Planning to apply for a marriage-based green card in Miami? Contact our experienced immigration lawyer in Florida today for guidance tailored to USCIS’s 2025 standards.
What Is USCIS Looking For?
In 2025, USCIS continues to crack down on fraudulent or weak marriage-based green card applications in Miami. The key focus is on proving marriage is bona fide (genuine), with evidence of joint life, cohabitation, finances, and shared responsibilities.
Documentation & Evidence
- Joint lease or mortgage documents
- Shared utility bills and bank accounts
- Photos together over time, travel records
- Communication logs (e.g. chats or calls)
- affidavits from friends or family who know your relationship
USCIS Interview Tips
At your Miami USCIS interview, honesty and consistency matter. Expect detailed questions about your relationship history, daily routines, shared experiences, and plans. You’ll need to show you’re living together and functioning as a married couple.
Application Timeline
- File Form I‑130 (Petition by U.S. Citizen or LPR) and I‑485 (Adjustment of Status) concurrently if you’re in the U.S.
- USCIS processes these in Miami field office—current processing times vary; premium processing unavailable for marriage green card adjustment.
- Interview typically scheduled 6–12 months after filing.
- Approval leads to conditional green card (if married under 2 years), valid for two years.
Common Pitfalls
- Insufficient proof of bona fide marriage: Weak or sparse documentation leads to RFE or denial.
- Inconsistencies at interview: Discrepancies in spouse answers raise suspicions.
- Marriage under 2 years at approval: Conditional card rules and stricter scrutiny.
- Failure to remove conditions: If you forget to file Form I‑751 within 90 days before expiration, you risk losing status.
Our immigration lawyer Florida team specializes in guiding Miami couples through USCIS’s evolving criteria in 2025, helping you gather strong evidence, prepare for interview questions, and avoid delays or denial.
Need assistance to prepare your marriage-based green card application in Miami? Reach out now to our immigration attorney in Florida for expert help from filing to interview.
FAQs
Q: What is a bona fide marriage?
A: A marriage entered into in good faith with mutual intention of shared life—not for immigration benefits.
Q: What if USCIS issues an RFE?
A: We assist in gathering additional documents and submitting persuasive evidence.
Q: Do we need a joint lease?
A: It helps, but not mandatory. Utility bills, photos, travel logs also count.
Q: Can I work while adjustment of status is pending?
A: Yes, with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application.