If you're married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder and you're seeking to live permanently in the United States, you'll need to prepare an I-130 petition package for a marriage-based green card application. This process can be complex and demanding, but with the right guidance and preparation, you can navigate it successfully.

The I-130 petition, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in the family-based immigration process. It's the document that U.S. citizens or permanent residents use to establish their relationship with certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the U.S. In the case of a marriage-based green card application, the I-130 petition is used to prove that your marriage is legitimate, or "bona fide."

Preparing a strong I-130 petition package is crucial. The U.S. government takes marriage fraud very seriously, and they scrutinize each application to ensure that the marriage is not just a means to obtain a green card. A common reason for application denials is insufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage. This guide will help you understand what constitutes strong evidence, what documents to include in your application, how to handle the green card interview, and how to navigate [special situations](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility-categories^). Let's get started.

A bona fide marriage, in the context of a green card application, is a marriage that was entered into in good faith, not for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. In other words, it's a genuine marriage where the couple intends to establish a life together.

Proving that your marriage is bona fide is a critical part of the green card application process. The U.S. government is committed to preventing immigration fraud, and marriages that are entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card are considered fraudulent. If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ([USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-a-chapter-5^)) suspects that your marriage is not bona fide, your application could be denied.

One of the most common reasons for application denials is insufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage. It's not enough to simply state that your marriage is genuine; you need to provide strong evidence to support your claim. This evidence can take many forms, including documents showing combined finances, proof of cohabitation, proof of raising children together, and other proof of a real relationship such as travel itineraries and communication records.

In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into what constitutes strong evidence of a bona fide marriage and what documents you should include in your I-130 petition package. We'll also provide guidance on how to handle the green card interview and navigate special situations.

Providing strong evidence of a bona fide marriage is a key component of your I-130 petition package. This evidence should convincingly demonstrate that your marriage is genuine and not just a means to obtain a green card. Here are some types of documents that can serve as strong evidence of a bona fide marriage:

Joint financial documents can be a powerful proof of a bona fide marriage. These can include joint bank account statements, joint credit card statements, joint tax returns, or other documents that show you and your spouse share financial responsibilities. 

Living together is a strong indicator of a bona fide marriage. You can provide utility bills, a lease agreement, or a mortgage statement that shows both your names. Letters or packages addressed to both of you at the same address can also serve as proof of cohabitation.

If you and your spouse have children together, this can serve as strong evidence of a bona fide marriage. You can provide birth certificates of your children showing both parents' names, school records, or medical records.

Other documents that can serve as proof of a bona fide marriage include travel itineraries showing trips you've taken together, photographs of you together with family and friends, email or text message exchanges, and letters of support from friends and family who can attest to the authenticity of your relationship.

Remember, the goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of your life together as a married couple. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be.

The green card interview is a crucial part of the marriage-based green card application process. This is where a USCIS officer will ask you and your spouse questions to determine the authenticity of your marriage. Here's what you need to know to prepare for this interview:

A. Understanding the Green Card Interview Process

During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask you and your spouse questions about your relationship and life together. The officer may ask about how you met, your wedding, your daily routines, and your plans for the future. The officer may also ask questions to verify the information in your I-130 petition package.

C. Interview Process for Spouses Living Abroad

If the spouse seeking a green card lives abroad, the interview process may be slightly different. The interview will likely take place at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the spouse's home country. The questions asked will be similar, but the process may take longer due to additional security and administrative processing.

Remember, the green card interview is your opportunity to demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage. Approach it with confidence and thorough preparation.

Every marriage-based green card application is unique, and you may encounter special situations that require additional consideration. Here are some common special situations and guidance on how to navigate them:

A. Spouse Without a U.S. Social Security Number

If the spouse seeking a green card does not have a [U.S. Social Security number](https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01981^), this can present a challenge, especially when trying to provide evidence of combined finances. However, there are alternative ways to prove the authenticity of your marriage:

Remember, the goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of your life together as a married couple. Even without a U.S. Social Security number, there are many ways to demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage.

