Updated October 28, 2026. Government guidance and platform pricing reviewed as of this date.
A marriage certificate is an important record, but preparing a spousal Form I-130 also involves evidence of the relationship itself. For couples beginning a marriage-based Green Card journey, understanding those two purposes can make document preparation more focused.
USCIS's current checklist covers marriage records and evidence that the relationship is genuine, often called a bona fide marriage. A separate October 2026 update changes where paper I-130 petitions are mailed. Both deserve attention when preparing your records.
Start With the Marriage Records
The USCIS Form I-130 evidence checklist lists a copy of the marriage certificate and evidence that either spouse's prior marriages legally ended, if applicable.
Begin by locating those records and identifying which person and event each document concerns. If either spouse was previously married, keep the relevant marriage-termination records clearly identified rather than mixing them with documents about the current relationship.
Questions about whether a marriage or a prior divorce is legally recognized can require professional legal judgment. Organizing the records helps you prepare for that discussion; it does not resolve the legal question.
Understand the Relationship Evidence Examples
USCIS also lists evidence of the marriage's bona fides. Its Form I-130 instructions provide examples, including:
- Documents showing joint property ownership.
- A lease showing that both spouses live at a common residence.
- Records showing combined financial resources.
- Birth certificates of children born to both spouses.
- Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by people with personal knowledge of the marital relationship.
- Other relevant documentation establishing an ongoing marital union.
For third-party affidavits, USCIS specifies identifying information, including the writer's full name, address, date and place of birth, and details explaining how the writer acquired personal knowledge of the marriage. Read the full instructions before using this type of evidence.
Immigration Pro360 guidance: Treat the examples as ways to understand relevant records, rather than a requirement that every couple own property or have children. Begin with genuine documents that reflect your actual circumstances. A licensed immigration attorney can advise on questions about the evidence appropriate to your case.
Make Your Records Easier to Review
A useful organizational task is to identify what each record contains and where it fits in your relationship history. This is Immigration Pro360's practical guidance, not an additional USCIS filing format or evidence requirement.
For each document you gather, consider recording:
| Item to note | Why it helps with organization |
|---|---|
| Document date | Identifies when the record was issued or signed. |
| Period covered | Shows which part of your history the record concerns. |
| Names shown | Helps you identify the people named in the document. |
| Source | Records who issued it or where the original is kept. |
| Review question | Keeps unresolved questions visible for further checking or professional advice. |
For example, if you already have a shared lease, a filename such as shared-lease-2026-01.pdf may be easier to recognize than scan014.pdf. This is a naming example, not a suggestion that every couple must have that document.
Keep drafts, duplicate scans, and the documents selected for review distinguishable. When you receive a newer record, note its date and coverage so you can understand how it relates to earlier records.
An orderly folder helps you locate information. It does not determine whether a document is legally sufficient or whether a petition will be approved.
October 2026 Update for Paper I-130 Filings
The alert on the official USCIS I-130 page states that USCIS changed the form's filing locations on October 7, 2026.
USCIS also says it will accept forms sent to prior filing locations if they are postmarked on or before November 9, 2026, under its address-change grace period.
This grace period concerns the use of prior mailing locations. It should not be treated as an extension of other filing or eligibility deadlines. The cited alert addresses mailing locations; it does not announce a new marriage-evidence test.
Before mailing, open the current Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-130 page. USCIS explains that the filing address depends on where you live and whether Form I-485 is being filed at the same time. Follow the instructions for your filing situation rather than copying an address from an older checklist.
The address page also directs filers to check each form's currently accepted edition. Use the current USCIS form page and its linked instructions when reviewing your packet.
Keep Legal Questions Separate From Organization Tasks
Finding a document, naming a file, and recording its date are organizational tasks. Determining whether a foreign divorce is recognized, whether a marriage meets legal requirements, or how particular circumstances affect a petition requires a different kind of review.
Keep a short list of those questions and the records connected to them. If you need advice about your circumstances, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Immigration Pro360's subscriber resource directory includes licensed immigration attorney listings and supports searches by location and language. The directory helps you find professional resources; legal advice comes from the professional you consult.
Organize Your Marriage-Based Journey With Immigration Pro360
Immigration Pro360 helps users track documents, follow pathway steps, set reminders for dates they enter, and view USCIS case updates, directly from the source.
For a spousal petition, those tools can help keep marriage records, relationship evidence, important dates, and preparation tasks connected. Use the official USCIS instructions to guide your document review.
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Immigration Pro360 is an independent service, not a law firm. It provides general information and organization tools, not legal advice, and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by USCIS or the U.S. government. Use current official instructions and consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice about your individual circumstances.