Long-distance relationships are tough, but when you add the stress and uncertainty of the marriage green card process, things can become even more challenging. Spending time apart is hard enough, let alone when you’re waiting on the U.S. government to approve your immigration application so you can finally reunite with your spouse.
Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship already or will be soon, here are some tips to help you maintain your relationship while going through the marriage green card process.
Communication is Key
Communication is always important in a relationship, but it’s especially crucial when you’re dealing with the added stress of immigration paperwork. Make sure you’re keeping in touch regularly and being honest with each other about how you’re feeling during each stage of the process. For example, if you’re feeling nervous about your marriage green card interview, let your spouse know you could use extra support! You could even do practice interviews together to prepare.
Get Organized
The marriage green card process involves a lot of paperwork, with several different forms to be filled out and a variety of supporting documents to gather, so it’s essential to stay organized. Keep track of important deadlines and make a checklist of all the forms and supporting documents you need to submit. Boundless even put together a document checklist you can download for free! It may be helpful to create a shared folder where you can both access and update your documents as needed.
Want more help on your marriage green card application? Boundless offers unlimited support from our team of immigration experts, so you can apply with confidence and focus on what’s important, your life together in the U.S. Learn more.
Plan Visits
For many long-distance couples, it’s important to see each other in person as often as possible, especially during the long wait for a green card. Plan visits in advance and make sure to document any travel plans or itineraries. Proof of in-person visits can be used to demonstrate a “bona fide” marriage — one of the most important requirements of the marriage green card process.
If you are planning to visit each other, there may be some travel restrictions to consider for the foreign spouse applying for the green card. Make sure to read Boundless’ guide on visiting your spouse in the U.S. during the marriage green card process, so you don’t do anything that could jeopardize a pending application. You might consider meeting up in the foreign spouse’s home country or a third country to make the process easier.
Stay Positive
The immigration process can be long and frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and focus on the end goal: your life together in the U.S. Celebrate small wins along the way, like receiving a notice that your marriage green card application has been received or approved.
Take Advantage of Technology
Technology can be a lifesaver when it comes to maintaining a long-distance relationship. Use apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to stay in touch throughout the day, and consider using a shared online calendar to keep track of any upcoming immigration tasks, such as the medical exam, biometrics appointment, or visa interview.
Seek Support
Dealing with the stress of the immigration process alone can be overwhelming, so make sure to seek support from friends, family, or a marriage counselor. You might even want to connect with other couples going through the same process online to share tips and advice.
Maintaining a long-distance relationship during the marriage green card process can be challenging, but with these tips, you can help ensure that your relationship stays strong as you navigate your immigration journey and start a new life together in the U.S.
U.S. immigration can be complex and confusing. Boundless is here to help. Learn more.