Using Notary to prove we were together

[K and L 27]

It's so much easier to get your passport stamped (even if you have to explain to the IO why you want it stamped as they're not automatically stamped ), copy any entrance/exit documents (the I94 in the US, the cartao de entrada/saida in Brazil, etc), save boarding passes, hotel receipts (preferably with both names being on the reservation), atm/cc receipts, visas, etc. And even yes, getting the notary involved (as clinical as it is, it's still primary evidence and thus better to prove "meeting" than any photograph; on the flip side, the photographs can speak volumes about the nature of the relationship, but that's honestly more an issue at the interview stage).

For the *current* purpose of the I-129F (as opposed to the K1 itself), the notarized letter of intent could be proof that you've met... and you have to write the letter of intent anyway. I really don't see the harm of getting it notarized. Go for it - it's just one more piece of evidence you've met. The more, the merrier.

[K and L 27]

Also, Gary, unlike the copying of the I-94 (which only proves she entered the country) or including boarding passes, the notarized letter of intent would be primary evidence that they were in the same place at the same time. Photos are still secondary evidence, and most primary proof (such as the boarding passes or entry/exit forms) doesn't really prove they met - just that they had the opportunity to do so.

With as easy and inexpensive as it is to get something notarized, if it puts their minds at ease to have a joint letter of intent (which has to be added to the package anyway) notarized, why not? It's better proof of having met in the last two years than the infamous "ransom photo".

Edited January 18, 2010 by K and L

[pushbrk 12,877]

Also, Gary, unlike the copying of the I-94 (which only proves she entered the country) or including boarding passes, the notarized letter of intent would be primary evidence that they were in the same place at the same time. Photos are still secondary evidence, and most primary proof (such as the boarding passes or entry/exit forms) doesn't really prove they met - just that they had the opportunity to do so.

With as easy and inexpensive as it is to get something notarized, if it puts their minds at ease to have a joint letter of intent (which has to be added to the package anyway) notarized, why not? It's better proof of having met in the last two years than the infamous "ransom photo".

There's nothing wrong with the notarization mentioned but USCIS accepts evidence of being in the same country as primary evidence of meeting.

[Bernie C 24]

We didn't notarize our Letters of Intent to Marry. I created the documents and took them with me when I went to visit Vietnam. We both signed and dated them and then I returned to the US and submitted them with our I129F. Worked fine for us and we had no problems or issues with these letters at this stage. When we got to the Consulate level for the interview I created and submitted a Reaffirmation of Intent to Marry and had it notarized, I then emailed it to the consulate before the interview and took the original notarized letter with me so she had it at the interview (they never asked for the original).

[toma1 10]

A popular "proof" photo in China is to go inside a Bank of China branch and have the security guard take the couple's photo in front of the money exchange board, that has the date, time and exchange rates.

We got a photo at the Hong Kong Beerfest with the sign that had the dates. Actually, we were in HKG for the Beerfest; the photo was an afterthought.

[TJM 0]

I want to thank everyone for their replies. Here is what we decided to submit

A letter of intent to marry signed by both of us and notarized which proves we were together ... in our opinion better than any photo (since photos can be modified now days).

A letter from the mayor of our town on his stationary and notarized stating that he met with us in person (proving again that we were together) and that he will be performing the wedding ceremony with several weeks after my fiancee arrives.

4 Photos showing us together including one with a newspaper with a recent date.

Airline stubs showing that we flew together and sat next to each other on a flight from my fiancee's country to the USA