An “informal,” customary, traditional, or common-law relationship can raise two different questions: was there a legally valid marriage under the applicable law, and what evidence documents that relationship? Do not assume that living together for a long time automatically creates a marriage for U.S. immigration purposes.
Identify the law and place first
Record where and when the marriage was claimed to have occurred, what ceremony or legal steps took place, and what law or custom applied. If the relationship is described as common-law or customary, gather information about how that jurisdiction recognizes such marriages.
This is an area where legal review is especially useful because validity can depend on the law of the place where the marriage was created and on the immigration benefit involved.
Preserve available records
Depending on the circumstances, useful records for attorney review may include civil or customary certificates, registration records, family records, religious documents, joint residence records, photographs, correspondence, financial records, children's records, affidavits from people with firsthand knowledge, and evidence explaining why a standard civil certificate does not exist.
These items do not automatically establish a legally valid marriage. Organize them so counsel can evaluate both validity and proof.
Create a relationship timeline
Record when you met, when the relationship became committed, ceremony or marriage events, periods living together, children, moves, separations, and major immigration events. Mark uncertain dates instead of guessing.
If documents use different names or dates, list the discrepancy and preserve the source documents.
For Form I-730
Use the current USCIS I-730 instructions to determine what evidence is required for the particular relationship. If primary evidence is unavailable, see our guide to secondary I-730 relationship evidence.
Official source
This page is general educational information, not a determination that any particular relationship qualifies as a marriage. Consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative for case-specific advice.