Eva Mendes made some remarks on an episode of Australia’s Kyle and Jackie O Show, during which co-host Brittany Hockley asked, “There’s a rumor that you guys might have secretly tied the knot. Is that true?” Mendes replied, “But who says we weren’t already? I like to keep it all mysterious. I’m a very mysterious woman.”
Seems like the new trend is for celebrities to secretly get married. When news surfaced that Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes had secretly tied the knot, it not only sparked interest because of the celebrity status but also shone a light on a more relatable issue: the perception of what is needed for a marriage to be recognized legally, especially in the eyes of immigration.
For anyone feeling pressured to throw a big wedding just to impress a consulate officer—relax. It’s not necessary. USCIS is not looking for a guest list, whether you choose to celebrate that with just your closest loved ones or in solitude, your marriage can still be deemed authentic in the eyes of immigration authorities. What matters most is the genuine nature of the relationship. A simple or even secret wedding, much like Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling’s, can meet all legal requirements for a marriage-based visa as long as the couple can provide substantial evidence that their relationship is legitimate. You can still have a beautiful wedding with a beautiful dress and with any other special touches that you want, without having to make it a huge event or even have it be public knowledge, for the wedding and marriage to be recognized legally.
What USCIS Cares About
When applying for a green card through marriage, you’ll need things like:
- Joint bank accounts or financial statements.
- Lease agreements or property deeds showing cohabitation.
- Birth certificates of children, if applicable.
- Photos and travel records that show you spend time together.
- Affidavits from friends or family members attesting to the legitimacy of your relationship.
For couples navigating this path, remember that a genuine, well-documented relationship is the cornerstone of a successful marriage-based green card application. Embrace the simplicity if it suits your personal preferences, just ensure you gather and present strong evidence to support your application.
Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone 305-371-8846. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.
