U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Requirements for Married Couples

You must have a marriage certificate or marriage license if you are married. If you re-married, then you need to present one of the following documents:

• Divorce decree. Make sure that you have the finalized copy after right to appeal was exercised or waived.
• Death certificate if previous spouse died.
• Annulment certificate.

What happens if you are married but don’t have marriage certificate?

If are married but lost your marriage certificate, then you need to obtain a document from the official agency stating the case with official seal/stamp and signature. You may also get an affidavit from relatives or friends who have witnessed your marriage and this affidavit must be executed before an official agency.

Some countries, such as India, issue non-availability of marriage certificate (as well as birth certificate) in cases where marriage has not been officially recorded.

Who issues divorce decrees?

In many countries, including China, Russia, and in most Christian counties, courts handle divorces cases and issue divorce decrees for dissolution of marriage union. Some courts require passage of certain period of time before deciding on divorce or separation of marriage.

In most Muslim countries, Religious or Sharia Courts issue divorce decrees.

Marrying American citizen to get your Green Card faster

Many citizens of other countries get their permanent resident visa by marrying a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service – INS) scrutinizes such marriages carefully non-immigrants who have to leave the United States get married fast, or marriage creates some doubts if married persons are not living together.

If you are married an American citizen, it will help if you arrange a wedding attended by the relatives, especially the relatives of the U.S. citizen, joint tax returns that you filed, receipts and utility bills, and bank accounts carrying both of your names. Having a joint child also helps in getting your Green Card.

You need to get certified translation of your marriage certificate into English

If your original marriage certificate is not in English language, then you need to submit “certified” translation of your  marriage certificate into English language to submit to the USCIS.