AOS from F1

[pat9017 0]

Hi!

I have some general questions about the I-130 and I-485 application process. I am a US citizen and I met my fiancee while studying abroad about two years ago and in that time she came to the US on an F1 visa to complete her masters with no intention of staying at that point. A month and half ago we got and engaged and we both seriously started looking at the visa process. Based on the forums we see the easiest way to go about it would be to have a civil marriage first and then to apply for an adjustment of status(AOS) via the I-130 and I-485. I just want to confirm this is the route to go and if so what about proving a bona fide marriage. We haven't had any opportunity to live together because we have been in different cities, but we do have letters, emails, photos, and I can get affidavits if need be to prove that we have a bona fide relationship. I just want to make sure that we will have enough when we submit our documents.

Thanks,

Pat

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Hi! Yes, this is the route to go. Newlyweds are not expected to have as much evidence as established couples. USCIS understands that. We only submitted 3 affidavits in our original application, and at the interview were only asked to show a few photos. Once my husband got his SSN, we started to make joint bank accounts and joint utilities and the like, but we obviously didn't have that at the time of the original submission (and they didn't ask to see anything like that at our interview). Gather everything you can along the way, they might want to see it, but don't freak out because you lack one document (or two or three). In two years you will have to file for removal of conditions, because you have a new marriage, and they will expect all the things established couples have at that point. Good luck and welcome!

Edited September 28, 2010 by Harpa Timsah

[Nartaki 7]

You will need to start making a photo album showing your dating, wedding and post wedding pictures. Along with that any documentation that will convince a layperson that you are infact married. Most people are unable to get documents without a SS number. However I was able to get the following without a SS number for my non-USC spouse:

Added her as an authorized user on my credit card

Added her as a beneficiary to my life insurance policy, IRA, mutual fund accounts, life and car insurance.

I couldnt get joint utilities without the SS number, but I am sure you can explain to them if asked.

[ValerieA 350]

Any proof that you have taken vacations together, if you have it, would be good too - plane tickets, photos, etc. A joint bank account is very good proof. Some have had problems with the bank making them have an SSN, but you are not supposed to need one - I did not for an account at BBVA Compass.