By Elena Puente · October 28, 2026
A petition for a spouse has two jobs: proving that you have the status to petition, and proving that the marriage is real. Most delays come from the second part, so it deserves the most attention.
For your own status, gather a birth certificate or naturalization certificate if you are a citizen, or your green card if you are a permanent resident. For the marriage, start with the certificate and any proof that earlier marriages ended.
Then collect evidence of a shared life: a lease or mortgage in both names, joint bank statements, insurance policies, and photos across different months with family and friends. Variety matters more than volume.
Bring everything to your consultation even if you are unsure it helps. It is easier to leave a document out than to scramble for one when a request for evidence arrives.
