How to Prove a Bona Fide Marriage to USCIS

When applying for a marriage-based green card, one of the most important tasks is proving that your marriage is real and genuine — not entered into for immigration purposes. USCIS calls this a “bona fide marriage.” 

To convince immigration officers that your relationship is authentic, you’ll need to provide bona fide marriage evidence — real-life proof that you and your spouse share a true marital relationship. Below, we’ll break down what USCIS looks for and how to build a strong case. 

What Is a Bona Fide Marriage? 

A bona fide marriage means that you and your spouse married out of genuine love and intent to build a life together — not simply to gain immigration benefits. USCIS officers look for proof that you share a real relationship, including emotional, financial, and social connections. 

During the green card interview, both you and your spouse will be asked questions about your relationship, living arrangements, and history together. But the strongest indicator of a real marriage is the evidence you submit. 

The Best Types of Bona Fide Marriage Evidence 

When preparing your green card application (Form I-130 or I-485), include as much bona fide marriage evidence as possible. Here are the most persuasive categories of proof: 

1. Joint Financial Documents 

USCIS gives significant weight to financial evidence showing that you and your spouse share assets and responsibilities. Examples include: 

• Joint bank account statements 

• Credit cards or loans in both names 

• Joint tax returns (especially recent years) 

• Insurance policies (health, life, auto) listing each other as beneficiaries 

• Shared investment accounts or property deeds 

💡 Tip: Highlight transactions that show everyday spending — groceries, rent, utilities — not just deposits. 

2. Shared Residential Proof 

Evidence that you live together is one of the strongest indicators of a genuine marriage. Include: 

• Joint lease or mortgage documents 

• Utility bills with both names and the same address 

• Mail addressed to both spouses at the same residence 

• Affidavits from roommates, landlords, or neighbors confirming cohabitation 

Even if you’ve lived apart temporarily (for work, study, or visa reasons), include documentation that explains why — along with proof of continued communication. 

3. Photos Together 

Visual evidence helps humanize your application. Submit a variety of photos that demonstrate your life as a couple: 

• Wedding photos (with guests and family) 

• Photos from holidays, vacations, and family gatherings 

• Casual pictures at home or with friends 

• Chronological variety — from dating to engagement to marriage 

💡 Pro tip: Label each photo with names, dates, and locations. Avoid submitting too many selfies — show real-life moments and social context. 

4. Communication Records 

If you’ve spent time apart (especially in long-distance relationships), communication logs are vital bona fide marriage evidence: 

• Text messages, call logs, or video chat screenshots 

• Emails or letters exchanged over time 

• Travel itineraries showing visits to see each other 

USCIS doesn’t need every message — just a representative sample showing ongoing communication and affection. 

5. Affidavits from Family and Friends 

Sworn affidavits can strengthen your application by showing third-party validation. Each affidavit should: 

• Be written by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident 

• Include the writer’s full name, address, and relationship to you 

• Describe how they know you as a couple 

• Provide specific examples of your relationship (e.g., family events, holidays, milestones) 

Affidavits add a personal layer to your bona fide marriage evidence package. 

6. Proof of Life Milestones 

USCIS appreciates seeing shared milestones that represent a life built together: 

• Birth certificates of children (if any) 

• Joint travel plans or vacation receipts 

• Shared memberships (gym, clubs, streaming services) 

• Invitations or programs from joint events (weddings, anniversaries, birthdays) 

These documents paint a picture of a real, evolving relationship. 

Final Thoughts 

The goal of submitting bona fide marriage evidence isn’t to overwhelm USCIS with paper — it’s to tell the authentic story of your marriage through real, traceable proof. 

By combining documents, photos, communication, and witness statements, you’ll create a compelling narrative that demonstrates a true, lasting relationship. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider enrolling in a Green Card Interview Prep Course for Couples. You’ll learn how to: 

• Organize your bona fide marriage evidence 

• Practice interview questions together 

• Understand how officers assess credibility 

It’s one of the smartest ways to go from anxious to prepared — together.