A common question about marriage-based green cards is whether a significant age gap between partners can impact the adjustment of status process.
For example, one person recently asked:
“My friend needs help. He wants to file for Adjustment of Status with his U.S. citizen partner. They have a 30-year age gap and are in a same-sex marriage. They’ve been married for over a year and a half, and their relationship is strong. Has anyone with a similar age gap successfully applied? How did USCIS handle the case?”
How USCIS Evaluates Marriage Validity
According to the USCIS Policy Manual, adjudicators review each case by considering all evidence as a whole. They must determine whether the relationship is “more likely than not” to be genuine.
This means no single factor—such as an age gap—will automatically approve or deny a case. Instead, the officer will review the entire case before making a decision.
Does a Large Age Gap Raise Red Flags?
Since marriage fraud is a concern for USCIS, officers are trained to look for certain indicators of fraud. A large age difference is one factor they may examine. However, this does not mean the case will be denied.
To overcome potential red flags, you should submit strong evidence that establishes the marriage is bona fide (genuine). This can include:
Joint financial documents (bank accounts, leases, insurance)
Photos together over time
Affidavits from friends and family
Travel records or messages showing an ongoing relationship
Key Takeaway
While a large age gap might raise questions, it does not mean automatic denial. USCIS looks at the totality of the evidence, so strong documentation can help prove that the marriage is real.
Last Updated on March 1, 2025 by Ernest J. Edwards