Is a wedding ceremony required?

I am married to a US Citizen, is a wedding ceremony necessary for the green card application?

To apply for a marriage-based green card, you need to have a valid marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This means that you must be legally married and have a marriage certificate as proof of your marriage.

Having a wedding ceremony is not a legal requirement for getting married or applying for a marriage-based green card. As long as you have a valid marriage certificate, you can apply for a marriage-based green card.

However, it is important to note that USCIS may scrutinize your marriage if they suspect that it is not a bona fide or genuine marriage, but rather a marriage entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit. This is known as a "marriage of convenience" or "sham marriage."

To avoid any issues with USCIS, it is important to be prepared to provide evidence of your bona fide marriage, such as joint bank account statements, joint lease agreements, photos together, and other evidence of your shared life together.

If you have concerns about the validity of your marriage or how to provide evidence of a bona fide marriage, it is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance.