I-129F and supporting documents

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

I have all my supporting documents for our I-129F Petition. I have heard some people say the more the better and others say too much information can only cause problems. Here is a list of all my supporting documentation. Please let me know if its too much, or if I am missing something. Should I not include certain items? Maybe less of others?

1) Skype calls list with messages between the two of us. Approximately 3 months

2) Calling call card log of all my calls to Elena. Approximately 2-3 months

3) Cell phone log of instant messages sent and received. Messages are not included, only the transmission.

4) Emails and ecards sent and received. Approximately 4-5 from each of us.

4) A list from my yahoo of emails between us. This is short since we mostly communicated daily via skype and phone.

5) A list from yahoo of flower delivery confirmation

5) A list from yahoo of ecard delivery confirmation

6) Money transfer via Western Union. I have 3 receipts.

7) Air line flight itinerary, boarding passes from:

my first trip to Ukraine.

Elenas trip to the United States.

our trip to Boston to visit my family.

our return trip to Ukraine. We flew back together.

8) Copies of some pages from Elenas passport: Stamp of entry into the United States, Visitors Visa.

9) Copies of some pages from my passport: Ukraine passport control stamps

10) Copies of financial data: Bank account summary, statement from my bank verifying my accounts, and statements from investment and retirement accounts.

11) Copies of pay stubs from work. 2 months.

12) Letter from my company, verification letter.

13) Lots of photos from all our trips, including photos with my family. 2-3 photos from each trip including Boston. However they are not camera stamped with date and time. Can I add the date with a pen?

14) Hotel receipt from our trip to Ocean City.

15) A receipt, from email, of the engagement ring I bought and gave Elena.

I think this is everything. I can also include receipts from my last trip to Ukraine. This is in addition to our statements of intent, cover letter, a brief note listing each of our trips in the past 7 months, etc.

Is it fine to write posted notes with information and highlights for certain documents?

Ok, that's all for now. Thank you all, so very much. As soon as I mail this package I will be sure to update my time line.

[kjenkins86 5]

Congratulations on beginning your new journey! I wish you a fast and worry free process.

All that you listed is what I sent in my packet and everything went fine. Just be sure to double check everything and if you can, have someone double check for you. Goodluck!

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

Congratulations on beginning your new journey! I wish you a fast and worry free process.

All that you listed is what I sent in my packet and everything went fine. Just be sure to double check everything and if you can, have someone double check for you. Goodluck!

Thank you for your encouragement and tips.

[patient2010 93]

Sounds like you have it all together good luck

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I have all my supporting documents for our I-129F Petition. I have heard some people say the more the better and others say too much information can only cause problems. Here is a list of all my supporting documentation. Please let me know if its too much, or if I am missing something. Should I not include certain items? Maybe less of others?

1) Skype calls list with messages between the two of us. Approximately 3 months

2) Calling call card log of all my calls to Elena. Approximately 2-3 months

3) Cell phone log of instant messages sent and received. Messages are not included, only the transmission.

4) Emails and ecards sent and received. Approximately 4-5 from each of us.

4) A list from my yahoo of emails between us. This is short since we mostly communicated daily via skype and phone.

5) A list from yahoo of flower delivery confirmation

5) A list from yahoo of ecard delivery confirmation

6) Money transfer via Western Union. I have 3 receipts.

7) Air line flight itinerary, boarding passes from:

my first trip to Ukraine.

Elenas trip to the United States.

our trip to Boston to visit my family.

our return trip to Ukraine. We flew back together.

8) Copies of some pages from Elenas passport: Stamp of entry into the United States, Visitors Visa.

9) Copies of some pages from my passport: Ukraine passport control stamps

10) Copies of financial data: Bank account summary, statement from my bank verifying my accounts, and statements from investment and retirement accounts.

11) Copies of pay stubs from work. 2 months.

12) Letter from my company, verification letter.

13) Lots of photos from all our trips, including photos with my family. 2-3 photos from each trip including Boston. However they are not camera stamped with date and time. Can I add the date with a pen?

14) Hotel receipt from our trip to Ocean City.

15) A receipt, from email, of the engagement ring I bought and gave Elena.

I think this is everything. I can also include receipts from my last trip to Ukraine. This is in addition to our statements of intent, cover letter, a brief note listing each of our trips in the past 7 months, etc.

Is it fine to write posted notes with information and highlights for certain documents?

Ok, that's all for now. Thank you all, so very much. As soon as I mail this package I will be sure to update my time line.

Yikes!

1-6 not needed. 7-9 are good. 10 not needed, EVER. 11 & 12 not needed. 13 is OK but you only need a few photos together. we sent ONE. 14 is good. 15 is not needed, EVER

There is no penalty for sending to much. More is not better. It is just more. it will not get your petition processed faster or better to send unnecssary things and lots of unnecessary things will not make up for necessary things that are missing.

