CR-1 Questions

[jonesg111 0]

Ok here are a few more,

For the affidavit of a bonafide marriage, what would that letter look like? Is there an example somewhere, or is it even necessary if you have other proof like pictures, and bank statements?

And then for the cost, as I understand the initial cost is $355 for the I-130 and $0 for the G-325a's. Is there any other forms/costs that I'm not aware of? I'm just following the guide that is listed on this website.

Thanks again!

[MrsCat 6]

Hi Jones,

When we applied we submitted a CD of photos from various vacations together and a marriage certificate. We didn't have commingled assets at that point. This was sufficient proof of a bona fides marriage.

On the instructions, remember that they say OR, not must include the following things. As long as you have something that would show to a reasonable person that you're in a bona fides marriage you're fine. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the affidavits, unless they're super easy and fast to get. I would think that joint bank accounts and photos, along with your marriage certificate would be good enough. If you had family at your wedding, make sure to include a picture of all of you together.

As for fees: for the first part of the process, if I am not mistaken it was only the $355 that we paid to USCIS. There were additional fees once the file transfered to NVC.

Good luck to you - wish you a speedy process.

NOTE: In addition to the required documentation listed

above, you should submit one or more of the following

types of documentation that may evidence that bona fides

of your marriage:

E. Documentation showing joint ownership or property;

or

F. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;

or

G. Documentation showing co-mingling of financial

resources; or

H. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the

petitioner, and your spouse together; or

I. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having

personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital

relationship. (Each affidavit must contain the full name

and address, date and place of birth of the person

making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the

petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete

information and details explaining how the person

acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or

J. Any other relevant documentation to establish that

there is an ongoing marital union.

Edited July 31, 2008 by cattattude

[jynxNdragnfly 0]

I had my parents each write a letter along with my friend/maid of honour. The letters just stated how long they had known my husband prior to our marriage, how long they have known me, their relationship to me and that they have hosted us at christmas, family visits, etc and that they were all in attendance at our wedding. I asked them to write them and had them all back in a day or two because we didn't have anything else other than our marriage cert.

[wowswift 3]

I just sent in a copy of his lease saying I'm allowed to stay at the apartment and a photocopy of our duplicate credit cards and that's it.

[jonesg111 0]

Thanks everyone!

What we're planning on doing is sending a statement from our bank with both our names on it.

We were also planning on sending along some links to our wedding pictures and website that has past photos on it. Should we send a cd instead of just links? I'm thinking a cd would be better.

[jonesg111 0]

Thanks everyone!

What we're planning on doing is sending a statement from our bank with both our names on it.

We were also planning on sending along some links to our wedding pictures and website that has past photos on it. Should we send a cd instead of just links? I'm thinking a cd would be better.

Anyone have any ideas if a cd is a good idea or will links to webpages be just the same?

[MrsCat 6]

Thanks everyone!

What we're planning on doing is sending a statement from our bank with both our names on it.

We were also planning on sending along some links to our wedding pictures and website that has past photos on it. Should we send a cd instead of just links? I'm thinking a cd would be better.

Anyone have any ideas if a cd is a good idea or will links to webpages be just the same?

For some reason, I would err on the side of a CD, rather than a webpage. Mostly because I would be worried that the link didn't work for them, the webpage was down the day they tried to access it, maybe they don't have internet access at the processing center. That's just me.

[MrsCat 6]

Sorry double post . . .

Edited August 2, 2008 by cattattude

[jonesg111 0]

Thanks everyone!

What we're planning on doing is sending a statement from our bank with both our names on it.

We were also planning on sending along some links to our wedding pictures and website that has past photos on it. Should we send a cd instead of just links? I'm thinking a cd would be better.

Anyone have any ideas if a cd is a good idea or will links to webpages be just the same?

For some reason, I would err on the side of a CD, rather than a webpage. Mostly because I would be worried that the link didn't work for them, the webpage was down the day they tried to access it, maybe they don't have internet access at the processing center. That's just me.

Thats what I was thinking too. Thanks

[trailmix 77]

Thanks everyone!

What we're planning on doing is sending a statement from our bank with both our names on it.

We were also planning on sending along some links to our wedding pictures and website that has past photos on it. Should we send a cd instead of just links? I'm thinking a cd would be better.

Anyone have any ideas if a cd is a good idea or will links to webpages be just the same?

For some reason, I would err on the side of a CD, rather than a webpage. Mostly because I would be worried that the link didn't work for them, the webpage was down the day they tried to access it, maybe they don't have internet access at the processing center. That's just me.

Thats what I was thinking too. Thanks

I would actually send hard copy photos. Who knows if they even have a CD drive in their computers?

[jonesg111 0]

Maybe we'll just send all three! A wedding album, a wedding DVD, some links to webpages, a cd, oh maybe even some home made cookies!

[Cdn_Ali 11]

I don't think I would bother sending a CD because I don't think they have time to view these sorts of things. Quicker for them to view hard copies of photos with your application - 6 or 8 to a page.

Everyone has different ideas about the affadavits. Personally, we are sending two with our application because we won't be living together or co-mingling finances until I after I move. The only evidence we have of an ongoing relationship are flights to see each other (about 10 a year) and proof of vacations we have taken together. Every little bit helps. I do have a WAMU bank account that has hubby's address so they can see my mail goes to his house, but it is not a joint account.

Our affadavits explain how the person knows both of us, when they met me for the first time, that we socialize as a couple when I visit, and that my husband and I share a lot of common interests for a solid marriage. If you have a lot of evidence of 'co-mingling' then affadavits are probably not necessary.

[trailmix 77]

Maybe we'll just send all three! A wedding album, a wedding DVD, some links to webpages, a cd, oh maybe even some home made cookies!

I would definately send the cookies