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Marriage-based green card, divorced - Do I need to bring a marriage certificate?

By scrambledbrains in US Citizenship General Discussion

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scrambledbrains Newbie

scrambledbrains   0

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Hi everyone! I wasn’t able to find a clear answer in past threads, so hoping someone here can help.

 

I submitted my citizenship application online a couple of months ago and am currently waiting to be scheduled for the interview. I’m applying under the 5-year rule — I’ve had my green card for over five years now.

 

My green card was marriage-based, but my spouse and I separated after about four years and have since divorced. I have a divorce decree on hand, but I’m wondering if I’ll need to bring my marriage certificate to the interview as well. I’ve moved to another state since then, and requesting the certificate from the city clerk would be a bit of a hassle — so I’d prefer to avoid it if I can.

 

Does anyone know if this is typically required in my situation? Would really appreciate any insights. Thanks in advance!

TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   47,316

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

Welcome to the forum!

 

The instructions for 5 years are less stringent than those for 3 years.  Read carefully, interpret literally, and react/respond completely and honestly.  If the marriage certificate isn't required, then it isn't required.

 

Should the interviewing officer ask, explain as you have to us, supply your divorce certificate, and point out that the materials already in your file support your marital history.

 

Be sure to give us updates when things happen!

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   44,116

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
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Posted (edited)
2 hours ago, scrambledbrains said:

if I’ll need to bring my marriage certificate to the interview as well. I’ve moved to another state since then, and requesting the certificate from the city clerk would be a bit of a hassle — so I’d prefer to avoid it if I can.

My wife applied under the 5 year rule, and we were required to upload a copy of our marriage certificate, if I remember correctly..  I would get one and be prepared.

 

My personal motto in the military was "Over-prepared is FULLY prepared"

 

Edited by Crazy Cat

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OldUser Grand Master

OldUser   9,456

Posted
Timeline
Posted
8 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

My wife applied under the 5 year rule, and we were required to upload a copy of our marriage certificate, if I remember correctly..  I would get one and be prepared.

 

My personal motto in the military was "Over-prepared is FULLY prepared"

 

Yes, proof of marital status is required (married or divorced).

OldUser Grand Master

OldUser   9,456

Posted
Timeline
Posted
2 hours ago, Fr8dog said:

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-477.pdf

 

Looks to me it is not needed. Divorce decree is required to provide current martial status. 

 

And for those who want the most current version:

https://www.uscis.gov/n-400

You're right, only proof of current marital status is required. If divorced, only divorce certificate needed. 

TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   47,316

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted
5 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

If the marriage certificate isn't required, then it isn't required.

And it's probably in the file from earlier.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

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