Question about Declaration of How We Met

[walt23 0]

Okay, I'm writing the declaration of how we met. However, I did not imagine it would be this difficult to write about how we met. I'm sure the person handling our case does not want to hear me ramble on and on about how and where and the details of our relationship like how he proposed.

So basically, what should I include in this declaration? If anybody can give me an idea of what info to include I would really appreciate it.

Thanks ahead of time for your help.

ZZ

[William33 110]

No need for a novel here, just indicate briefly how, when and where you met. My statement was about a paragraph.

Okay, I'm writing the declaration of how we met. However, I did not imagine it would be this difficult to write about how we met. I'm sure the person handling our case does not want to hear me ramble on and on about how and where and the details of our relationship like how he proposed.

So basically, what should I include in this declaration? If anybody can give me an idea of what info to include I would really appreciate it.

Thanks ahead of time for your help.

ZZ

[Mew 0]

I agree with William. Also, support the circumstances described - dates, places - with the evidence you send out with the petition.

Edited September 12, 2006 by Mew

[YuAndDan 153]

I did same, 1 or 2 paragraphs, noting that we met through an online chat site, and after some time realized we have many things in common. Emailed and chatted for a Few months and realized that we have fallen for each other, and decided to meet in person, met in person and knew we were met for each other.. proposed on date, and yes. Chat every day...

Include some dates of note, like when first met, first phone call, date met in person, date proposed...

Need not be detailed novel, just the important facts.

Hope this helps.

[aussiewench 9]

How one answers Q18 is going to differ as it is dependant on individual circumstances. The format it takes can be in letter or perhaps timeline format. Use Q18 to describe in some detail of how you met in the required 2 year period that established the relationship. Then the evidence you submit should support those details. Boarding passes, passport stamps, hotel/credit card receipts, rental receipts if ever lived together etc etc are primary evidence. Photos are secondary which support the primary evidence. What you should be aiming for is creating an image in the minds eye of the adjudicator......a complete picture that takes in both Q18 & the evidence. Look outside the box for evidence that shows you both in the same place at the same time. Each case is different and you should submit evidence accordingly, not just rely on the standard unofficial list.

[VSSKS 0]

I think Aussie's advice is excellent. If you are originally from the same country as your fiance, then you probably don't need as much elaboration as those who are not.

In my case (I am originally from India), I simply wrote one line: First met in Sept. '04 during a visit to India, got enganged in Oct. 05, and vacationed together in Dec.05.

Thats all I wrote in the box. I submitted one photograph, copies of passport stamp, two emails, and copy of my airline ticket.

I am not suggesting you do the same. However, it shows that INS officers do not need extensive write-up or loads of pictures.

Good luck!

[bowhunter 0]

Okay, I'm writing the declaration of how we met. However, I did not imagine it would be this difficult to write about how we met. I'm sure the person handling our case does not want to hear me ramble on and on about how and where and the details of our relationship like how he proposed.

So basically, what should I include in this declaration? If anybody can give me an idea of what info to include I would really appreciate it.

Thanks ahead of time for your help.

ZZ

First, do you mean the declaration of how you originally met - as in "We met online . . . ", as in IMBRA? Or are you talking about the evidence of having met in person?

Below is what I wrote of how we met in person (I-129F supplement). For the IMBRA you'll need to be specific about online introduction services, or whatever it was that facilitated that first connection.

##############################################

I-129F Supplement: Part B, Question 18, Explanation of Meeting in Person

To Whom it May Concern:

I have known my fiance', Evelyn since October of 2005. I traveled to Cebu, Philippines to meet her in March of 2006. While in the Philippines, I proposed to Evelyn and she accepted. Included within this packet are supporting documents to this effect, including hotel and airline receipts, boarding passes, and pictures.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further documentation is required.

Sincerely,

[Caladan 19]

For Q18 I was reasonably detailed. I first included a short paragraph stating how and when we first met online, then in person, and then continued the relationship through and including the present.

Then I included an outline of all the evidence that would follow, in chronological order, briefly describing (Fiancé's trip to Caladantown) what each event was and what evidence was included in support. So a sample would look like:

August 17, 2006-September 5, 2006: Caladan visits Fiancé in Fiancé'sTown. [boarding passes; passport stamps; photograph #4.]

All in all, it was one page, signed and dated. Nothing too detailed, just precise.

[Mew 0]

We wrote "We initally met online and then we met in person in two occasions throughout the year." We included his tickets, pictures, and passport stamps.

Edited September 13, 2006 by Mew

[heathius 0]

As others have stated, it depends on your circumstances. It doesn't have to be long if you have a typical case. Ours was a big longer though, because we had a lot to explain. We met and lived together in a neutral country (New Zealand) before moving to another neutral country (China), where we got engaged and have lived ever since. We used this question as an opportunity to explain our somewhat unusual situation, which may have otherwise confused them.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

The question is very specific as to the actual face to face meeting(s) you have had in the last two years. Provide as much supporting documentation as you can, like plane tickets, hotel bills, visa/mastercard charges in her country at the time you visited, and secondarily pictures and you are good to go on this question.

[RiggerAF 0]

don't forget to include the proof of meeting,proof that put you and your SO the same place at the same time, aforementioned post are excellent! We recieved 2nd RFE because if that mistake.