What Evidence Do I Need for Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status?

If you’re applying for a marriage-based green card, a marriage certificate alone is not enough. While it establishes that your marriage is legally valid, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires additional documentation showing that your marriage is genuine and bona fide.

What Is a Bona Fide Marriage?

A bona fide marriage is one entered in good faith and for legitimate reasons—not for immigration benefits. USCIS looks for evidence demonstrating that both spouses intended to build a life together based on commitment, shared responsibilities, and mutual support.

Marriages entered solely for immigration purposes can lead to serious immigration consequences, including denial of the application and potential future bars to immigration benefits.

Common Types of Evidence USCIS Reviews

There is no universal checklist, as every relationship is different. However, USCIS commonly evaluates the following categories of evidence:

Photos

Photographs of you and your spouse together over time, including weddings, holidays, travel, family gatherings, and everyday activities.

Commingling of Finances

Joint bank accounts, shared credit cards, joint tax returns, insurance policies, and documentation showing shared financial responsibilities.

Cohabitation

Lease agreements, mortgage statements, utility bills, or official correspondence showing that you and your spouse reside together.

Shared Children

Birth certificates or other official records documenting children born to the marriage.

Affidavits from Friends and Family

Sworn statements from individuals with personal knowledge of your relationship who can attest to its authenticity.

Other Supporting Evidence

Travel records, joint memberships, shared subscriptions, correspondence, or other documentation reflecting a shared life.

Why Strong Evidence Matters

Marriage-based adjustment of status cases are closely reviewed by USCIS. Presenting well-organized, credible evidence can help avoid delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or denials.

Our firm assists clients in compiling and presenting strong, persuasive evidence for marriage-based applications. If you are preparing to file or responding to a USCIS request, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss how we can help.