Proving bona fide relationship after divorce?

[umpteenorange 0]

Hi all,

 

Longtime listener, first time caller. :)

I am on a green card as of 2018 but got divorced in 2020. I am still therefore two years away from applying for citizenship but have been thinking about the application.

 

In the experience of others who have been through the process after a divorce, how likely is that the immigration officers want to re-evaluate whether the relationship is bona fide?

 

My ex-wife and I were married for a total of 8 years, two of which were in the US, but during our time in the US we lived in separate residences and did not share bank accounts. In terms of having to re-prove the status of the marriage, all I really have are photographs of her, some emails about travel plans and trips we took together, and then joint tax returns for 2018 and 2019.

I'm concerned that Immigration will look suspiciously on the marriage because we didn't share residence or those assets. Should I be concerned? Is there anything else I should gather? My ex-wife and I are still on decent terms, so I wondered about asking her for an affidavit about the nature of the relationship but maybe that's premature.

Thanks!
 

[Mike E 11,740]

IME, one glance at my kids’ birth certificates and my N-400 officer was satisfied the marriage (30 years of marriage) was bonafide.  
 

Be prepared for the question. 

[El Escocés 217]

10 hours ago, Mike E said:

30 years of marriage

that's worth a medal

[USC4SPOUSE 506]

@umpteenorange, once you are eligible, you will apply for naturalization based on the 5 year rule. You do not have to submit any evidence of bona fide marriage with your N-400. The officer who adjudicated your green card case was obviously satisfied with the evidence you provided at the time. You also got a 10 year green card. You're fine. 

 

You will have to submit taxes and hopefully, you filed as married filing separately or jointly while you were married. I do not think you will have any issues. 

Edited July 8, 2021 by USC4SPOUSE