Marriage Based Green Cards: What Does USCIS look for in “Real Marriages”?

United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) does not look for anything different in a real marriage than the usual things that  husbands and wives do to protect each other if something bad were to happen.

Any loving couple would want to protect each other by buying health insurance, life insurance, and having both names listed in properties like cars, boats, and homes etc. They do this to avoid having to go to court to establish ownership should one spouse unexpectedly pass away.

Thus, USCIS would want to see that your assets and liabilities are shared; birth certificates of children (depending on how long they were married); length of time of the marriage and any other pertinent information about the marriage.

Marriage-based Green cards are conditional for two years and the conditions must be removed before the two years end. A joint petition must be filed by the couple to remove the conditions. The couple must also attend an interview to remove the conditions. At the interview, the couple must show that the marriage was in good faith at the time it was entered and valid where it was celebrated. If the marriage terminates before the two years, a waiver can be granted to the non-citizen spouse if they can show that there was abuse in the marriage, or that the marriage was in good faith when entered into and was not entered into only to obtain immigration benefits unless the marriage terminated by the death of the US citizen.

Navigating the marriage-based green card process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to proving your relationship is genuine and meeting USCIS requirements. If you have questions about your application, supporting documents, or removing conditions on your green card, the Law Office of Benosi Maduka LLC is here to help. We provide clear guidance and personalized support to ensure your case is handled with care and confidence. Contact us today at 505-357-0938 or email benosinm@madukalaw.com to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward securing your future together.