Applying for a U.S. green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can feel overwhelming.
One of the most important components of the application package is the cover letter.
This letter introduces you and your spouse to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and makes a case for the authenticity of your marriage.
Sample Cover Letters for US Green Card Through Marriage
The cover letter is your opportunity to share your love story, describe your relationship and marriage, and paint a picture of your life together.
An effective letter captures the immigration officer’s attention and convinces them of the bona fide nature of your union.
To assist you in this critical task, we’ve compiled 15 sample cover letters that hit all the right notes.
Use these as inspiration as you pen your heartfelt introduction to your green card application.
Cover Letter 1
Dear USCIS Officer,
It is with great joy that I, Sarah Johnson, submit this application for a marriage-based green card. Two years ago, I never could have imagined the incredible turn my life would take when I met my now-husband, Michael Johnson, during a volunteer trip in Costa Rica.
Our connection was instant and undeniable. Despite living in different countries, we cultivated a beautiful relationship founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a profound love for one another. After a year of daily video chats, heartfelt letters, and visits whenever possible, Michael proposed, and I ecstatically accepted.
We were married in a small, intimate ceremony surrounded by our closest friends and family on June 15, 2022, in Michael’s hometown of San Diego, California. Since then, we have been diligently gathering the necessary documents to support our application and enable me to join Michael permanently in the United States.
Enclosed, please find comprehensive evidence of our relationship, including photographs chronicling our journey, travel records, joint financial statements, and affidavits from loved ones attesting to the authenticity of our marriage. We are prepared to provide any additional documentation required and eagerly await the opportunity to meet with you for our interview.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to building our future together as husband and wife in the United States.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson
Cover Letter 2
Dear Immigration Officer,
My name is Lila Patel, and I am writing to request a green card based on my marriage to my husband, Raj Patel, a U.S. citizen.
Raj and I first crossed paths in Mumbai, India, where I was born and raised. Raj was there on a business trip, and we met through mutual friends. Despite the thousands of miles that would soon separate us, we knew we had found something special in each other.
Over the next year, our relationship blossomed through daily WhatsApp chats, scheduled video calls, and trips to visit one another every few months. The distance was challenging, but it only strengthened our commitment to building a life together.
On January 10, 2023, during a beautiful sunset on Juhu Beach, Raj got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes without hesitation, and we began planning our wedding and future together in the United States.
We were married on April 15, 2023, in a traditional Indian ceremony in New Jersey, surrounded by Raj’s extended family, who have warmly embraced me as one of their own. Since our wedding, I have been living with Raj in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are eager to make this arrangement permanent.
Included in this application, you will find extensive documentation of our relationship, including photographs, travel itineraries, correspondence, and affidavits from family and friends attesting to the genuine nature of our marriage. We are happy to provide any additional evidence needed and look forward to meeting with you soon to discuss our application further.
Thank you for considering my request. Raj and I are excited to build our married life together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Lila Patel
Cover Letter 3
Dear USCIS Adjudicator,
I, Marco Rossi, am writing to apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States based on my marriage to my wife, Emily Rossi, an American citizen.
Emily and I first met in Rome, Italy, where I was born and raised, and where Emily was studying abroad during her junior year of college. We quickly formed an inseparable bond, exploring the city together, cooking meals, and engaging in deep conversations about our hopes and dreams.
When Emily returned to the United States to complete her degree, we committed to maintaining our relationship despite the distance. For two years, we navigated time differences and busy schedules to video chat daily, send care packages, and visit each other whenever possible.
After Emily’s graduation, she moved to Italy, and we began building a life together in earnest. On September 3, 2022, in a beautiful ceremony in the Italian countryside, we officially became husband and wife.
As an American citizen, Emily has now returned to the United States, and we are eager for me to join her to continue our married life together. Enclosed in this application, you will find abundant proof of our relationship, including photographs, plane tickets, joint lease agreements, and statements from family and friends affirming the legitimacy of our union.
We are prepared to provide any further documentation required and look forward to meeting with you to discuss our application in person. Thank you for your consideration, and for the opportunity to build a future with my wife in the United States.
Sincerely,
Marco Rossi
Cover Letter 4
Dear USCIS Official,
My name is Yuna Kim, and I am submitting this application for a marriage-based green card. My husband, Daniel Kim, is a U.S. permanent resident, and we are excited to take this next step in building our life together.
Daniel and I first met through a mutual friend in my hometown of Seoul, South Korea. Daniel was there teaching English, and I was working as a graphic designer. Our connection was immediate and undeniable, and we began dating shortly after.
