Explaining previous US visits (moved from DCF board)

[alienears 0]

Hello everyone. This topic was originally posted in the DCF forum, but I've decided to repost it here as it pertains more to the IR-1 process rather than DCF specifically.

My husband and I are just beginning our I-130 process. We are putting the finishing touches on the first packet which we are hoping to be handing in to the embassy sometime in the near future. From everything that we've read, we feel confident about everything except for some of the evidence that we need to prove our marriage as bonafide.

For our evidence, we have signed and notarized affidavits from both my parents and his along with a literal ton of photos, emails, letters, cards, etc. Our big question is this:

My husband has visited the US five times on a business visa during the past three years. During each of these visits he stayed for anywhere from three to five weeks, which was all well within the three month limit that was allowed to him on each of his visits. During each of these visits, I travelled back to the USA with him (as we live together in China). During his non-working time, he spent a significant amount of time with me and my family, which is obviously not a "business-related activity".

I have carefully looked over all the forms that we will have to fill out and in no place does it clearly ask for an explanation of any previous trips to America (that I have found), aside from listing dates. In my parents affidavit, however, they need to mention that they have met my husband in order to show that they know our relationship to be bonafide. As well, some of our best pictures, including our engagement, took place in America. How should these trips be treated in our packet? How should my parents word their having met my husband in their affidavit? I'm hoping to find a way to talk about these visits that won't raise any red flags. I just don't want someone who looks at our case to think that he did anything wrong or fraudulent. As I said, his visa and reasons were completely legitimate, but we just capitalized on the fact that he was already in America each time to do some extra traveling with my family. These little trips usually added a week or two to his time in America. I know other Chinese business men who often travel around America while on Business trips, but they aren't trying to marry American citizens so they never really fall under the microscope. How should we deal with this in our application process?

If any of you have any wisdom or advice that you could pass our direction, we would be truly grateful.

Thank you all in advance.

[YuAndDan 153]

Just provide records of your trips together to the USA along with pictures together.

Also I recommend that you join and use "A Candle for Love" that board specailizes in information about visas through the Guangzhou consulate.

http://candleforlove.com

[alienears 0]

YuAndDan, thanks for the reply. We've been looking over the information at A candle for love, but haven't posted anything yet. In regards to your response, do you not think those trips and pictures could raise eyebrows since he was only supposed to be in America for business? Sorry if I'm being overly paranoid, I'm just really paranoid.

[YuAndDan 153]

YuAndDan, thanks for the reply. We've been looking over the information at A candle for love, but haven't posted anything yet. In regards to your response, do you not think those trips and pictures could raise eyebrows since he was only supposed to be in America for business? Sorry if I'm being overly paranoid, I'm just really paranoid.

NO

Traveling together is evidence of bonafide relationship. And the fact that you traveled to the USA and did not attempt to simply stay and adjust status also goes to show that this is not in it for the green-card.

[justashooter 430]

a business visa is designed primarily for business purpose, but does not prevent a business traveler from sightseeing or visiting with friends/family during a business trip. you have no problems with this issue.