How to Prove Bona Fide Marriage Relationship

Last updated: November 9, 2025.

By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney

To successfully obtain a green card through marriage to a US citizen or permanent resident, you must prove that marriage is bona fide. It means that you entered into marriage with good faith.

The table below contains examples of acceptable documents that can be used to prove your marriage:

Type of evidence	Examples of acceptable documents
Marriage certificate	Valid and official marriage certificate issued by the government or relevant authorities Religious marriage certificate (only if you have one)
Birth certificates of children born to the couple	Birth certificates must list both spouses as parents of the child
Joint financial documents	Joint checking or savings accounts – monthly statements that are available for each joint account. Statements provided should show that the account is used by the couple Joint credit card accounts – monthly statements that are available for each joint account. Statements provided should show that the account is used by the couple. Statements must show the names of both spouses, otherwise provide the photocopies of the credit cards themselves to show that both spouses are on the account.
Jointly filed tax returns	Copies of jointly filed Federal IRS income tax returns for each year that the couple has file jointly
Joint assets	Real property deeds showing joint ownership of home or other real estate property Evidence of joint ownership of cars or other vehicles (title and/or car loan documentation listing both spouses)
Joint residency	Apartment lease showing both spouses listed as tenants of the apartment/house. The lease should be signed by both spouses. If the lease does not list both spouses or isn’t signed by both spouses, also provide a letter from the landlord indicating that both spouses live at the apartment/house and/or copies of rental receipts showing both spouses’ names Joint utility bills (gas, electric, water, internet, etc.) Driver’s license, state issued photo ID, or other photo identification cards for both spouses showing their shared residential address
Joint insurance policies	Life insurance policies where the other spouse is named as the beneficiary Medical or health insurance policies that name the spouse as a member or beneficiary
Other joint accounts	Copies of other accounts listing both spouses, such as, cable, gym membership, etc.
Money transfers	If a couple resides in different countries – proof of money transfers, gifts, joint expenses, etc.
Joint travel records	Flight itineraries Hotel reservations, and  Passport stamps
Evidence of communication	Texts messages Electronic messaging (i.e., Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, etc.) Telephone records showing calls,  Emails, letters, birthday and holiday cards, etc.
Social Media	Screenshots or printouts of social media posts, messages, or photos that depict your relationship
Personal photographs	All personal photographs must be annotated and contain the following details: place, date, occasion, people depicted in each picture: Wedding photographs Photographs of the couple together with family and friends (throughout the whole relationship) Photographs from birthday parties, holiday gatherings, social gatherings, religious celebrations Joint vacation photographs
Emergency contact	Letter from employer or showing the spouse listed and/or designation of the spouse as the person to be notified in event of accident, sickness, or other emergency.
Witness affidavits	Affidavits from friends and family members having personal knowledge of the relationship. Each affidavit must contain the following information: Full name and address of the person making the affidavit Date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit; and Complete information and details explaining how the person knows the couple and examples of when the person sees the couple together. The more detailed specific examples of how the person has seen the couple together and how the person knows that the couple is in a loving relationship, the stronger the affidavit will be Affidavits must be notarized If couple attends church or religious meetings – a letter from the religious leader or other authorized employee of the religious organization attesting to their       join membership and/or active participation together and their personal knowledge of the spouses together as a couple

 

Watch Our Client’s Success Story – From Parole to Green Card in 9 Months:

Introduction
Securing a marriage-based green card can feel overwhelming, but our client’s story proves it’s possible to navigate the U.S. immigration system efficiently with the right guidance.

The Starting Line: CBP One Entry
In September 2023, the client entered the U.S. via the CBP One mobile app—setting the wheels in motion for the green card process.

Building the Case: Marriage-Based Petition
Once married to a U.S. citizen, the client filed Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) simultaneously—streamlining the process under the “AOS” procedure.

Efficient Timeline
Over nine months, the couple:

1. Filed the complete application packet

2. Attended biometrics and the in-person marriage interview

3. Received the green card approval

This marks a notably swift approval for a marriage-based case.

Why It Mattered

• Professional Support: The immigration attorney’s preparation—organizing evidence, preparing clients for the interview—was key to success.

What You Can Learn

1. File I-130 and I-485 together if eligible—it can reduce wait times.

2. Document your relationship thoroughly: joint finances, photos, affidavits, and shared residence.

3. Prep for the interview early—knowing each other’s history, daily routine, and relationship narrative makes a difference.

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Final Word

This nine-month green card approval showcases how strategy, preparation, and timely filings can lead to success. If you’re navigating a similar route, consider legal guidance—and don’t underestimate the impact of a well-documented, organized application.

Related Links:

Marriage Green Card – Checklist, Forms and Processing Time

How to Fill Out Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative – Step-By-Step Instructions

Form I-130A – How to Fill Out

Form I-130 Checklist of Required Documents

Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens

New Parole-In Place Program for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens