What is a "Bona Fide" Marriage? (And How to Prove It)
Published on: November 1, 2025
When you petition for a spouse to get a Green Card, USCIS needs to know the marriage is “bona fide.”
This Latin term simply means “in good faith.”
In simple terms, USCIS wants to make sure you didn’t get married only to get an immigration benefit.
You must prove that you and your spouse intend to build a life together and share a joint life.
A marriage certificate proves you are legally married, but it doesn’t prove your relationship is real.
That’s why you must submit extra evidence.
💍 How to Prove Your Marriage Is “Bona Fide”
You must provide documents that show you have commingled your lives — meaning you’ve mixed your finances, living situations, and social lives together.
You do not need all of these, but the more you have, the stronger your case will be.
It’s best to provide evidence from the entire length of your marriage, not just from the last few weeks.
🏦 Strongest Evidence (Proof of Joint Finances & Property)
- Joint Bank Accounts: Statements from checking or savings accounts with both of your names and real activity (deposits and payments).
- Joint Lease or Mortgage: Copies of your apartment lease or mortgage showing both names.
- Property Deeds: Proof that you co-own a house, car, or other property.
- Joint Credit Card Statements: A card showing one spouse as the primary user and the other as an authorized user.
🏠 Good Evidence (Proof of Living Together)
- Joint Utility Bills: Electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bills showing both names at the same address.
- Driver’s Licenses / IDs: Both licenses showing the same address.
- Mail Sent to Both Spouses: Official mail (from banks or government agencies) addressed to one or both of you at the same address.
💡 Other Important Evidence
- Birth Certificates of Children: If you have children together, this is one of the strongest pieces of evidence.
- Joint Insurance: Proof that you share the same health, dental, life, or car insurance policy.
- Travel Itineraries: Records of trips you’ve taken together.
- Photos: Don’t just send wedding photos — include 10–20 photos from throughout your relationship: vacations, holidays, family gatherings, home life, etc. (Label date and people if possible.)
- Letters from Friends & Family: Affidavits from people who personally know you both, confirming that your marriage is genuine.
By collecting these documents, you are building a strong, clear file that shows USCIS your marriage is bona fide — real, genuine, and not for immigration purposes.