Must Have Documents to Get Spouse I-130 Approved
About one in five marriage in the United State involve at least one foreign-born spouse. This rate is even higher among Hispanic and Asian women. Clearly, American families are growing. But what documents does the US Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) demand to approve a petition by a US citizen of their foreign-born spouse? What is needed so the foreigner doesn’t get deported?
Proof the Marriage is Real – Not Just on Paper
Before approving a marriage-based petition, USCIS officers asks for documents to prove the marriage “was not entered into for immigration purposes.” This can be absolutely anything. Blandon Law once included photographs of the couples’ matching tattoos. [TIP: do not get tattoos. The current administration is deporting foreigners without a trial because of tattoos.] Blandon Law suggests including documents that:
- Prove joint ownership or joint payment of properties or assets (cars, boats, motor vehicle)
- Prove shared payments of financial obligations (rents, credit cards, utilities, income tax payments, insurance policies)
- Prove the planning of a future together (life/medical/health insurance where one spouse is dependent of the other
- Photograph the couple attending major family events
- Prove the couple have children born to, or adopted by, them together
- Show joint care of family members (medical documents of one spouse showing name of other spouse as caretaker, school documents showing foreign spouse is involved in care of stepchildren, joint ownership of — and joint payments of costs relating to — family pets)
Proof You’re Legally Married – The Government Wants the Paperwork
If the marriage took place outside the United States, USCIS will demand proof that it was valid in the country where it took place. For example, Venezuela recognizes common law marriage but only if the couple met certain requirements. The application must also include documents showing that all prior marriages have ended, such as divorce judgments and death certificates of prior spouses.
Proof You Can Sponsor
Last the application must include documents to prove that the petitioner can sponsor a foreign spouse. U.S. citizens must include either a naturalization certificate or a long form U.S. birth certificate. Legal permanent residents must include a copy of their green card.
USCIS can mail an I-130 Request for Evidence even for couples that send all these documents. If you or your spouse are facing a deadline on an I-130 Request for Evidence, let our Board-certified immigration experts help your family. Call 954.385.0157 or Click “For Future Clients” to schedule a chat with our asylum immigration experts.
#MarriagePetition #SpouseGreenCard #USCISDocuments #I130Help #ImmigrationSupport #RealMarriageProof #SponsorSpouse #BlandonLaw #ImmigrationExpert #USImmigration
All team members speak Spanish.
Disclaimer – These entries are based on real life events. Family member names, when used, are real. Client names are changed for privacy.
