About to file our K-1 - have some questions

[shanewarner 0]

Hi All,

I've been a reader of the forums for awhile now and must say they have been very helpful.

I thought I would post to ask a couple of questions about some worries me and my Fiance have before filing our K-1.

1) For proof of ongoing relationship (I realize this is more for the interview portion), all that we have is phone bills, no emails, instant messenger logs or handwritten letters. I have about 6 months worth of phone bills/records showing multiple calls to my fiance every single day, totalling hundreds of dollars per month. Will this be sufficient enough alone as evidence of proof of ongoing relationship ?

2) Another worry that we have is that we lost the digital camera with all the photos we had taken of us while we were together for aproximately 3 months when she was in the U.S. visiting me. We managed to collect about 4 photos, 3 of which are good quality, and 1 not so good, but clearly show us together, and a family member is also in one of the photos. Will this be a problem ? Should we be worried about not submitted enough photos ? (We have boarding passes, passport stamps, flight itineraries in addition to the photos)

3) Back in reference to my first question, the phone bills that we have available are only printable through Vonage as they do not issue paper statements in the mail. Does anyone foresee this being a problem as far as the credibility of the phone records/bills ?

4) I have read some stories about visa denials due to "short courtships". We have been talking online for about 3 years, and fell in love with each other about 1.5 years into that length of time. We met in person and she stayed with me in the U.S. for just under 90 days, which is when I proposed to her. Will any of this set off red flags for a possible denial ?

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can help clear this up for me!

-Shane

[merijan 0]

First of all your relationship is strong and its proven by your phone calls. Since you lost the pics you could have addtional family members, friends write letters to attest to your relationship and to the fact she was here and how long , etc. And send also a letter with your pics as to what happened with the camera.

[TBoneTX 45,273]

First of all your relationship is strong and its proven by your phone calls. Since you lost the pics you could have addtional family members, friends write letters to attest to your relationship and to the fact she was here and how long , etc. And send also a letter with your pics as to what happened with the camera.

Good advice. Most of this (the photos, phone bills, and the suggested letters) would be most useful (and usually presented) at the embassy interview for the visa, but if you include this with your I-129f submission, it can head off potential problems at the embassy later. Australia is likely a low-fraud post, but consular conditions, procedures, and attitudes change, and it is prudent to include a reasonable amount of "proof of relationship" materials in your I-129f submission to USCIS. Trust me on this!

At this point, in accordance with USCIS's minimal requirements, no letters from those who know you are needed to attest to the relationship. To fend off any possible trouble later, though, including one or two letters now would not hurt anything at all. (When you reach the visa-interview stage, load up with "proof of relationship" items... and attend the interview or at least be on the premises!)

You ask intelligent questions, and you'll be just fine.

Edited August 13, 2008 by TBoneTX

[TBoneTX 45,273]

Addendum:

We answered your specific questions only indirectly above.

1) Yes -- just fine.

2) Merijan's answer applies. Photos are secondary evidence. Send along your primary evidence of the boarding passes, passport stamps, and itineraries.

3) Not a worry.

4) Not a worry.

[raymaga 25]

Good luck as your K-1 journey is about to begin. Best wishes for a speedy process!!!

[Dakine 26]

Hi All,

I've been a reader of the forums for awhile now and must say they have been very helpful.

I thought I would post to ask a couple of questions about some worries me and my Fiance have before filing our K-1.

1) For proof of ongoing relationship (I realize this is more for the interview portion), all that we have is phone bills, no emails, instant messenger logs or handwritten letters. I have about 6 months worth of phone bills/records showing multiple calls to my fiance every single day, totalling hundreds of dollars per month. Will this be sufficient enough alone as evidence of proof of ongoing relationship ?

2) Another worry that we have is that we lost the digital camera with all the photos we had taken of us while we were together for aproximately 3 months when she was in the U.S. visiting me. We managed to collect about 4 photos, 3 of which are good quality, and 1 not so good, but clearly show us together, and a family member is also in one of the photos. Will this be a problem ? Should we be worried about not submitted enough photos ? (We have boarding passes, passport stamps, flight itineraries in addition to the photos)

3) Back in reference to my first question, the phone bills that we have available are only printable through Vonage as they do not issue paper statements in the mail. Does anyone foresee this being a problem as far as the credibility of the phone records/bills ?

4) I have read some stories about visa denials due to "short courtships". We have been talking online for about 3 years, and fell in love with each other about 1.5 years into that length of time. We met in person and she stayed with me in the U.S. for just under 90 days, which is when I proposed to her. Will any of this set off red flags for a possible denial ?

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can help clear this up for me!

-Shane

You should make a trip to see her. Especially meet her familyand TAKE MORE PICTURES! I was denied the first time specifically for lack of pictures. This time take digitals and back up with a throw away.

[shanewarner 0]

Thanks so much for the information this will help a great deal and calmed our nerves!

Do you think that emails from mother/father would be acceptable ? Or would you guys recommend handwritten statements ?

Thanks again,

Shane

Addendum:

We answered your specific questions only indirectly above.

1) Yes -- just fine.

2) Merijan's answer applies. Photos are secondary evidence. Send along your primary evidence of the boarding passes, passport stamps, and itineraries.

3) Not a worry.

4) Not a worry.

[TBoneTX 45,273]

Do you think that emails from mother/father would be acceptable ? Or would you guys recommend handwritten statements ?

If you're asking about "letters validating the relationship," any format should do. It's easier to read typing than handwriting, in most cases. If you can get a hard-copy letter with signature (either by postal mail or by e-mail in scanned .pdf format), the signature looks cool. At this point, the letters are "good to have in the package," but not required.

Again, the letters are far more important at the visa interview. At that time, be sure that each letter contains a way for the writer to be contacted (phone, e-mail).

[shanewarner 0]

Understood.

Thanks so much for the information you've been a great help.

-Shane

Do you think that emails from mother/father would be acceptable ? Or would you guys recommend handwritten statements ?

If you're asking about "letters validating the relationship," any format should do. It's easier to read typing than handwriting, in most cases. If you can get a hard-copy letter with signature (either by postal mail or by e-mail in scanned .pdf format), the signature looks cool. At this point, the letters are "good to have in the package," but not required.

Again, the letters are far more important at the visa interview. At that time, be sure that each letter contains a way for the writer to be contacted (phone, e-mail).