Bringing your family to the U.S. is a dream come true, but USCIS needs to be sure your relationship is the real deal. Here’s how to show them your love story is legit:
Paper Power: The Official Docs
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Marriage Certificate: Got a spouse? This is a must-have.
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Birth Certificates: Sponsoring a child or parent? Prove the family bond with these.
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Adoption Papers: If adoption is part of your story, include the paperwork.
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Divorce Decrees: Been married before (you or your family member)? Show the past marriage is over with these documents.
Building Your Case: Showing You Live Like a Family
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Shared Bank Accounts & Property: Joint accounts, houses, or cars – proof you’re a financial team!
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Shared Bills: Utility bills and other shared expenses show you’re living together.
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Leases & Mortgages: Got a joint lease or mortgage? This shows you’re sharing a roof.
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Insurance Policies: Life insurance listing each other as beneficiaries? Now that’s love (and smart planning)!
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Sworn Statements: Get friends and family to vouch for your relationship with written statements.
Keeping in Touch: The Communication Chronicles
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Letters, Emails & Texts: Show them you chat it up with copies of your correspondence.
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Phone Records: Call logs can show you talk regularly, even if it’s just to say “I love you.”
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Social Media Posts: Screenshot those cute couple pics and birthday shoutouts – online love is real too!
Pictures Worth a Thousand Words: The Photo Album Approach
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Photos Together: Vacations, holidays, family gatherings – every picture tells a story of your time together.
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Group Photos: Include pics with friends and extended family to show you’re integrated into each other’s lives.
Witness Testimony: Backing You Up
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Statements from Friends & Family: Have people who know you both write about your relationship.
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Provide Contact Information: Make it easy for USCIS to reach out to your witnesses if needed.
By gathering all this evidence, you’ll create a strong case that proves your family bond is real. Remember, clear and convincing evidence is key! With a little preparation, you can show USCIS your love story is the happily ever after kind.