Most of the other stuff will be good to bring for the interview as proof on ongoing relationship but has no purpose whatsoever for the petition. Kiev is not a consulate where you benefit by "frontloading".

Send what you need and sleep well.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Yikes!

1-6 not needed. 7-9 are good. 10 not needed, EVER. 11 & 12 not needed. 13 is OK but you only need a few photos together. we sent ONE. 14 is good. 15 is not needed, EVER

There is no penalty for sending to much. More is not better. It is just more. it will not get your petition processed faster or better to send unnecssary things and lots of unnecessary things will not make up for necessary things that are missing.

Most of the other stuff will be good to bring for the interview as proof on ongoing relationship but has no purpose whatsoever for the petition. Kiev is not a consulate where you benefit by "frontloading".

Send what you need and sleep well.

What you need...

1. Copy of YOUR birth certificate to prove citizenship OR copies of ALL pages of your passport to show citizenship

2. I-129f form filled out and signed

3. G-325a forms from both of you filled out and signed

4. Passport style photos of both of you

5. Divorce certificates from both of you (as applicable) Hers translated if applicable.

6. Letters of intent from both of you, signed.

7. Proof of meeting in person at least ONE time withint the last tow years. This should include baording passes, hotel receipts, passport stamps and 1-5 photos of you together.

Nothing else is needed for the petition. Nothing else will help the petition be processed faster or better. Nothing else will hurt the processing of the petition. If you have all the above items (and a check for $455) your petition will be approved in 2-6 months. If you do not have the above items, you will get an RFE to provide them, then your petition will be approved.

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

Yikes!

1-6 not needed. 7-9 are good. 10 not needed, EVER. 11 & 12 not needed. 13 is OK but you only need a few photos together. we sent ONE. 14 is good. 15 is not needed, EVER

There is no penalty for sending to much. More is not better. It is just more. it will not get your petition processed faster or better to send unnecssary things and lots of unnecessary things will not make up for necessary things that are missing.

Most of the other stuff will be good to bring for the interview as proof on ongoing relationship but has no purpose whatsoever for the petition. Kiev is not a consulate where you benefit by "frontloading".

Send what you need and sleep well.

Hi Gary,

I thought information regarding communication between us and financial data was important at the beginning stage. I thought proof of a real loving relationship was important as well as showing I am financially able to take care of her.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi Gary,

I thought information regarding communication between us and financial data was important at the beginning stage. I thought proof of a real loving relationship was important as well as showing I am financially able to take care of her.

Not mfor the petition. You will have to provide proof of relationship at the visa interview and also give an affudavit of support at the visa interview. Providing bank records is optional and I did not do it, EVER. Not for the Visa and not for the AOS. I provided a letter from my bank stating when I I opened the account, the amount of deposits in the last 12 months and the current balance on the date of the letter. That is all. That was provided at the time of the interview and again at the time of the AOS. Not for the petition.

There is a lot of speculation (and it is speculation) that IF you provide evidence of a relationship with the petition that it is forwarded to the consulate (it is) and then the consulate cannot deny you for 2lack of evidence of relationship". This is simply not true. The consulate can still deny you.

At any rate, Kiev is not a consulate known for any tricks or games, they simply do not do that and anything you provide with the petition in the way of a relationship, you will have to provide again at the interview (they do not bring out your whole file) At any rate, it is not need for the petition.

For the petition your need to prove...

1. The petitioner is a US citizen

2. Both parties are willing and able to marry

3. You have met in person at least one time in the last two years.

Thats it, thats all. It really is a very, very simple process. Applying for a student loan is MUCH harder. A job application at Walmart is about as difficult. (how many attorneys charge money to fill out student loan papers?)

Keep in mind that there are hundreds of marraige agencies in the FSU, including Ukraine. They arrange "socials" for men to meet women. It is the foreign version of "speed dating" . 12 men will be there along with 50-100 women. ALL the men have their pictures taken with ALL the women. If something develops you have a photo of the two of you together...for a fee. PLUS a receipt that you were both at the same "social". "Hi, how are you? Smile for the camera" There, done. You qualify for an approved visa petition. No kidding. Guaranteed.

When I lived there, my landlord owned one of these agencies and was forever after me to go to his socials. But there were costs invloved and I coud walk outside my door and meet women, that wasn't a problem. Plus, those women were serious about being married and I really wasn't at the time.

And if that is the ONLY time you meet, you will most likely get your visa approved in Ukraine or Russia. Of course you will need a few emals and phone records to back it up at the interview. I will submit to you that a large percent of the fiancees going through Moscow and Kiev do just exactly that.

