Marriage-based green card applications remain one of the most common pathways to permanent residence in the United States. However, adjudication trends in 2026 indicate that these cases are being reviewed with increasing precision.

This development does not signal a policy shift against legitimate couples. Rather, it reflects USCIS’s growing emphasis on documentation quality, internal consistency, and evidentiary clarity.

What Increased Scrutiny Means for Applicants

USCIS officers are placing greater attention on:

• Consistency across immigration filings
• Strength of supporting documentation
• Accuracy of timelines
• Evidence demonstrating a bona fide marriage

Applicants may experience:

• More detailed Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Expanded interview questioning
• Closer review of relationship history
• Increased document verification

Importantly, heightened scrutiny is procedural, not punitive.

Common Areas of USCIS Review

Officers frequently evaluate:

• How the couple met
• Shared residence
• Financial integration
• Communication history
• Prior marital background
• Timeline coherence

Even minor inconsistencies can trigger additional review.

Final Thought

Most marriage-based green card cases continue to be approved. The key distinction today is that outcomes increasingly depend on the credibility and clarity of the documentation presented.

If this topic reflects your situation and you’d like case-specific guidance, you may schedule a consultation here.