Many couples come to the office saying, lawyer, we want to get married, what do we need for our immigration process. In most cases if the person entered illegally, it starts with an I-130 form. This form is to show Immigration that the husband or wife with documents was truly married, it is showing that the marriage is real, at this point you must show immigration that it is not a fraudulent marriage to obtain immigration benefits.

How do we prove to immigration that your marriage is real?

Having children does not necessarily mean that your marriage is real. Many couples have separated and only come together to file immigration papers. It is important to show that in addition to having children it is a real marriage, so the invitation I make to clients is to prepare from a financial point of view, open a bank account together, a savings account together, if you are renting, do the contract in the names of both, the bills in the names of both, the water, electricity, telephone, that some things remain in the name of both of them so that it can be shown that they live at the same address, if they can register in the gym, register in the church as a family, go to costco or sams and get a card, get medical insurance in both of your names, take out life insurance for both of you.
It is important to show that in addition to having children it is a real marriage, so the invitation I make to clients is to prepare themselves from a financial point of view, open a bank account together, a savings account together...etc.
Immigration wants to see that there is an economic commitment, if you have the financial capacity to buy property, put it in both your names, to buy a vehicle, put it in both your names. Normally, if it is a fraudulent marriage, you are not going to mix your finances with a person you hardly know.

If it is a real marriage, do your homework to do things right.

Immigration also wants to see an emotional commitment from you to your partner, that you know each other well enough. If you go on trips, take photos, if you have meetings with family or friends, take photos, I like to use spontaneous photos. Before making the request, you must also analyze other things such as your husband's record, entries into the country, how long he has been in, what arrests he has had.
Remember, there are many factors that affect how to start a procedure. So, it is very important that you have the advice of a lawyer. You can contact our office at 470-207-5333