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

Not mfor the petition. You will have to provide proof of relationship at the visa interview and also give an affudavit of support at the visa interview. Providing bank records is optional and I did not do it, EVER. Not for the Visa and not for the AOS. I provided a letter from my bank stating when I I opened the account, the amount of deposits in the last 12 months and the current balance on the date of the letter. That is all. That was provided at the time of the interview and again at the time of the AOS. Not for the petition.

There is a lot of speculation (and it is speculation) that IF you provide evidence of a relationship with the petition that it is forwarded to the consulate (it is) and then the consulate cannot deny you for 2lack of evidence of relationship". This is simply not true. The consulate can still deny you.

At any rate, Kiev is not a consulate known for any tricks or games, they simply do not do that and anything you provide with the petition in the way of a relationship, you will have to provide again at the interview (they do not bring out your whole file) At any rate, it is not need for the petition.

For the petition your need to prove...

1. The petitioner is a US citizen

2. Both parties are willing and able to marry

3. You have met in person at least one time in the last two years.

Thats it, thats all. It really is a very, very simple process. Applying for a student loan is MUCH harder. A job application at Walmart is about as difficult. (how many attorneys charge money to fill out student loan papers?)

Keep in mind that there are hundreds of marraige agencies in the FSU, including Ukraine. They arrange "socials" for men to meet women. It is the foreign version of "speed dating" . 12 men will be there along with 50-100 women. ALL the men have their pictures taken with ALL the women. If something develops you have a photo of the two of you together...for a fee. PLUS a receipt that you were both at the same "social". "Hi, how are you? Smile for the camera" There, done. You qualify for an approved visa petition. No kidding. Guaranteed.

When I lived there, my landlord owned one of these agencies and was forever after me to go to his socials. But there were costs invloved and I coud walk outside my door and meet women, that wasn't a problem. Plus, those women were serious about being married and I really wasn't at the time.

And if that is the ONLY time you meet, you will most likely get your visa approved in Ukraine or Russia. Of course you will need a few emals and phone records to back it up at the interview. I will submit to you that a large percent of the fiancees going through Moscow and Kiev do just exactly that.

Gary,

Thank you again for this vital and important information. I can see now I have way too much information for the petition. After reading your last post I reread the instructions for the petition and now have a better understanding of the process. Thank you so very much. It really does seem easy. I guess I got worked up for nothing. There are lawyers and such on the internet who make the process seem very complicated. Thank you again. This site is wonderful.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Gary,

Thank you again for this vital and important information. I can see now I have way too much information for the petition. After reading your last post I reread the instructions for the petition and now have a better understanding of the process. Thank you so very much. It really does seem easy. I guess I got worked up for nothing. There are lawyers and such on the internet who make the process seem very complicated. Thank you again. This site is wonderful.

If they told the truth about the process, no one would ever pay them.

The petition is two forms and some copies of personal documents. That's all it is. An attorney does not have the personal documents to copy and he cannot fill out the forms unless you tell him what to answer. You may as well just answer yourself.

The visa application is a couple more forms (easier than the I-129f and G-325a) and a few more copies of personal documents.

AOS is the same. (attorneys charge extra for the AOS but it is more copies of the same things you did before) You can, actually, be completeling the AOS papers as you go along and when she arrives you will be ready except for a copy of her I-94 and the marriage certificate. We filed our K2 (to follow) son's AOS about 4 hours after he arrived. And only because we took our time about it.

I am completey serious when I say that the process for Alla's college grant was FAR more difficult, complicated and even the interviews (3) were more difficult.

Who hires an attorney to apply for college grants?

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

If they told the truth about the process, no one would ever pay them.

The petition is two forms and some copies of personal documents. That's all it is. An attorney does not have the personal documents to copy and he cannot fill out the forms unless you tell him what to answer. You may as well just answer yourself.

The visa application is a couple more forms (easier than the I-129f and G-325a) and a few more copies of personal documents.

AOS is the same. (attorneys charge extra for the AOS but it is more copies of the same things you did before) You can, actually, be completeling the AOS papers as you go along and when she arrives you will be ready except for a copy of her I-94 and the marriage certificate. We filed our K2 (to follow) son's AOS about 4 hours after he arrived. And only because we took our time about it.

I am completey serious when I say that the process for Alla's college grant was FAR more difficult, complicated and even the interviews (3) were more difficult.

Who hires an attorney to apply for college grants?

I see what you mean. People actually spend thousands of dollars for something so easy. And yes, as I think back to my college days, grants and scholarships were difficult, much more than I-129F. Its very easy to get lost in paperwork when you are very anxious.