Over the next two years, our relationship deepened and flourished. We spent countless hours exploring the city together, trying new restaurants, and engaging in heartfelt discussions about our values, goals, and dreams for the future.
When Daniel’s teaching contract ended, he returned to the United States, but we were determined to make our relationship work long-distance. For the next year, we stayed connected through daily texts, video chats, and visits whenever possible.
On December 20, 2022, during a snowy weekend visit to New York City, Daniel proposed, and I joyfully accepted. We were married in a small ceremony at City Hall on January 15, 2023, with our immediate family present.
Since our wedding, I have been living with Daniel in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this arrangement permanent. Enclosed in this application, you will find extensive evidence of our relationship, including photographs, travel records, joint financial statements, and affidavits from loved ones attesting to the genuine nature of our marriage.
We are ready and willing to provide any additional documentation needed and look forward to meeting with you soon to discuss our application in more detail. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Yuna Kim
Cover Letter 5
Dear USCIS Adjudicator,
I am Maria Hernandez, and I am applying for a green card based on my marriage to my husband, Juan Hernandez, an American citizen.
Juan and I first met in my hometown of Bogotá, Colombia, where Juan was traveling on a business trip. We connected instantly over our shared love of Colombian cuisine and salsa dancing.
Despite the distance between us, we cultivated a strong relationship over the next year through daily phone calls, romantic letters, and frequent visits. On Valentine’s Day 2023, Juan surprised me with a proposal during a sunset walk on the beach in Cartagena. I said yes without hesitation.
We got married on May 5, 2023, in a vibrant celebration blending Colombian and American traditions, surrounded by our loving family and friends. Since then, I have been residing with Juan in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now excited to take the next step in making this our permanent home together.
In this application, you will find comprehensive proof of our relationship, including photographs documenting our journey, correspondence, joint financial records, and sworn statements from family and friends attesting to the authenticity of our marriage. We are prepared to provide any further evidence needed and eagerly await the opportunity to meet with you for our interview.
Thank you for your consideration. Juan and I look forward to building our married life together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Maria Hernandez
Cover Letter 6
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is Ahmed Hassan, and I am writing to request permanent residency in the United States based on my marriage to my wife, Sarah Hassan, a U.S. citizen.
Sarah and I first met in Cairo, Egypt, where I was born and raised, and where Sarah was working as an English teacher. We connected instantly over our shared passion for education and our desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, we nurtured our connection over the next two years through daily video chats, care packages, and visits whenever possible. On January 1, 2023, during a magical trip to the pyramids of Giza, I asked Sarah to marry me, and she said yes.
We got married on March 15, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony in Cairo, surrounded by our closest friends and family. Since then, I have been living with Sarah in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this our permanent home together.
Included in this application, you will find extensive documentation of our relationship, including photographs, travel records, joint bank statements, and affidavits from loved ones attesting to the genuine nature of our marriage. We are ready and willing to provide any additional evidence required and look forward to meeting with you to discuss our application further.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Sarah and I are excited to build our future together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Ahmed Hassan
Cover Letter 7
Dear Immigration Officer,
I, Natalia Ivanova, am writing to apply for a green card based on my marriage to my husband, Alexander Ivanov, a U.S. permanent resident.
Alexander and I first met in my hometown of Moscow, Russia, where Alexander was visiting family. We connected instantly over our shared love of Russian literature and culture.
Over the next year, our relationship blossomed despite the distance between us. We stayed connected through daily texts, heartfelt letters, and visits whenever possible. On New Year’s Eve 2022, Alexander proposed during a romantic trip to St. Petersburg, and I said yes without hesitation.
We got married on February 14, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony in Moscow, surrounded by our loving family and friends. Since then, I have been living with Alexander in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this our permanent home together.
Enclosed in this application, you will find comprehensive proof of our relationship, including photographs, travel itineraries, joint financial records, and sworn statements from family and friends attesting to the authenticity of our marriage. We are prepared to provide any further documentation needed and look forward to meeting with you soon for our interview.
Thank you for considering my request. Alexander and I are excited to continue building our life together in the United States.
Sincerely, Natalia Ivanova
Cover
Letter 8
Dear USCIS Adjudicator,
My name is Akira Nakamura, and I am submitting this application for permanent residency in the United States based on my marriage to my husband, Ethan Nakamura, an American citizen.
