Preparing evidence of home ties early...

[Hydey 0]

Hi all, i am in the middle of early preparing for my AOS interview which will no doubt be in a few months time. And i have a question:

I am currently having my bank statements from the UK being sent to my address here in the US. It shows that i have my Barclays bank account still open. My Mum changed the address for me once i told her i was applying for AOS and staying here. There is minimal in there and my august statement shows me withdrawing $100 from a Bank of America atm, but will they be a good thing to show a home tie to the UK to prove my intention if needed?

[payxibka 10,045]

50/50 chance you won't be inerviewed..

Think more about possible evidence that demonstrates comingled lives not simply evidence you live at a particular US address....

[Hydey 0]

50/50 chance you won't be inerviewed..

Think more about possible evidence that demonstrates comingled lives not simply evidence you live at a particular US address....

50/50 chance? I am adjusting from the VWP. You sure?

And im talking about an open UK bank account, showing i had or still have ties. I didn't close it with pre-intention. Incase i am questioned about it.

[payxibka 10,045]

50/50 chance you won't be inerviewed..

Think more about possible evidence that demonstrates comingled lives not simply evidence you live at a particular US address....

50/50 chance? I am adjusting from the VWP. You sure?

And im talking about an open UK bank account, showing i had or still have ties. I didn't close it with pre-intention. Incase i am questioned about it.

N/M Chances are probably 99/1 then of an interview..

There is a AOS forum specifically for your situation... I will move this there

[bakofoil 27]

I'm a K1 visa recipient and I still have a bank account in the UK - not much in it, but I don't see the need to close it. Perhaps if the statements show active bill payments e.g. cell-phone, rent, mortgage then they could turn out useful, otherwise I would be looking for something more substantial in case you are interviewed.

When you arrived in the US, were you expecting to return to a job or course of study? Did you have a rental agreement or mortgage? I'm not sure what your chances of interview are but try to gather any evidence that suggests your intention was to return to the UK under the VWP.

[Hydey 0]

I'm a K1 visa recipient and I still have a bank account in the UK - not much in it, but I don't see the need to close it. Perhaps if the statements show active bill payments e.g. cell-phone, rent, mortgage then they could turn out useful, otherwise I would be looking for something more substantial in case you are interviewed.

When you arrived in the US, were you expecting to return to a job or course of study? Did you have a rental agreement or mortgage? I'm not sure what your chances of interview are but try to gather any evidence that suggests your intention was to return to the UK under the VWP.

I was expecting to return to my job in September. (now) I was living with my Mum and paying her rent. What should i do here?

[bakofoil 27]

I'm a K1 visa recipient and I still have a bank account in the UK - not much in it, but I don't see the need to close it. Perhaps if the statements show active bill payments e.g. cell-phone, rent, mortgage then they could turn out useful, otherwise I would be looking for something more substantial in case you are interviewed.

When you arrived in the US, were you expecting to return to a job or course of study? Did you have a rental agreement or mortgage? I'm not sure what your chances of interview are but try to gather any evidence that suggests your intention was to return to the UK under the VWP.

I was expecting to return to my job in September. (now) I was living with my Mum and paying her rent. What should i do here?

Get someone from your work to write a letter explaining that you were on holiday and were expected to return this month. Do you have a friendly supervisor or manager who would be willing to explain they were keeping your job open? I think that would be substantial evidence.

Also you could get a letter from your mum explaining that you were paying her rent and that she also expected you to return. It can't hurt.

No cell phone contract or anything of that type?

Edited September 8, 2008 by bakofoil

[Hydey 0]

I'm a K1 visa recipient and I still have a bank account in the UK - not much in it, but I don't see the need to close it. Perhaps if the statements show active bill payments e.g. cell-phone, rent, mortgage then they could turn out useful, otherwise I would be looking for something more substantial in case you are interviewed.

When you arrived in the US, were you expecting to return to a job or course of study? Did you have a rental agreement or mortgage? I'm not sure what your chances of interview are but try to gather any evidence that suggests your intention was to return to the UK under the VWP.

I was expecting to return to my job in September. (now) I was living with my Mum and paying her rent. What should i do here?

Get someone from your work to write a letter explaining that you were on holiday and were expected to return this month. Do you have a friendly supervisor or manager who would be willing to explain they were keeping your job open? I think that would be substantial evidence.

Also you could get a letter from your mum explaining that you were paying her rent and that she also expected you to return. It can't hurt.

No cell phone contract or anything of that type?

This is a great idea and yes i do have some friendly managers that would do this for me, as would my Mum. As for the cellphone, no bill. Had a credit card though, dont know if thats any good? And a Fitness First Gym Membership

Edited September 8, 2008 by Hydey

[Singers 0]

Bank statements on their own are basically worthless. People have bank accounts in separate countries all the time especially if they work or study abroad.. or have family in a foreign country and visit often. It just makes life easier.

Btw, what exactly is your mum going to say in her letter if she kicked you out? If she mentions that (and it implies you had nowhere else to stay) that's not going to help your case. If anything it shows an incentive for you to stay here.

