Applying for a marriage visa can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to take forever to get your application ready. Whether you’re planning to submit a U.S. or Canadian spousal sponsorship, you can build a compelling, well-organized case in just 30 days—if you focus on the right things.
This guide outlines a day-by-day plan that will help you collect the necessary evidence, complete all required forms, and present a strong case that clearly demonstrates your relationship is genuine and deserving of approval.
Week 1: Organize and Understand the Process
Day 1–2: Choose the Right Path
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Decide if you’re applying through U.S. (I-130/CR1/IR1) or Canada (inland or outland sponsorship).
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Read the official government instructions for your country.
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Make a checklist of all required forms and documents.
Day 3–4: Gather Legal Documents
Start collecting the basic documents for both partners:
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Passports and ID cards
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Birth certificates
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Marriage certificate (translated if needed)
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Divorce certificates (if applicable)
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Police certificates
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Passport-size photos that meet specifications
Day 5–7: Create a Timeline of Your Relationship
Write out your full relationship history:
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When and how you met
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How the relationship developed
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Key moments (visits, holidays, engagement, wedding)
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Plans for the future
Use this to draft your personal statements and prepare for the relationship narrative required in most marriage visa applications.
Week 2: Collect Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
Day 8–9: Collect Photographic Evidence
Gather and organize:
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Photos together in various places, over time
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Pictures with friends and family
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Wedding or engagement photos
Label each photo with date, location, and people involved.
Day 10–11: Prove Communication and Contact
Export chat logs, call histories, emails, video call screenshots.
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Sort them by date
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Highlight regular communication
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Include some meaningful conversations
Day 12–13: Collect Shared Life Documents
Find any proof that you live together, travel together, or share finances:
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Joint lease or mortgage
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Shared bills or bank accounts
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Travel tickets or itineraries
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Insurance policies naming each other
Day 14: Request Affidavits from Friends and Family
Ask 2–4 close people to write a letter or affidavit confirming they know your relationship is real.
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They should include how they know you, examples of your relationship, and a statement that it’s genuine.
Week 3: Complete the Forms Carefully
Day 15–16: Download the Correct Forms
Go to the official immigration site (USCIS or IRCC) and download the most current versions of the forms.
For the U.S., this may include:
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Form I-130
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Form I-130A
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G-1145 (optional for notification)
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Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
For Canada:
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IMM 1344
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IMM 5532
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IMM 0008
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Document checklist (IMM 5533)
Day 17–19: Fill Out the Forms Together
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Complete each section honestly and consistently
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Double-check spellings, dates, and ID numbers
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Make sure your forms are signed and dated
Day 20–21: Draft a Cover Letter
Write a concise cover letter summarizing:
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Who you are
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What you are applying for
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The documents included
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Any important explanations (e.g. red flags, missing items)
Week 4: Review and Finalize Your Package
Day 22–23: Translate and Certify Documents (if needed)
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Translate any non-English or non-French documents
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Include a certified translator’s affidavit
Day 24–25: Print, Organize, and Label Everything
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Use a binder or folders to keep everything sorted
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Add tabs or dividers for sections: Relationship, Forms, Financials, etc.
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Make a copy of the entire package for your records
Day 26: Triple-Check Everything
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Ensure every form is signed
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Double-check names and passport numbers
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Compare forms to make sure all information is consistent
Day 27–28: Prepare for the Interview (If Required)
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Review your relationship timeline
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Practice common interview questions
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Memorize basic facts about each other (birthday, job, family)
Day 29: Mail or Submit Online
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For U.S. applicants: Mail the package to the correct USCIS lockbox
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For Canadian applicants: Submit online via the IRCC portal or by mail
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Use a tracked and secure method to avoid loss
Day 30: Celebrate Your Progress
You’ve just built a complete, compelling marriage visa application in 30 days. Now it’s time to monitor your case and stay responsive to any updates or requests.
Final Thoughts
The key to a successful marriage visa application isn’t how long you’ve been together or how much money you make—it’s how clearly and confidently you can show that your relationship is real, ongoing, and committed.
By following this 30-day plan, you avoid procrastination, stay focused, and build a high-quality case that reflects the strength of your relationship. You don’t need to rush—but you also don’t need to wait a year to get started. With discipline, transparency, and proper preparation, 30 days is all it takes.