Ethan and I first met in Tokyo, Japan, where I was born and raised, and where Ethan was teaching English. We connected instantly over our shared love of Japanese cuisine and culture.
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, we cultivated our connection over the next two years through daily video chats, thoughtful care packages, and frequent visits. On cherry blossom season 2023, Ethan surprised me with a proposal during a picnic in Ueno Park, and I joyfully accepted.
We got married on June 10, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony in Tokyo, blending Japanese and American traditions, and surrounded by our closest friends and family. Since then, I have been living with Ethan in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now excited to make this our permanent home together.
In this application, you will find extensive evidence of our relationship, including photographs, travel records, joint bank statements, and affidavits from loved ones attesting to the genuine nature of our marriage. We are ready and willing to provide any further documentation required and eagerly await the opportunity to meet with you for our interview.
Thank you for your consideration. Ethan and I look forward to continuing to build our married life together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Akira Nakamura
Cover Letter 9
Dear Immigration Officer,
I, Sophie Dubois, am writing to request a green card based on my marriage to my wife, Emma Dubois, a U.S. citizen.
Emma and I first met in Paris, France, where I was born and raised, and where Emma was studying abroad. We connected instantly over our shared passion for art and French culture.
Over the next year, our relationship flourished despite the distance between us. We stayed connected through daily phone calls, romantic letters, and visits whenever possible. On Bastille Day 2022, Emma proposed during a stunning fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower, and I said yes without hesitation.
We got married on April 20, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony in Paris, surrounded by our loving family and friends. Since then, I have been living with Emma in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this our permanent home together.
Enclosed in this application, you will find comprehensive proof of our relationship, including photographs, travel itineraries, joint financial records, and sworn statements from family and friends attesting to the authenticity of our marriage. We are prepared to provide any additional documentation needed and look forward to meeting with you soon for our interview.
Thank you for considering my request. Emma and I are excited to build our future together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Sophie Dubois
Cover Letter 10
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is Hassan Ali, and I am submitting this application for a marriage-based green card. My wife, Amira Ali, is a U.S. permanent resident, and we are eager to continue building our life together in the United States.
Amira and I first met in my hometown of Lahore, Pakistan, where Amira was visiting family. We connected instantly over our shared values and desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, we nurtured our connection over the next two years through daily video chats, thoughtful care packages, and frequent visits. On Eid al-Fitr 2023, I proposed during a festive celebration with our families, and Amira joyfully accepted.
We got married on August 5, 2023, in a vibrant ceremony in Lahore, blending Pakistani and American traditions, and surrounded by our closest friends and family. Since then, I have been living with Amira in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now excited to make this our permanent home together.
In this application, you will find extensive evidence of our relationship, including photographs, travel records, joint bank statements, and affidavits from loved ones attesting to the genuine nature of our marriage. We are ready and willing to provide any additional documentation required and eagerly await the opportunity to meet with you for our interview.
Thank you for your consideration. Amira and I look forward to continuing to build our married life together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Hassan Ali
Cover Letter 11
Dear USCIS Adjudicator,
I, Valentina Rodriguez, am writing to apply for permanent residency in the United States based on my marriage to my husband, David Rodriguez, an American citizen.
David and I first met in my hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where David was traveling on a business trip. We connected instantly over our shared love of Argentinian tango and culture.
Over the next year, our relationship blossomed despite the distance between us. We stayed connected through daily phone calls, heartfelt letters, and visits whenever possible. On Christmas Eve 2022, David proposed during a romantic trip to the Iguazu Falls, and I said yes without hesitation.
We got married on March 25, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony in Buenos Aires, surrounded by our loving family and friends. Since then, I have been living with David in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this our permanent home together.
Enclosed in this application, you will find comprehensive proof of our relationship, including photographs, travel itineraries, joint financial records, and sworn statements from family and friends attesting to the authenticity of our marriage. We are prepared to provide any further documentation needed and look forward to meeting with you soon for our interview.
Thank you for considering my request. David and I are excited to build our future together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Valentina Rodriguez
Cover Letter 12
Dear Immigration Officer,
My name is Fatima Mansour, and I am submitting this application for a marriage-based green card. My husband, Omar Mansour, is a U.S. permanent resident, and we are excited to continue building our life together in the United States.
Omar and I first met in my hometown of Beirut, Lebanon, where Omar was visiting family. We connected instantly over our shared love of Lebanese cuisine and culture.
