Establishing residency

[greeneyedgirlfl 0]

About a week after my fiance arrives with his K-1 visa, we are getting married and adjusting his status. I know it is very important to establish proof of his residence as soon as possible.

However, there is a catch. My apartment complex (starting approx. 3 weeks ago) has increased the fee for anyone signing onto a lease, from $50 to $250. I found this out when I went into the office to ask them to draw up the papers for me. Needless to say, I was surprised, since less than a month ago I was quoted the original fee.

My question is: Is there another way to establish residency other than signing onto the lease?

[akdiver 3]

My question is: Is there another way to establish residency other than signing onto the lease?

You don't need a lease or mortgage deed to establish residency. My wife has been here for 3 years without either one - and adjusted status a long time ago (she's about to apply for citizenship).

Don't need a bank account either.

The form instructions have a lot of good information in them.

Edited July 5, 2008 by akdiver

[akdiver 3]

The form instructions, Revised 5/27/2008, pages 3-5 (Initial Evidence), have a lot of good information in them. The initial evidence you need is clearly indicated:

1). Criminal history info if that applies to you

2). Birth Certificate

3). Copy of passport w/visa, etc.

4). Photos

5). Biometrics

6). Police clearance, if applicable

7). Medical exam, if applicable (vaccination supplement, if applicable)

8). Bio info sheet

9). Aff of support

10). copy of k-1 petition approval notice, marriage certificate and I-94

No lease agreements, bank account info, or other "residency information" is required with the AOS form.

Hope this helps!

AKDiver

Edited July 5, 2008 by akdiver

[pegbert64 0]

Even though not required for the initial application, you might as well start working on the proof of residency/marriage thing now!

I moved into the apartment that my husband was already renting; they literally just pencilled me in as an "authorized tenant", not as a co-lessor. When the time came for our AOS interview, I had the office manager sign an affidavit saying that I moved in to my husband's leased apartment on such-and-such date, and that she can verify that we have been living together in said apartment as a married couple since that date. We didn't see any reason to sign a whole new lease just to get my name added as a joint lease holder.

The same goes for credit cards: you can add your fiance to your credit card as an "authorized user" of your account, without making it a joint account. He would not have to provide any credit info, since he's not applying for credit..... you're just allowing him to use your account. He'll get a credit card in HIS name that has the same account number as the one in YOUR name, and you'll get one bill to one address, showing both names.

Same goes with cars, etc. My car is in my husband's name, and he is responsible for the monthly payments (since I obviously had no US credit upon which to buy a car!), which comes out of our joint bank account. He is also the holder of our auto insurance policy, and I am an authorized driver. Similarly, he is the holder of our life insurance policy, but I am listed as the beneficiary wife.

So there are lots of creative ways to have your fiance's name added to things that you currently have; some you can do now, some you'll have to wait until after you are married. But in every case, just make sure that the bills/statements come to the same address, and that should be good proof that you and he are living under the same roof. Start with the easiest things, and move up from there as you gather more and more "proof". Cell phones seem to be an easy starting point...... my husband and I have the same provider, but different accounts; yet the bills come to the same mailing address. Heck, you can even save junk mail that shows both your names (either separate or together) at the same address! Doesn't hurt to save things.... you can always toss them out later if not needed! If the USPS, a government agency, delivers mail to your fiance/husband at your address, then it at least implies that they believe him to be at said location

Sorry, I realize that I've elaborated a tad more than the question asked, but hopefully it will be of help in your journey. Best of luck to you, and congrats on the upcoming wedding!!!!

[Steve Y Jessica 1]

I know for Washington State, you have to prove residency for your drivers license. Here are some ways.

put her name on Car Insurance

on the electic bill

the trash bill

the cable bill

etc.

[greeneyedgirlfl 0]

Thanks so much for the responses...

I'm sorry if I wasn't completely clear (looking back at my OP, I can see that)...

I was referring to establishing residency for the AOS interview and beyond...I know that adding him to my lease is the easiest way to do that, but we didn't want to drop that kind of money since we're thinking about moving in about six months...