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Is a marriage certificate required to include a spouse?

To include the spouse in the EB-4 visa, it is essential to present a valid marriage certificate and follow official guidelines, ensuring legal proof of the union.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on September 8, 2025
2 min read
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The EB-4 visa, designed for special immigrants, allows including the spouse as a dependent, but it is essential to adequately prove the marital relationship. Generally, this means presenting a valid marriage certificate issued by the competent authorities of the country where the marriage took place.

The marriage certificate is one of the most important documents to prove the legal union between the applicant and the spouse. Without it, it may be difficult to demonstrate that the partnership meets the requirements established by United States immigration laws.

In special situations, such as marriages performed abroad or common-law unions that need to be converted into a legal marriage, it is crucial to follow the specific guidelines of the agency responsible for the process and gather complementary documents that demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship.

Remember that following immigration laws and consulting reliable sources is always important to avoid surprises and complications. It is advisable to seek support from specialized companies and be wary of proposals that promise guaranteed results, because no agency or professional can assure the approval of any immigration process.

Thus, being well informed is the best way to correctly follow all the steps required to include the spouse in the EB-4 process.

Learn more about EB-4

Category
EB-4 Green Card (4th priority)
Eligible
Religious workers, SIJ, others
Petition
Form I-360
Processing
12-24 months
All about EB-4

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Is a marriage certificate required to include a spouse?

To include the spouse in the EB-4 visa, it is essential to present a valid marriage certificate and follow official guidelines, ensuring legal proof of the union.

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