At The Law Offices of Connie Kaplan, P.A., we believe that every immigrant should have the opportunity to live out the future they’ve always dreamed of in the United States. Securing a green card through marriage is a common pathway to achieving this goal, but it’s crucial to ensure that your marriage is established in good faith. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to prove a genuine marriage, avoid delays, and prevent any mistakes in your application process.
What is a Good Faith Marriage?
A good faith marriage, for immigration purposes, means that you and your spouse entered the marriage intending to build a life together and not solely to gain an immigration status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes this seriously, and failure to prove your marriage is genuine can lead to your application being denied.
Key Points to Prove a Good Faith Marriage:
Shared Residence: The first and most important point to prove a good faith marriage is to show that you and your spouse live together. USCIS needs to see evidence that you share a home. This can be done by providing the following documents:
- Joint lease or mortgage documents.
- Utility bills under both names.
- Driver’s licenses with the same address.
- Property deeds.
- Insurance statements.
- Letters from family, friends, or employers attesting to your shared residence.
Joint Financial Responsibilities: The second key point is to demonstrate that you and your spouse share financial responsibilities. This is another strong indicator that your marriage is genuine. Include the following documents in your application:
- Joint bank and credit accounts.
- Joint titles to cars or deeds to real estate.
- Joint mortgage or loan documents showing both parties are responsible for payments.
- Joint insurance policies (auto, health, home).
- Life insurance policies listing each other as the primary beneficiary.
Evolution of Your Relationship: Lastly, USCIS wants to see the evolution of your relationship. This can be shown through photos and other evidence that you and your spouse have a history together. While photos alone won’t be enough, they are crucial in supporting the other documents. Here’s what you should include:
- Photos of the two of you with family and friends.
- Evidence of travel together.
- Event invitations or programs showing you attended events together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Inadequate Documentation: One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is not providing enough documentation. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case will be. Always err on the side of caution and include all relevant documents.
Discrepancies in Information: Ensure that all the information provided in your documents matches. Discrepancies, such as different addresses on different forms, can raise red flags for USCIS.
Overlooking Financial Documents: Financial documents are crucial. They show that you and your spouse are interdependent, which is a key factor in proving a good faith marriage. Make sure all joint financial documents are included.
Relying Solely on Photos: While photos are important, they cannot be the sole evidence of your relationship. They should complement other documents, not replace them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What if we don’t have a joint lease or mortgage?
- If you don’t have a joint lease or mortgage, you can provide other documents that prove you live together, such as utility bills, driver’s licenses, or letters from family and friends.
Can we still apply if we don’t have joint financial accounts?
- Yes, you can still apply. However, it’s important to show financial interdependence. If you don’t have joint accounts, provide other evidence such as joint insurance policies or joint ownership of property.
How many photos should we include?
- There is no set number of photos, but it’s important to include enough to show the evolution of your relationship. Include photos from different stages of your relationship, especially those with family and friends.
What if we have discrepancies in our documents?
- Discrepancies can be a problem. Make sure all the information is consistent across all documents. If there is an unavoidable discrepancy, provide an explanation in a cover letter.
How long does the application process take?
- The processing time for a marriage-based green card can vary. It typically takes 10-13 months for USCIS to process your application, but it can take longer if there are issues with your documentation.
Establishing a good faith marriage is essential to successfully obtaining a green card through marriage. The process can be complex, and mistakes can lead to delays or even denial of your application. At The Law Offices of Connie Kaplan, P.A., we specialize in guiding immigrants through the immigration process with expertise and care. If you’re ready to make the United States your permanent home and want to ensure your application is successful, we’re here to help.
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Take the first step towards securing your future in the United States. Contact us today to schedule your FREE Discovery Call. Let us guide you through the process and help you achieve your immigration goals. We look forward to helping you build the future you’ve always dreamed of.