Essential Documents to Keep After Marriage for U.S. Immigration Filing (Green Card Process)

When you get married and plan to apply for a U.S. marriage-based green card, the most important thing you’ll need to prove is that your marriage is real (bona fide) — not entered into solely for immigration benefits.

USCIS officers look for documentary evidence showing that you and your spouse share a genuine life together — emotionally, financially, and practically. Keeping the right documents from the very beginning can make your immigration interview or green card application process far smoother.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover exactly which documents you should keep after marriage for immigration filing, how to organize them, and what counts as strong evidence for USCIS.

🏛️ 1. Core Identity and Legal Marriage Documents

These are the foundation of your immigration file, and USCIS will require them for all marriage-based filings.

Keep copies of:

• Official marriage certificate issued by a government authority (not just a ceremony receipt)

• Passports (including biographical pages and visa stamps) for both spouses

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record for the foreign spouse (can be printed from cbp.gov/i94)

• Birth certificates of both spouses

• Previous divorce decrees or death certificates, if either spouse was married before

• State ID or driver’s licenses showing your shared address

💡 Tip: Make certified copies and store them both digitally and physically. Originals may be required at your green card interview.

🏠 2. Proof of Shared Residence

One of the strongest signs of a bona fide marriage is living together under the same roof. USCIS expects to see consistent proof of shared residence.

Documents to keep:

• Joint lease agreement, mortgage, or home deed

• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.) showing both names

• Mail addressed to both of you at the same address (bank statements, insurance letters, etc.)

• Change of address confirmations from USPS or USCIS

• Home insurance or renter’s insurance policies naming both spouses

💡 Pro Tip: Save one or two bills every month. These recurring records prove continuous cohabitation over time.

💳 3. Joint Financial Evidence

Shared financial responsibility is one of the most convincing types of immigration evidence. It demonstrates trust, shared obligations, and interdependence.

You should keep:

• Joint bank account statements (monthly or quarterly)

• Credit card accounts or loans with both names

• Tax returns (IRS Form 1040) showing “Married Filing Jointly”

• Pay stubs showing your spouse listed as a dependent or beneficiary

• Joint property ownership documents or vehicle titles

• Car insurance listing both names

• Life insurance or health insurance naming your spouse as beneficiary

💡 Pro Tip: Try to use your joint bank account regularly for shared expenses like rent, groceries, or bills. USCIS often checks for account activity — not just account existence.

💑 4. Relationship and Communication Evidence

Photos and communication records show the human side of your marriage — that it’s built on real affection and connection.

Examples to save:

• Wedding photos and pictures from family gatherings, vacations, and holidays

• Travel itineraries, flight confirmations, and hotel bookings for trips taken together

• Chat logs, call records, and emails if you were long-distance before or after marriage

• Social media posts or tags showing your relationship publicly

• Cards, letters, or gifts exchanged between spouses

• Affidavits from friends or family members (Form I-130A allows these statements to describe your relationship)

💡 Tip: Choose photos that show both spouses with friends and family — not just selfies. USCIS looks for evidence that your relationship is integrated into your wider social life.

👨‍👩‍👧 5. Family and Life Integration Proof

If your marriage has blended your lives in practical or emotional ways, that’s valuable evidence.

Keep:

• Health, dental, or life insurance policies listing each other as dependents

• Wills, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations

• Children’s birth certificates listing both parents (if applicable)

• Joint memberships (gym, clubs, Costco, Amazon Prime, etc.)

• Joint travel history (visas, stamps, or itineraries)

💡 Pro Tip: Even small documents — like a shared phone plan or Amazon order confirmation — help build a pattern of an authentic marriage.

📑 6. USCIS Immigration Filing Documents

When you file your marriage-based green card or adjustment of status, you’ll use many of these documents as supporting evidence.

Typical forms and documents include:

• Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

• Form I-130A: Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary

• Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence

• Form I-864: Affidavit of Support (proving the U.S. spouse’s income meets the requirement)

• Form I-693: Medical Examination

• G-325A (if requested): Biographic Information

• Two passport-style photos of each spouse

• Copy of marriage certificate, birth certificates, and IDs

• Proof of lawful entry (visa or I-94)

💡 Tip: Always double-check the latest USCIS checklist before submitting your application. Requirements can change depending on your situation (for example, if you are applying through consular processing vs. adjustment of status).

🗂️ 7. How to Organize Your Immigration Binder

USCIS officers appreciate a well-organized file. Here’s a suggested format:

1. Tab 1 – Forms & Receipts

2. Tab 2 – Marriage & Identity Documents

3. Tab 3 – Joint Residence Evidence

4. Tab 4 – Financial Records

5. Tab 5 – Relationship Photos & Affidavits

6. Tab 6 – Insurance, Wills, and Beneficiary Proofs

💡 Pro Tip: Use a clear binder or folder with labeled dividers. Keep both digital scans (PDFs) and physical copies in case USCIS requests more evidence later.

⚖️ 8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t rely only on photos — financial and residence proof carry more weight.

• Don’t submit documents with mismatched addresses — update your ID and bills to the same address.

• Don’t include fake or altered documents — this can lead to permanent immigration bans.

• Don’t forget to update your name on key documents if you changed it after marriage.

💬 Final Words: Start Early and Stay Consistent

The best time to start gathering immigration evidence is right after marriage. Over time, these small pieces of paper — bills, letters, photos, and forms — build a powerful story of your genuine life together.

At Greenway Lawyer, we help individuals and couples prepare for their immigration filings, USCIS interviews, and green card applications by connecting them with trusted attorneys who can review your documents and strengthen your case.

If you’re preparing for your marriage-based green card filing, or if USCIS has asked for additional evidence (RFE), reach out to GreenwayLawyer.com to get matched with an experienced immigration professional today.