Separating Evidence into 2 Groups:

[astrlsrfr 1]

We are finalizing our interview preparation. There is a statement in the "K-Instruction" document that states in regards to the "Evidence of relationship" (verbatim):

"Please label, itemize all material in chronological order and separate them into two groups: before

and after engagement/marriage."

I haven't seen much discussion about this, other than for photos. The chronlogical order thing is pretty easy, except for the obvious oversight that they don't specify oldest on top or newest on top. But in regards to the "two groups" thing... Some concerns arose in my head:

- Y'all who got pink already: dija follow this to the letter & do you feel it was important?

- Y'all who have had an interview already: Did your CO specifically ask for one group or the other?

- What about the actual engagement/wedding photos - do those go into the before, after, or a whole new category?

Not that I don't intend to follow the instructions to the letter, but:

A. we don't have a whole lot of evidence during our courtship before engagement.

B. I already made & printed a powerpoint with all the photos bound with a spiral thingy.

So, I'm not too thrilled about having to rebind the photos into 2 books & also pointing out the relative different amount of evidence for each pile, although I'm sure that is just their intention.

TIA!

Edited June 5, 2011 by astrlsrfr

[tuandanh 3]

I'm actually in a similar boat as you. I've been looking through my phone records wondering how closely I need to follow those instructions. I assume as much as possible so I'm trying to arrange it chronological order.

Regarding your spiral bound books, I wouldn't mess with those since you've done it already. I think the point of it is to clearly demonstrate your activities pre and post engagement. If yours is not separated, your finance will just have to be able to point them to the correct photos when and if asked.

Something you should also be aware of is that there is a small bank style window where you have to slide materials under at HCM. I haven't seen it myself but have heard others talk about it here. Hopefully your books will fit under there. I actually have my materials in a 3-ring binder which I'm starting to think is a bad idea.

Bear in mind that the instructions also state photos should be loose (not in albums) which I am also deviating from as I think my mini albums will fit under the window.

Good luck!

[quann 26]

from my experience and all the cases i've read here: photos (don't be stingy with the 20-30 recommended, have at least 50-100), timeline, 10 yr residency are a must. secondary evidence such as phone records, chats, air tix/spending receipts should be ready if the CO ask for them.

if your case have some potential red flags be ready and able to address them with evidence and such.

[seattlerain 1]

My fiancee recently had an interview there and she put everything exactly as the paper requested (before and after engagement). Instead of taking everything or looking at the before and after, the CO asked my fiancee to give her "pictures and phone records." My fiancee gave the CO the before and after phone records and pictures. The CO did not want to look at email printout, chat log, or anything else

It would depend on the CO, but I think you should organize it.

[ScottThuy 140]

overall I had it grouped into before and after as well as how they had them listed in PKT4... They only looked at a bit of it and gave it back to her .. gave her a blue asking for additional docs.. the second go they only accepted what was requested and gave us AP... 2 days later I went in with everything we had and they had to accept everything from me at that point... What does this mean? In a nutshell they will look at what they want to look at.. she needs to be prepared with everthing when they ask for it... when they say photos.. two groups is fine as long as she can get them easily and quickly... they will look at as many photos as they are in the mood for... put important photos on top to catch their attention... you are selling your relationship to someone...