I have two more questions if you don't mind. I hope this will be my last, at least for now Is the patronymic name in Ukraine the same as the middle name in the United States? When they ask for middle name on the I-129F, G-325A, etc should I use her Patronymic name or just leave it blank? The section on the I-129F regarding her son; name and address. There is not enough room in the address box to fit the street, city, country and zip code. Is it fine to use two lines. I know this is a crazy question but I want to make sure I get it right the first time.

Thank you again for all your help.

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

I see what you mean. People actually spend thousands of dollars for something so easy. And yes, as I think back to my college days, grants and scholarships were difficult, much more than I-129F. Its very easy to get lost in paperwork when you are very anxious.

I have two more questions if you don't mind. I hope this will be my last, at least for now Is the patronymic name in Ukraine the same as the middle name in the United States? When they ask for middle name on the I-129F, G-325A, etc should I use her Patronymic name or just leave it blank? The section on the I-129F regarding her son; name and address. There is not enough room in the address box to fit the street, city, country and zip code. Is it fine to use two lines. I know this is a crazy question but I want to make sure I get it right the first time.

Thank you again for all your help.

One last question for tonight. Regarding my fiances birth certificate, surname proof and marriage cancellation documents, they are certified photo copies with translation. Should I make copies and send the copies with the I-129F or send the original certified copies. I imagine they will be hard to replace, and perhaps even take a long time, if they get lost in the paper shuffle.

Thanks again

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I see what you mean. People actually spend thousands of dollars for something so easy. And yes, as I think back to my college days, grants and scholarships were difficult, much more than I-129F. Its very easy to get lost in paperwork when you are very anxious.

I have two more questions if you don't mind. I hope this will be my last, at least for now Is the patronymic name in Ukraine the same as the middle name in the United States? When they ask for middle name on the I-129F, G-325A, etc should I use her Patronymic name or just leave it blank? The section on the I-129F regarding her son; name and address. There is not enough room in the address box to fit the street, city, country and zip code. Is it fine to use two lines. I know this is a crazy question but I want to make sure I get it right the first time.

Thank you again for all your help.

The patrynomic is not the same as a middle name but that is where you would list it on the form, yes. As I am sure you are aware, the Patrynomic is her fathers name with a suffix for masculine or feminine. It is not a random "given" name like our tradition of "middle names" but I guess they had to call it something on the form.

Her son can just be listed as (Name), (city), Ukraine You do not have to list the postal code when listing her son. I prefer not to use two lines. Probably nothing bad will happen if you do.

I know a lot of people get anxious over this, I did. And attorneys feed on that. My advice is for people to read the instructions, download the forms and start to fill them out with a pencil. If, after an hour, you are still not comfortable...hire someone to do it.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

One last question for tonight. Regarding my fiances birth certificate, surname proof and marriage cancellation documents, they are certified photo copies with translation. Should I make copies and send the copies with the I-129F or send the original certified copies. I imagine they will be hard to replace, and perhaps even take a long time, if they get lost in the paper shuffle.

Thanks again

Always send copies. You will never get the originals back and yes they can be hard to replace in Ukraine. The tarnbslatios should be the originals though. Keep a copy of the translation for yourself. Keep a copy of anything you ever send them for yourself and never throw it away.

You do not need her birth certificate for the petition, only yours (or a copy of your passport...all pages).

You WILL need her divorce certificate, translated. If you have her marriage certificate also, send that, but it is probably not necessary. The I-129f requires you send documentation of any name changes but the Ukrainian divorce certificates always show the names chosen by the person(s) after the divorce, so it suffices in itself. You will need copies of both and her birth certificate for the interview. I never had the originals of Alla's documents or the boys documents in my possession until after they moved here. Now we keep them in a safe deposit box. Ukrainian documents are really hard to replace when you are in the US.

[FawkThisSite 13]

What you need...

1. Copy of YOUR birth certificate to prove citizenship OR copies of ALL pages of your passport to show citizenship

2. I-129f form filled out and signed

3. G-325a forms from both of you filled out and signed

4. Passport style photos of both of you

5. Divorce certificates from both of you (as applicable) Hers translated if applicable.

6. Letters of intent from both of you, signed.

7. Proof of meeting in person at least ONE time withint the last tow years. This should include baording passes, hotel receipts, passport stamps and 1-5 photos of you together.

Nothing else is needed for the petition. Nothing else will help the petition be processed faster or better. Nothing else will hurt the processing of the petition. If you have all the above items (and a check for $455) your petition will be approved in 2-6 months. If you do not have the above items, you will get an RFE to provide them, then your petition will be approved.

I honestly think that you always have the best answers, makes me feel at ease.