Proving Your Marriage and Eligibility

The main focus of the petition is to prove that you and your spouse meet the legal requirements for marriage and that your relationship is genuine. Immigration authorities will be looking to ensure that your marriage is legitimate and not entered into solely for immigration purposes. You’ll need to provide evidence that any prior marriages have legally ended through divorce or death.

Beyond proving your legal marriage, the most important part of the petition is submitting evidence of your genuine relationship. This involves demonstrating that your relationship is built on love and trust, not just an immigration benefit.

Types of Relationship Evidence

To support your petition, you’ll need to submit various types of relationship evidence. One category is financial commingling, which includes things like joint bank accounts, life insurance policies, or shared bills. Another type of evidence is what we like to call “lovey-dovey” evidence—photos together, love letters, gifts exchanged, and letters of support from family and friends.

For couples living apart, it’s important to show proof of ongoing communication and visits. Text messages, WhatsApp chats, and flight itineraries are all valuable forms of evidence. And if you’ve already started a family together, birth certificates of any children you share are strong indicators of a genuine relationship.

What Happens Next?

Once your petition and all necessary evidence are submitted, your case will enter a queue where an immigration officer will eventually review it. After filing, you’ll receive a receipt notice to confirm that immigration has your file. From there, it’s a waiting game—waiting for the officer to either request additional information or approve your petition so you can move on to the next steps in the visa process.

This initial step is one of the most important parts of your immigration journey, as it lays the foundation for your spouse visa. While it requires thorough preparation, every day you are one step closer to being together in the United States. Stay informed, gather your documents carefully, and trust that your journey is progressing. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, helping you navigate the complexities of the immigration journey with confidence. If you find yourself overwhelmed or uncertain about the next steps, reach out for advice, and don’t hesitate to visit our resource center for more detailed guides to use on your journey through this process.