Proving Your Relationship in a Family Petition

Every family-based immigration case depends on one thing: proving the family relationship. Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, the U.S. government requires clear evidence that the relationship is real and legally valid.

Submitting strong evidence the first time is one of the best ways to avoid delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or even denials.

Common Evidence for Family Petitions

The type of evidence you’ll need depends on the relationship:

No matter where or when you were born, we will help you find the right evidence to prove your family relationship.

• Spouse: Marriage certificate, or if that's unavailable, other documentation and evidence showing the marriage is current and legal.

• Child: Birth certificate listing the parent, adoption decrees, or legitimation documents.

• Parent: Petitioner’s birth certificate showing the parent’s name.

• Sibling: Birth certificates of both siblings showing at least one parent in common.

When Documents Are Missing or Abroad

Sometimes, official records may be missing, destroyed, or unavailable in the country where they were issued. In these cases, USCIS often accepts secondary evidence, such as:

• Church or hospital records

• School or census records

• Affidavits from people with personal knowledge of the relationship

If no records are available at all, a written explanation from the local authority may also be required.

Proving you marriage is bona fide involves showing USCIS you do the things that married couples usually do, few pieces of evidence are better than photos of all the time you've spent together.

Marriage Cases: Extra Scrutiny

Marriage petitions are closely reviewed to ensure the marriage is bona fide (real) and not entered into just for immigration purposes. This means submitting as much evidence as possible of a shared life, including:

• Joint bills, insurance, and financial accounts

• Evidence of living together

• Photos from the wedding, trips, and family gatherings

• Messages, emails, or other communication showing the relationship over time

There is no set list of evidence to show a bona fide marriage, every relationship is different and therefore every case is different. An attorney can help identify the strongest evidence and present it in an organized, persuasive way.

Avoiding Delays and RFEs

A common reason for USCIS to issue an RFE (Request for Evidence) is insufficient or unclear proof of the relationship. These delays can add months to the process. By front-loading the case with solid documentation, you reduce the risk of complications.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

An experienced immigration attorney will:

• Review your family relationship and identify the required evidence

• Advise and inform your family about what to expect throughout the process

• Help gather alternative documentation if official records are missing

• Prepare affidavits and translations where needed

• Organize evidence to present the strongest possible case

With the right guidance, families can avoid pitfalls and move their cases forward smoothly.

Take the Next Step

Family petitions succeed when relationships are clearly documented. Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, having the right evidence makes all the difference.

Get trusted guidance from Quesnel Law—schedule your consultation now and move forward with confidence.