Proof of bonafide marriage

[sachinky 465]

I took an entire suitcase full of 'evidence.' I kid you not. I had copies and photocopies and blank forms, in the event that they asked for something. Anything that I could possibly think of. Extra pictures. I had documents from TWO BACKUP JOINT SPONSORS, 'just in case,' there were any problems with the original one. I took movie stubs from our date-nights. My interview lasted for 3 minutes and not one single thing was asked for. Not even after I offered to show them our wedding pictures and/or phone-bills. But that 'suitcase full of evidence' provided me the much-needed 'peace of mind' that was essential to me being fully confident and facing the interview with minimal stress. Anything they could think of or request, I knew I could provide it instantly.

I would always, always recommend that each and everyone be over-prepared, rather than under-prepared, especially when dealing with a high-fraud consulate. And make no mistake, Pakistan is one such consulate. Give them no reason to question your case.

At the end of the day, it's just paper. You can always shred it later on.

Edited August 27, 2010 by sachinky

[LotofPatience 65]

Same here. My wife took all the pictures with us, wedding album, chat history, phone log, our honeymoon trip details such as airfare, hotel receipts etc. etc. etc., with complete set copies of I-130, IV package, AOS package, all my originals and the list goes on. It was very casual interview and did not face any issues at all. We didn't "front-load" anything other than 2 affidavits from my parents, but prepared for "back-load".

Having said this, Chennai is one of the busiest U.S consulates in the world and there are fraud cases reported. Recently, one lady was arrested due to the fraud papers

Over-preparation is always the best for peace of mind.

Loto

[themachine 1]

As part of the packet for "Proof of Bonifide Marriage" in my spouse country are:

1. Gov't issued and notorized Marriage Certificate from the beneficiary's country.

2. Affidavit statements from both her and my parents. <--required to get marriage certificate from my wife's province. Not required but good to have i suppose.

3. Personal credit cards linked to the same account (statements)

4. She is a recorded beneficiary to my 401k, stock options. <-- a sure PROOF! (if your wife wasn't somehow linked partially to your assets can be a possible red flag.)

5. Photos from our first date, photos from time together, photos from time with spouse's family, photos from our wedding, photos from after the wedding. In photos after engagement/wedding naturally try to show your hands with the ring. Any photo without the ring after date of marriage can trigger a red flag.

6. Wedding invoices, Wedding and/or engagement ring reciepts

7. The baby of course...and if born already, with DNA tests from all your children, yourself, and your spouse to prove the children are both yours.

8. If the country has household registration books, register yourself under the same residence as your spouse. Of course everytime I leave to work out of country, I have to go to the registration office (and/or police station) to unregister myself until the next time back in country.

During the interview some "deep questions" could be asked: For example, "What is your spouse's favorite food/colour/sport/perfume/car. other questions could be physical appearance. "When did your husband get teeth braces...How did your spouse get that scar...What is the meaning behind your spouse's tattoo (proabaly will ask this question if a photo at the pool/beach and can easily see arm tattoo.

Edited August 27, 2010 by themachine

[TBoneTX 45,313]

No. You show me a pink unicorn first.

How about you read the worst stories from the toughest consulates, then report your findings. How about if you read NigeriaorBust's post earlier in this thread. To suggest that anyone treat a consular interview outside of other first-world countries as though it's a powderpuff experience is a recipe for potential disaster.

[Nina and Erwin 16]

trust me, we are not dragging all of these documents by choice. nothing has pissed me off more during this process than having to print my personal and private conversations with my husband. it's a SERIOUS violation of privacy. however, i'm dealing with a-holes that judge me and my husband because of where we are from due to the behavior of a few. i also know that we want to be together, so i just suck it up and allow my privacy to be violated. it's horrible, but some of us have no choice. that's why we need immigration reform.

I couldn't agree with you more!!!

[Alan-and-Ira 1]

IMO it's better to be overloaded with proofing papers and never be asked to show anything than to miss something at the time of the interview...

Have an easy interview! Best wishes!

[thekfc 26]

I would always, always recommend that each and everyone be over-prepared, rather than under-prepared, especially when dealing with a high-fraud consulate. Give them no reason to question your case.

At the end of the day, it's just paper. You can always shred it later on.

I second that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[aui2010 0]

Thanks a lot to all those who responded I am taking all the proof i can find (emails, skype chat logs, phone bills, pictures, hotel stay receipts, funds transfered to my account etc).

Will update here after the interview!

On a lighter note, my son is an exact copy of his father so hopefully that will also be some level of evidence for them

Thanks

[LotofPatience 65]

On a lighter note, my son is an exact copy of his father so hopefully that will also be some level of evidence for them

I liked your above lighter note

There are 7 persons in the world identical to you

Loto

[aui2010 0]

I liked your above lighter note

There are 7 persons in the world identical to you

Loto