If the spouse seeking a green card does not have a U.S. Social Security number, this can present a challenge, especially when trying to provide evidence of combined finances. However, there are alternative ways to prove the authenticity of your marriage:

Preparing an I-130 petition package for a marriage-based green card application can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and thorough preparation, you can navigate it successfully. Remember, the key to a strong application is providing convincing evidence of a bona fide marriage. This includes documents showing combined finances, proof of cohabitation, proof of raising children together, and other proof of a real relationship.

The green card interview is also a crucial part of the process. Be honest, consistent, and prepared. Bring all necessary documents and be ready to answer questions about your relationship and life together.

Special situations may arise, such as when a spouse seeking a green card does not have a U.S. Social Security number. In such cases, alternative ways to prove the authenticity of the marriage can be used, such as joint assets or liabilities in the home country, affidavits from friends and family, and other evidence of a shared life.

Remember, the goal is to demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage and your intention to establish a life together in the U.S. With careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the process, you can put together a strong I-130 petition package and increase your chances of success. Good luck with your application!

Starting a marriage-based green card application? The I-130 petition is your first step. It's important to provide enough evidence of a genuine marriage to avoid suspicion of fraud. Documents showing shared finances, cohabitation, raising children, and other signs of a real relationship can help. The green card interview is a crucial part of the process, requiring honesty and preparation. This guide will help you navigate the process successfully.

I-130 Petition: A Guide for Marriage-Based Green Card Applications

After you've filled the application, our expert team reviews your entries to maximize your chance of success before submission. Or if you want to avoid our online application, you can speak with our professionals who can fill your application while they are on the phone with you.

Here are the steps to apply for your visa.

Whether your goal is to get your Green Card or just to get a Visa for the United States, you've came to the right place. Our expert consultants are here to make the process easy on you and to maximize your chance of success of your United States Visa approval.

We know that the process is complicated and it can be hard to get started. With our easy to use technology, My-Visa-UAS lets you get started applying for your United States Visa today. Every applicant receives a personalized review of their application by our team of experts before submission to ensure that your application is correct and to maximize your chance of success.

Personalized U.S. Visa Consulting and Service

1 out of every 3 VISA applications for the United States are denied, and this is usually due to oversights and not having the necessary support. Our combination of an online application and expert human review maximizes your change of success.

When you apply in your language, you will save countless time and effort. In addition, by ensuring that your application is correct, you will avoid delays and the need to reapply.

Most Visa assistance services charge hundreds of dollars for their services. Our service is much cheaper and more efficient. Save your money for your trip to the United States by applying with our service.

By using our service, you greatly reduce the risk of clerical errors and your application being denied. Our experts will review your application and ensure that it is correct.

When you enroll in our service, we'll keep you up to date with any updates to your Visa application through text message or email. You will also receive a guide with tips for your interview, and we'll even schedule the interview for you.

If your application is rejected for any clerical error (which happens in 1-2 weeks), we'll help you apply again immediately at no additional cost. Our custom service is our number 1 priority, and we work tirelessly to help ensure that your application is approved.

Our advisors are available to help you get your visa to the United States and your can begin anytime.

Are you ready to apply for your Visa to the United States?

Increase the Chance of Your Visa Being Approved

Save Precious Time

Save Your Money

Rest Assured

Stay informed

Unlimited Re-Applications

What Are The Benefits?

'The experience with My-Visa-USA was incredible. Not only was it very affordable, but their online form was easy to use and saved a lot of time. I appreciate the entire My-Visa-USA team for making the visa application process so straightforward. Now, thanks to their help, I am happily living in the United States.'

'I am very grateful to My-Visa-USA. The visa application process was easy and efficient. I saved a lot of money and time. Their customer service was also exceptional; they were always available to answer all my questions. Thank you, My-Visa-USA!'

'My-Visa-USA made the visa application process incredibly easy. I didn't have to deal with long phone calls or visit a physical office. The online form was simple and affordable. Thanks to My-Visa-USA, I can now fulfill my dream of studying in the United States.'

'Applying for a visa always seemed like a complicated and expensive process, but with My-Visa-USA, it was the opposite. The process was simple, efficient, and most importantly, affordable. I am very grateful to My-Visa-USA for making this dream come true.'

'I am impressed with the ease and speed of the visa application process with My-Visa-USA. Their team of experts was very helpful and always available to answer my questions. And all of this at a lower price than other services. I will definitely recommend My-Visa-USA to my friends and family.'

