For near future reference

[twowls 217]

Well i talked with my fiance and he completely agrees with you guys on that one .. him who wanted one in the first place we will be using the links and checking the samples etc.. and doing it ourselves. The form doesnt seem too complicated but yet theres always those little details that could possibly mess it up but we will still try ty all for your comments

Those little details--yes they will come up. But you'll find that almost all these things have been covered here where you can search for them, and if you can't find the answer someone will provide it. There are examples here of how to word certain letters you'll be including, what a certain completed form should look like, etc.

Right now it seems like a big hazy unknown wilderness, but you'll find that there are answers to every question and pieces to fit every blank space. And starting your timeline here and using the tools to chart your own progress will give you energy and motivation. At the end of it all, you might find that even though it's been long and difficult, you have gained a lot by conquering the process yourself and enjoying the reward of your work. It can be a valuable experience that shows you what you're capable of, and how you and your partner can tackle a project and complete it successfully together.

[HeatDeath 430]

Part of your I-129F filing will be letters, signed by each of you, in which you two separately, formally, and unambiguously declare your intent to marry each other upon receipt of the fiance visa and entry to the US. Later, when you go to do your visa interview at the consulate you bring in newer versions of the same signed letters, dated significantly more recently. That's as formal a proposal as USCIS care about in Canada.

In some countries, there are cultural institutions surrounding engagement that, if not observed, can raise red flags with the consulate. Canada is not one of those countries. Signed, formal declarations of intent to marry are more than enough, when combined with other evidence of visits and an ongoing relationship.

As for the custody issues, I'm not quite sure. If you have full, full custody, you are probably fine. There are situations where you need a letter of approval from the father to remove the child from the country, but I'm not sure if that's the case with full custody. If you search for "custody" in the forums you'll find literally hundreds of threads on the subject.

Edited June 3, 2010 by HeatDeath