Filing a Marriage Adjustment of Status Right After Marriage: Is It a Red Flag?
Filing for a marriage-based green card soon after getting married, especially following a low-key courthouse wedding, can raise questions for some couples. One of the most common concerns we hear as New York immigration attorneys is: “Will USCIS think our marriage is fake if we file right away?”
This is especially relevant for couples who are living in the US and one spouse is on an H-1B work visa or an F-1 student visa with or whether they have an Optional Practical Training (OPT) or not. But here’s the good news: Filing for Adjustment of Status shortly after marriage is not necessarily a red flag, especially when the relationship is genuine and well-documented. In fact we encourage our clients to file the case as soon as possible as long as there are no 90 day rule issues in the adjustment of status process. Let’s break it down.
Why Do Couples File Quickly After Marriage?
1. H-1B Workers Facing Sudden Job Loss
Many H-1B visa holders have built stable lives in the U.S. with long-term partners. If they unexpectedly lose their job, they only have a 60-day grace period to find another employer, or risk falling out of status. This ticking clock can trigger a prompt courthouse wedding for couples already planning to marry. This is not a fraudulent marriage as the couple is already in a serious long-term relationship who were already committed to marriage but had not picked a date yet. The unexpected job loss can trigger expedition plans to get married. These couples already live together and have shared financial responsibilities. The urgency stems from immigration constraints, not suspicious motives. In these situations, working with a seasoned immigration attorney can be crucial in helping you present your case persuasively and thoroughly because laying the foundation of the case is so important. We want to make sure we file the case in a way that supports the narrative.
2. F-1 OPT Students With Expiring Work Authorization
F-1 students on OPT frequently face an uncertain future if they’re not selected in the H-1B lottery. When work authorization is about to expire, many turn to marriage—something they were already planning—to secure lawful status and continue their life with a U.S. citizen partner. These aren’t rushed decisions made lightly. They’re careful, pragmatic choices rooted in long-term commitment. For many couples, filing for a marriage-based green card is the most logical and heartfelt next step.
A Quick Marriage Doesn’t Always Mean Fraud
A quick wedding may raise eyebrows, but not necessarily suspicion. There are a few issues to consider.
The Practical Realities of Immigration Timelines
The U.S. immigration system often forces couples to make fast decisions. Whether it's an H-1B worker dealing with layoffs or an F-1 student with a looming OPT expiration, time constraints drive urgency. USCIS is aware of these realities. When your relationship is backed by strong, credible evidence, the timing alone won’t sink your case. Immigration law is about families wanting to stay together and build lives together. The process of marriage provides the couple with evidence of a legal relationship via a marriage certificate, followed by a request to the government to recognize the legal and loving relationship of their relationship via an adjustment of status petition (Form I-485).
Pre-Existing Relationships Matter
Couples who marry quickly often have longstanding, committed relationships. Shared leases, financial accounts, and years of memories are far more telling than the date of the wedding. A courthouse ceremony doesn’t mean a relationship is any less real—it often reflects practical or financial realities.
Cultural Nuances and Practical Considerations
In many cultures, a civil marriage is a simple legal step before a bigger celebration later. Immigration officers are trained to recognize that a modest courthouse wedding can still represent a deeply committed union, especially when accompanied by a robust package of supporting evidence.
Real Client Stories: When Timing Didn’t Matter
Sanjay and Priya
Sanjay, an H-1B visa holder, had been in a relationship with Priya, a U.S. citizen, for three years. They shared a home in NYC and were planning a summer wedding—until Sanjay unexpectedly lost his job. Facing the threat of falling out of status, they married at the courthouse and filed for Adjustment of Status immediately.
We helped them compile comprehensive documentation: joint leases, travel records, photos, and letters from family and friends amongst many hundreds of pages of documents. At their USCIS interview, they explained their decision. Their honesty, combined with the strength of their evidence, led to a smooth approval.
Outcome: Green card approved. No delays. No issues.
Marina and David
Maya was an F-1 OPT student living in New York with her U.S. citizen fiancé, David. When Maya wasn’t selected in the H-1B lottery, her work authorization (OPT) was about to expire. They had a deep relationship history and shared a home and finances. We guided them in preparing a clear letter of explanation, outlining the urgency of their situation. They presented strong documentation and confidently handled their USCIS interview, with the help of our proprietary mock interview process that boosted their confidence.
Outcome: Green card approved. Maya and David are now building their future together in the U.S.
How to Strengthen Your Case With USCIS
If you’re filing for a marriage green card soon after your wedding, here are three ways to proactively show that your marriage is genuine:
1. Submit Strong Evidence
Photos from different stages of your relationship.
Joint leases, bank accounts, and utility bills.
Travel records, event invitations, and letters from loved ones.
2. Write a Thoughtful Affidavit of Explanation
Describe the depth and timeline of your relationship.
Address cultural or practical reasons for a quick wedding.
Discuss plans for the future.
3. Be Prepared for the Interview
Practice your answers and be honest.
Discuss your relationship history with confidence.
Be ready to explain your decision to marry quickly.
Work With Attorneys Who Understand the Process and Your Story
Filing for a marriage green card shortly after a courthouse wedding is more common than you think. At Khunkhun Law, we’ve helped countless couples like you navigate the immigration process successfully, even with tight timelines or complicated circumstances.
Your story deserves to be listened to, truly understood, and treated with respect. Let us help you share it with USCIS the right way. We serve clients across all 50 states. Whether you're in New York or beyond, we’re ready to meet you where you are and help you achieve your immigration goals.
Call us (212) 401-6222
Email us at info@khunkhunlaw.com
Your journey matters to us because we've been there, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Let's make your dream a reality together. With the right approach, the marriage green card process can help you build a future in the U.S. with your spouse while allowing you to achieve your immigration goals. We meet our clients where they are! Should you or your loved one have any questions or need representation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Although we are located in New York City, as New York City attorneys, we represent clients all over the 50 states of the US. Call us, email us at info@khunkhunlaw.com or review other options to get in touch with us for an immigration consultation. We have represented many clients with successful results even with the most difficult set of facts. Your journey matters to us—because we’ve been there, and we’re here for you!