My-Visa-USA provides a personalized, affordable, and efficient US Visa consulting and application service. Apply for various types of US visas, including tourism, business, immigration, study, and humanitarian in your native language. Maximize your chance of success with our expert review and guidance throughout the process. Start your US Visa journey today with My-Visa-USA!

My-Visa-USA is not affiliated with any United States government agency and does not represent any government entity, embassies, or consulates. Our services include advice and assistance throughout the visa application, immigration, or citizenship process. However, the final decision on the visa application is made by the Consular Officer of the United States Embassy or Consulate.

Our company specializes in consultancy for obtaining US visas. We provide support services and handle the paperwork on your behalf. In addition, we have experts dedicated to each step of the process to increase your chances of approval for the US visa.

No, although we have the experience of several immigration lawyers with whom we work, we do not offer legal services. We only provide you with digital tools and proven expertise to increase your chances of acquiring the US visa. If you need legal advice, we can put you in touch with one of our associated lawyers.

The duration depends on several factors, including the capacity of the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country.

The fee required by the United States government is paid whether the visa is accepted or not, and it is non-refundable. Our advice aims to increase the likelihood of your visa being approved.

If there is not enough time for you to be granted a visa, or if you prefer not to apply for one, it is preferable that your company changes the route and chooses one that does not go through the United States.

The possibility of obtaining a visa more quickly depends on: 1. The need to travel due to the death of an immediate relative or serious illness, 2. You or a minor child requiring urgent medical treatment, 3. Attending an urgent business meeting, 4. Making an unexpected visit for various reasons. To learn about other cases in which you may be able to travel more quickly, start the visa application process, or request more information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Are you affiliated with the United States Embassy?

Why should get my Visa with My-USA-Visa?

Is My-Visa-USA a law firm?

How long does it take to obtain a US visa?

If my visa is denied, will I get a refund?

My flight is tomorrow, can I apply for a transit visa?

Can I get a visa sooner?

Not sure if you qualify?

Select the reason for your trip:

Our service is quick, cheap, and easy to use. Our experienced team will assist you from application to interview

You can get a head start filling in the details we need to process your application

Start Applying for Your United States Visa Today

Ready to Get Started?

Click the 'Sign Up' button at the top of the page, and enter your email to register an account.

Answer questions about yourself and your past after creating your account. We will use your responses to put together your U.S. Visa Applicaton.

Make your payment in the 'Payment' page of the online portal when you are ready to submit your application. We accept all major credit cards.

After reviewing your entries in the My-Visa-USA application, we'll fill the real application for you. You'll just need to sign it and submit it.

If an interview is necessary (in some circumstances it is not), we'll schedule your interview for you at any United States Embassy worldwide that you choose.

Assuming you have had a successful application process, which 9/10 applicants do, you'll receive your visa and be ready to travel to the United States!

Create an Account

Enter your information in the portal

Make Payment

Finalize Your Real Application

Attend Your Interview

Receive Your Visa

The Secure Route to Your Visa

Hear From Satistfied Customers

My-Visa-USA: Quick, Cheap, Easy United States Visa Application Service

Learn the ins and outs of the Visa Application process while you fill out the form in your native language. When you're finished, we'll ensure its accuracy and assist you in signing and sending your official application.

Start Your Visa Journey Today: Use Our Guided Service

An expert visa consultant reviews every part of your application before submission. You'll get assistance with difficult sections, preparing necessary documents, interview preparation, and more.

With My-Visa-USA, you have access to expert visa consultants and immigration consultants. We know the system well and will help you avoid mistakes and problems applying for the U.S. Visa

Don't bother with the hassle of filling tedious government forms in a foreign langugae. With our easy-to-use system, just answer some questions about yourself and handle putting together your official application. 

Our team is available to you 7 days a weeks. Reach out to a friendly customer service representative with any questions you may have.

Personalized Assistance

An Experienced Team

Easy-To-Use Tools

Professional Customer Service

US Visa & Immigration Blog

Immigration Resources

US Visa & Immigration News

Visa, TPS, and Humanitarian Parole services coming soon!

Enter your email address below to receive the latest news and updates from us. We will keep you updated any news, updates, or changes in the Visa application process.