I-130 packet proof of marriage???

[mrs.jswalker86 0]

hi. according to this website, it says that we should put proof of a marriage in the packet (photos, letters, chat logs, etc)....... but i have a friend in the usa (originally from the philippines) who said you don't have to put that in the I-130 packet, that it is only needed for the spouse at the usa embassy during the interview for proof. she got her cr-1 visa that way in 6 months...... but all the info i've seen on this site says otherwise......

so can anyone help clear this up?

thank you

kim and jason

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

For our I-130 the only proof of Marriage we included was a copy of our Marriage Contract, 1 Statement from each of our Joint Bank Accounts in the US, a copy of the Welcome letter from BDO for our joint account in the Philippines and copies of her ID showing maiden name & married name.

For the petition you don't need a whole lot of proof of marriage, just enough to show there is a legal marriage. The bonifide thing comes during the Visa application & interview.

[ryandgracey 2]

Hubby sent all the proof he could including affidavits of third party. Got our NOA2 in 21 days

[~happyndinlove~ 540]

my husband sent everything that proves our bonafide marriage/relationship including some receipts/bills with my/our name(s) on it.

Edited January 23, 2010 by ~happyndinlove~

[edp333 9]

According to the VJ Guides:

Note: Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage

The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonifide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as:

1. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or

2. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or

3. Documentation showing co-mingling of financialresources; or

4. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, thepetitioner, and your spouse together; or

5. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the maritalrelationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the person makingthe affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner ofbeneficiary, if any, and complete information and detailsexplaining how the person acquired his or herknowledge of your marriage); or

6. Any other relevant documentation to establish that thereis an ongoing marital union.

A picture or two can be sent, but reserve the majority of the wedding pics and chat logs for the interview.