Evidence of bonifide marrige for I-130 form

[MichaelAndKha 0]

I was just looking over the step by step guide on I-130 and came across this part below:

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 financial resources; or

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

5. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or

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

Though were not yet married, but we will be on my next trip to Vietnam. I'm getting myself prepared with the I-130 form so that Kha will be able to come here on a CR-1 visa.

I'm looking to see what is the best option to show evidence of marriage other than a marriage certificate. The only thing we can probably use is number 5, getting affidavits form third parties. Anybody here use this option? If so what kind of form did you use? Who did you use as having knowledge of the marriage?

What other evidence did you use that was accepted by USCIS?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

-Michael

Edited March 8, 2010 by MichaelAndKha

[lindal24 1]

I went this route n provided a number of items in addition to the marriage cert... I also included receipts of money I sent over there, proof that we were together including hotel receipts flights documentation to show us travelling pictures of us at different events n affidavits from my parents n family and a friend who lives with me that went to my wedding over there...the important thing I think that u have to remember when asking people to write an affidavit for u is personal knowledge of ur relationship n marriage and ongoing relationship... Goodluck w ur petition...

Oh...and no specific form just a letter which I requested they got notarized...

[Kevin and 10]

I sent copies of my insurance, 401k, IRA, etc policies after I change Tuyen to the Beneficiary.

[MichaelAndKha 0]

I went this route n provided a number of items in addition to the marriage cert... I also included receipts of money I sent over there, proof that we were together including hotel receipts flights documentation to show us travelling pictures of us at different events n affidavits from my parents n family and a friend who lives with me that went to my wedding over there...the important thing I think that u have to remember when asking people to write an affidavit for u is personal knowledge of ur relationship n marriage and ongoing relationship... Goodluck w ur petition...

Oh...and no specific form just a letter which I requested they got notarized...

Hey, thanks for your input. That really helps a lot. Seems like it should be simple enough.