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, we cultivated our connection over the next two years through daily video chats, thoughtful care packages, and frequent visits. On Lebanese Independence Day 2022, Omar proposed during a stunning fireworks display over the Beirut skyline, and I joyfully accepted.
We got married on May 15, 2023, in a vibrant ceremony in Beirut, blending Lebanese and American traditions and surrounded by our closest friends and family. Since then, I have been living with Omar in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this our permanent home together.
In this application, you will find extensive evidence of our relationship, including photographs, travel records, joint bank statements, and affidavits from loved ones attesting to the genuine nature of our marriage. We are ready and willing to provide any additional documentation required and look forward to meeting with you for our interview.
Thank you for your consideration. Omar and I are excited to continue building our married life together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Fatima Mansour
Cover Letter 13
Dear USCIS Officer,
I, Isabella Silva, am writing to request a green card based on my marriage to my wife, Sophia Silva, a U.S. citizen.
Sophia and I first met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I was born and raised, and where Sophia was traveling on vacation. We connected instantly over our shared passion for Brazilian music and culture.
Over the next year, our relationship flourished despite the distance between us. We stayed connected through daily phone calls, romantic letters, and visits whenever possible. On New Year’s Eve 2022, Sophia proposed during a stunning fireworks display over Copacabana Beach, and I said yes without hesitation.
We got married on February 10, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by our loving family and friends. Since then, I have been living with Sophia in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this our permanent home together.
Enclosed in this application, you will find comprehensive proof of our relationship, including photographs, travel itineraries, joint financial records, and sworn statements from family and friends attesting to the authenticity of our marriage. We are prepared to provide any further documentation needed and look forward to meeting with you soon for our interview.
Thank you for considering my request. Sophia and I are excited to build our future together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Isabella Silva
Cover Letter 14
Dear Immigration Officer,
My name is Wei Chen, and I am submitting this application for permanent residency in the United States based on my marriage to my husband, Michael Chen, an American citizen.
Michael and I first met in Beijing, China, where I was born and raised, and where Michael was teaching English. We connected instantly over our shared love of Chinese history and culture.
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, we nurtured our connection over the next two years through daily video chats, thoughtful care packages, and frequent visits. On Chinese New Year 2023, Michael proposed during a festive celebration with our families, and I joyfully accepted.
We got married on June 20, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony in Beijing, blending Chinese and American traditions, and surrounded by our closest friends and family. Since then, I have been living with Michael in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now excited to make this our permanent home together.
In this application, you will find extensive evidence of our relationship, including photographs, travel records, joint bank statements, and affidavits from loved ones attesting to the genuine nature of our marriage. We are ready and willing to provide any additional documentation required and eagerly await the opportunity to meet with you for our interview.
Thank you for your consideration. Michael and I look forward to continuing to build our married life together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Wei Chen
Cover Letter 15
Dear USCIS Adjudicator,
I, Gabriela Torres, am writing to apply for a green card based on my marriage to my husband, Lucas Torres, a U.S. permanent resident.
Lucas and I first met in my hometown of Mexico City, Mexico, where Lucas was visiting on a business trip. We connected instantly over our shared passion for Mexican art and culture.
Over the next year, our relationship blossomed despite the distance between us. We stayed connected through daily phone calls, heartfelt letters, and visits whenever possible. On Mexican Independence Day 2022, Lucas proposed during a romantic mariachi serenade in Chapultepec Park, and I said yes without hesitation.
We got married on April 5, 2023, in a vibrant ceremony in Mexico City, surrounded by our loving family and friends. Since then, I have been living with Lucas in the United States on a visitor visa, and we are now eager to make this our permanent home together.
Enclosed in this application, you will find comprehensive proof of our relationship, including photographs, travel itineraries, joint financial records, and sworn statements from family and friends attesting to the authenticity of our marriage. We are prepared to provide any further documentation needed and look forward to meeting with you soon for our interview.
Thank you for considering my request. Lucas and I are excited to build our future together in the United States.
Sincerely,
Gabriela Torres
Conclusion
These 15 sample cover letters for a U.S. green card through marriage showcase a variety of genuine love stories from couples around the world.
By personalizing these templates with your unique details and experiences, you can craft a compelling cover letter that will make a strong case for the authenticity of your marriage and your commitment to building a life together in the United States.
Remember, the cover letter is just one part of your green card application package. Be sure to include all required forms, documents, and evidence to support your case.
With a heartfelt, well-written cover letter and a complete application, you’ll be one step closer to securing your green card and starting your married life together in the United States.