USCIS is tightening the rules for marriage green card applications. As of mid-2025, couples seeking green cards through marriage are being asked to provide stronger proof of their relationship than ever. These updates are designed to detect fraud and ensure only bona fide marriages are approved.
What USCIS now expects
- More joint financial records: shared bank accounts, leases or mortgages with both names, and utility bills showing both spouses.
- More personal evidence: photographs over time, travel records, messages, and pictures with family and friends.
- Affidavits or letters from people who know the couple and can confirm the marriage is real.
- Clear, consistent documentation—any inconsistencies often trigger delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Who is most impacted
- Couples where one spouse recently arrived in the U.S. and has limited documentation.
- Long-distance marriages where joint living or shared finances are harder to show.
- Couples from countries with informal marriage systems or limited civil records.
How to prepare a strong application
- Collect as much documentary evidence as possible before filing—joint bills, leases, bank statements, and photos.
- Keep ongoing records of your shared life, including trips, holidays, and joint obligations.
- If you cannot obtain official documents, provide alternative evidence with explanations.
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Double-check that names, dates, and addresses match across all documents.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting only a marriage certificate without proof of daily life together.
- Providing inconsistent or mismatched information across documents.
- Forgetting affidavits from friends and family.
- Using outdated forms.
Why this matters
These new evidence expectations don’t change who qualifies for a marriage green card, but they raise the bar for proving eligibility. For genuine couples, it means more preparation—but also a stronger chance of approval. For those who aren’t prepared, the risk of delays or denials is higher.
