In 2018, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security states that 1,096,611 people received permanent lawful status in the country. Perhaps you want to be one of the many in the near future who also obtains this status by obtaining a green card. If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you may have filled out a marriage green card application to pursue this legal designation.
If you ended up with a denied application, you may wonder why this occurred. Here are a few common reasons why marriage green card applications do not get approved.
1. Errors on the application package
Even minor mistakes can result in a green card denial. Some of these errors can include failing to translate various documents, not fully filling out all the forms, submitting photos that do not meet government requirements and failing to provide all signatures.
2. Failure to establish an authentic marriage
The foundation for your marriage green card application is your legally recognized marital relationship. You may have a hard time establishing an authentic marriage on your application if, for example, you or your spouse’s divorce did not become final before the marriage or if the country where you got married does not recognize your union.
3. Lack of sufficient financial resources
While filing an application for a marriage-based green card, your spouse must prove he or she has enough financial resources to support you. Your spouse can typically prove this by providing copies of his or her recent pay stubs or federal income tax returns.
4. General ineligibility for a green card
Just because your spouse is a U.S. citizen does not automatically mean you are eligible for a marriage-based green card. For example, if you came to the U.S. on a tourist visa and then applied for a green card within 60 days following your arrival, your application may face denial if you cannot prove you did not plan on applying for a green card after entering the country.
