S. government approves the Green Card request.
- In most cases, the officer informs you whether the claim is approved or not. You can expect to receive your Green Card after 2-3 weeks of approval.
Our Consultation
Our expert consultants have significant experience helping couples attain a Green Card for immigration. We will help you in every case, from proving a good faith marriage to submitting your documents. STILLMAN LEGAL P.C. has many successful accomplishments in marriage-based immigration cases.
We provide complete guidance and consultation to you and help you have a brighter future for your family. You may contact us at any point for guidance. We are always available and willing to give you complete advice and a prosperous path to your future.
