How to Prove a Bona Fide Marriage in a Green Card Application

When a foreign national applies for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, one of the most scrutinized aspects by U.S. immigration authorities (USCIS) is the genuineness of the marriage — what is known as a “bona fide marriage. ”The goal is simple: to distinguish genuine unions from marriages entered into for immigration benefits.Below are the key elements to demonstrate that your relationship is real and meets U.S. immigration law requirements.

1. What Is a Bona Fide Marriage According to USCIS?

A bona fide marriage is one based on a real and lasting relationship, not on the intent to gain an immigration advantage. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) evaluates this authenticity through a set of tangible evidence showing the couple’s shared life, financial ties, and personal relationship.

Immigration officers will look for:

• Proof of cohabitation (shared address, lease, utility bills)

• Joint financial management (shared bank accounts, insurance, tax filings)

• Social evidence (photos, messages, correspondence, affidavits)

• Shared plans and commitments (travel, children, major purchases, future plans)

Altogether, the documentation should reflect a genuine marital relationship, not an administrative arrangement.

2. What Evidence Should You Provide to Prove a Bona Fide Marriage?

USCIS expects a consistent and well-documented file. Here are the main categories of recommended evidence:

Financial and Administrative Evidence

• Joint bank accounts or credit cards

• Leases, property deeds, utility bills, or insurance policies in both names

• Joint tax returns (if applicable)

• Life or health insurance policies listing the spouse as beneficiary

Personal and Family Evidence

• Photos of the couple over time (wedding, family events, travel)

• Copies of emails, messages, or letters

• Affidavits from friends and relatives confirming the relationship

• Birth certificates of any children together

Proof of Communication and Presence

• Travel history or mutual visits prior to marriage

• Flight tickets, hotel reservations, long-distance correspondence (for transnational couples)

• Proof of current cohabitation: internet subscriptions, electricity contracts, etc.

3. The USCIS Interview: A Key Step

Even with a strong file, USCIS may call the couple for a marriage interview. Officers will ask questions about the couple’s daily life — routines, home, family, and shared memories.Answers must be spontaneous and consistent — contradictions may raise doubts about the marriage’s authenticity.

Thorough preparation with an experienced immigration attorney can make a real difference by anticipating the questions and organizing the evidence effectively.

The bottom line

Proving a bona fide marriage relies on transparency and consistency — showing that your union is the result of a genuine, shared life. A well-prepared application, detailed documentation, and clear presentation help reassure USCIS of your relationship’s authenticity and maximize your chances of success in obtaining your green card.