[Beantownbabe 1]

To be honest, I don't think that's the issue - I mean proving intention and all. In my experience of people I've known, USCIS are way more interested in your ties HERE - especially where anything to do with finances are concerned. They want to know about you real married life NOW, they want to see your merged bank accounts, spouses named as beneficiaries to Life Insurance, joint car insurance, bills in both names - there are countless possibilities. All things that would cement the fact that you are two married people who share everything. By the time you get around to interview you will have been married for almost a year probably, so you should naturally should have many of these things anyway. USCIS are going to be way less interested in your home bank account - they want your good ol' American dollars!

[bakofoil 27]

To be honest, I don't think that's the issue - I mean proving intention and all. In my experience of people I've known, USCIS are way more interested in your ties HERE - especially where anything to do with finances are concerned. They want to know about you real married life NOW, they want to see your merged bank accounts, spouses named as beneficiaries to Life Insurance, joint car insurance, bills in both names - there are countless possibilities. All things that would cement the fact that you are two married people who share everything. By the time you get around to interview you will have been married for almost a year probably, so you should naturally should have many of these things anyway. USCIS are going to be way less interested in your home bank account - they want your good ol' American dollars!

So, you're saying that USCIS don't need people who can travel on the VWP to worry about filing a K1, K3 or DCF?

If I were Richard, I would definitely be preparing for the possibility that he could be asked to prove he intended to return to the UK. Surely adjustment from the VWP entails more than providing the same evidence those who obtained a visa have to provide for AOS. Otherwise, why the heck did we all bother?

[Hydey 0]

To be honest, I don't think that's the issue - I mean proving intention and all. In my experience of people I've known, USCIS are way more interested in your ties HERE - especially where anything to do with finances are concerned. They want to know about you real married life NOW, they want to see your merged bank accounts, spouses named as beneficiaries to Life Insurance, joint car insurance, bills in both names - there are countless possibilities. All things that would cement the fact that you are two married people who share everything. By the time you get around to interview you will have been married for almost a year probably, so you should naturally should have many of these things anyway. USCIS are going to be way less interested in your home bank account - they want your good ol' American dollars!

So, you're saying that USCIS don't need people who can travel on the VWP to worry about filing a K1, K3 or DCF?

If I were Richard, I would definitely be preparing for the possibility that he could be asked to prove he intended to return to the UK. Surely adjustment from the VWP entails more than providing the same evidence those who obtained a visa have to provide for AOS. Otherwise, why the heck did we all bother?

I agree. But as for why bothering, because i had a rare circumstance come up where i have applied. If this would not have happened we'd be filing for the K-1 next year or so.

[bakofoil 27]

I'm asking why anyone bothers filing for a K1 etc. if the procedure were that easy. Unless it is true that USCIS could care less about proving intent, I think it's irresponsible for anyone to tell you not to worry about it.

I understand why you are filing for AOS.

[Singers 0]

Based on my personal experience (and ONLY my personal experience) it doesn't matter how much information you bring as "proof", they only care about the words that come out of your mouth. We adjusted from VWP under some pretty interesting circumstances and we were questioned immediately. Not one piece of 'evidence' ever came into play. He only cared about the answers to his questions. He was pretty nice about it but did thoroughly do his job.

I'd concentrate on your "story" for lack of a better word. Bring evidence just in case but that is what I consider pertinent based on my experience. Above all else TELL THE TRUTH. If you even attempt to lie they will trip you up in a matter of minutes and then you're facing some serious consequences.

Honestly, I do not think USCIS cares too much about intent, especially from uncomplicated VWP applicants. I'd never advise anyone to exploit the system or commit visa fraud because 1. it's wrong (duh!) and 2. you might just get that officer that does care in which case you'd be SOL.

[bakofoil 27]

Based on my personal experience (and ONLY my personal experience) it doesn't matter how much information you bring as "proof", they only care about the words that come out of your mouth. We adjusted from VWP under some pretty interesting circumstances and we were questioned immediately. Not one piece of 'evidence' ever came into play. He only cared about the answers to his questions. He was pretty nice about it but did thoroughly do his job.

I'd concentrate on your "story" for lack of a better word. Bring evidence just in case but that is what I consider pertinent based on my experience. Above all else TELL THE TRUTH. If you even attempt to lie they will trip you up in a matter of minutes and then you're facing some serious consequences.

Honestly, I do not think USCIS cares too much about intent, especially from uncomplicated VWP applicants. I'd never advise anyone to exploit the system or commit visa fraud because 1. it's wrong (duh!) and 2. you might just get that officer that does care in which case you'd be SOL.

This is really good advice and even more pertinent because you have been there.

For the record, I am not making any judgement on VWP adjusters. I am questioning to what degree we can trust that USCIS cares little about intent given that they have an alternate system in place whereby people can petition for their fiance(e)/spouse to join them in the USA. Doesn't all of this hinge, K1 or AOS, on the interviewer's opinion of your relationship on the day?? Isn't that why we all stress over evidence?

I went to my K1 interview with a 3 inch thick folder of evidence. I wasn't asked for any of it - but I would never advise anyone to not bother putting sufficient solid evidence together, verbal or otherwise.