Proving a Bona Fide Marriage in an I-130 Petition: Why Persuasive Documentation Matters
By: Attorney Amanda Decker
When filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the basis of marriage, one of the most critical elements is demonstrating that the marriage is bona fide—meaning it was entered into in good faith, not solely for the purpose of evading immigration laws. USCIS officers are trained to scrutinize these petitions closely, and any inconsistency or insufficiency in your documentation can delay or derail the process.
I frequently represent individuals and couples navigating the complexities of immigration petitions. A central part of my role as an attorney is helping clients assemble clear, credible, and persuasive evidence that demonstrates the genuine nature of their marital relationship. However, many clients do not understand why I am so particular about receiving this kind of evidence, which I understand; it can seem very invasive. However, establishing a bona fide marriage is all about context for USCIS officers.
Why Does the Quality of Documentation Matter?
USCIS evaluates both the quantity and the quality of documents submitted. Submitting a stack of photos or bills with little context may not be enough. Officers look for coherent, consistent documentation that shows a shared life, not just shared legal status.
Poorly prepared submissions may raise red flags, result in a Request for Evidence (RFE), or lead to denials or additional interviews. Strong documentation, by contrast, can make the petition self-explanatory—saving time, expense, and stress for the couple.
What Makes Documentation Persuasive?
Effective submissions should tell a story—one of authenticity, shared experiences, and long-term commitment. Consider including the following categories of evidence, accompanied by written context or summaries where appropriate:
- Joint financial records: Joint bank account statements, shared credit card accounts, tax returns filed as “married filing jointly,” or major purchases made together (e.g., a car or home).
- Residential evidence: Lease or mortgage agreements in both names, utility bills showing cohabitation, or affidavits from landlords or neighbors.
- Photos and communication: Time-stamped photos across different periods and settings, travel records, and phone or email logs. These should show a history of companionship—not just a wedding ceremony.
- Affidavits from friends and family: Personal statements attesting to the nature of the relationship from people who have observed it first-hand can be highly valuable when properly drafted.
- Life events and milestones: Evidence of holidays celebrated together, insurance policies listing one another as beneficiaries, birth certificates of children, and more.
How Legal Counsel Enhances the Petition
Many applicants underestimate the benefit of legal representation in I-130 filings. We help ensure the evidence is legally sufficient, logically presented, and effectively narrated. We also prepare clients for interviews and proactively address any potential complications.
USCIS officers must make credibility judgments based on the documents in front of them. Don’t leave that judgment to chance. Strong representation can make all the difference.
Contact Us
If you’re preparing to file an I-130 based on marriage or responding to a Request for Evidence, Bruning & Associates can provide a tailored approach to assembling your petition and ensuring your relationship is presented with the clarity and persuasiveness it deserves.
Schedule a free consultation today to get started!
Click here to learn more about Attorney Amanda Decker.
*The content of this blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for legal counsel, and we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in Illinois for advice specific to your situation. Viewing or interacting with this blog does not establish an attorney-client relationship, which can only be formed through a written agreement.