Questions about Documents - Greencard App. for Spouse

[Gringa Chapina 1]

I am preparing the I-130 Petition package for my Guatemalan husband and have specific questions about documentation needed listed below. Was hoping someone could help...

1) Do both last names HAVE to be listed on the G-325 bio form? My husband has 2 last names, and only put his father's last name as his family name on the first question asking for his last name. Both last names are listed on his birth certificate and passport.

2) Is my husband's birth certificate REQUIRED? Page 3, section H. of the instructions isn't clear on that end and lists OR after which goes into the sworn affidavits. It does seem kind of odd to me that the instructions don't list any other legal identification or photo identification needed from the foreign spouse. Perhaps that is requested later on???

3) If birth certificate(s) are needed do they HAVE to be original? I am wary about sending original birth certificates.

4) SHOULD a letter be included which explains the relationship? I know there should be separate cover letters for the forms and documents.

NOTE: I will be applying here in the states for my husband who is in Guatemala so it will be more time and money to send documents here if I need them but of course I will do so if it really helps our case!

Thank you in advance to whoever responds! Your help is greatly appreciated!

[jaycali 415]

I am preparing the I-130 Petition package for my Guatemalan husband and have specific questions about documentation needed listed below. Was hoping someone could help...1) Do both last names HAVE to be listed on the G-325 bio form? My husband has 2 last names, and only put his father's last name as his family name on the first question asking for his last name. Both last names are listed on his birth certificate and passport.2) Is my husband's birth certificate REQUIRED? Page 3, section H. of the instructions isn't clear on that end and lists OR after which goes into the sworn affidavits. It does seem kind of odd to me that the instructions don't list any other legal identification or photo identification needed from the foreign spouse. Perhaps that is requested later on???3) If birth certificate(s) are needed do they HAVE to be original? I am wary about sending original birth certificates. 4) SHOULD a letter be included which explains the relationship? I know there should be separate cover letters for the forms and documents.NOTE: I will be applying here in the states for my husband who is in Guatemala so it will be more time and money to send documents here if I need them but of course I will do so if it really helps our case!Thank you in advance to whoever responds! Your help is greatly appreciated!

Hi there and congrats!

1. Yes, write his FULL legal name as it appears in his passport.

2. Not at this point. It's no longer required at the I-130 stage, but later, when he applies for the actual visa, it is.

3. Yes, it's required later on. Doesn't have to be original, but at least notarized certified copy. His birth certificate will be required when he applies for the visa, and his passport will obviously be required at the embassy. This is about 5 - 10 months down the line though.

4. We just did a cover letter for the whole package. I'd say it depends on what proof you're gonna include in the I-130 package. We did a small photo timeline of our relationship, a couple of phone bill printouts and a copy of my wife's US passport with the pages showing her entry and exit stamps to Norway. Sworn affidavits aren't a must, but definitely helpful.

- Hint: If you're using pictures as part of your proof of bona fide relationship, make sure your photos show different occasions. Don't use 10 photos from xmas alone, but one from xmas, one from Guatemala, one from the winter, one from the summer and so on. Also, photos of you guys together with other family members help tremendously. This shows that you didn't just get together for a big photo op intended to fool the USCIS, but actually have an ongoing relationship.

Edited February 4, 2012 by jhsm85

[El Cachalote 12]

You need to put his full name, that includes both last names, especially since his relevant documents state them.

At i130 stage, your husbands birth certificate is not required...but you should have it on hand anyway (it is requested at NVC stage). Marriage certificate is required with translation to english.

Your birth certificate (USC) can be a photo copy.

I included on a single cover sheet stating the documents inclosed. Only give USCIS what they ask for. A cover letter is not listed in the instructions for I130; but I included one any way. It is not mentioned in instructions for I130.

You are already explaining the relationship by sending in form I130.

Keep it simple.

Good luck!

Magnus

[Gringa Chapina 1]

Thank you both so much! I will spend the money then for him to resend the G-325 including both last names for his family name.

Edited February 4, 2012 by Gringa Chapina

[El Cachalote 12]

Thank you both so much! I will spend the money then for him to resend the G-325 including both last names for his family name.

You do not have to re-send the G-325 again. You don't have to pay additional money! You simple can call USCIS if they are processing the documents...or you can wait until the NVC stage and begin using both last names of your husband on the forms.

The name you use on the NVC forms will be the name on the visa issued and it must match the name on the passport of the intending immigrant.

Good Luck! Buena suerte!

Magnus

[Gringa Chapina 1]

You do not have to re-send the G-325 again. You don't have to pay additional money! You simple can call USCIS if they are processing the documents...or you can wait until the NVC stage and begin using both last names of your husband on the forms.

The name you use on the NVC forms will be the name on the visa issued and it must match the name on the passport of the intending immigrant.

Good Luck! Buena suerte!

Magnus

Thanks again, Magnus! I think I might pay for it to be sent anyway. My concern is with the background check which I believe they run from what's listed on that form. If I don't list his full name maybe there will be a problem later. I also don't feel comfortable relying on a phone call to UCSIS because I already called them before for help and the only information they told me was the same information available on their instruction form and my questions were beyond that. That's why I posted here!

I do have another question about the form if you don't mind sharing your wisdom again! My husband is completing it on his computer and the spaces are too small for some of the text. For example, they only provide one line for your full address so he used the line below it also which is meant for a second address. Is that okay? Or should he just handwrite the whole thing?

THANKS AGAIN!

[El Cachalote 12]

Thanks again, Magnus! I think I might pay for it to be sent anyway. My concern is with the background check which I believe they run from what's listed on that form. If I don't list his full name maybe there will be a problem later. I also don't feel comfortable relying on a phone call to UCSIS because I already called them before for help and the only information they told me was the same information available on their instruction form and my questions were beyond that. That's why I posted here!

I do have another question about the form if you don't mind sharing your wisdom again! My husband is completing it on his computer and the spaces are too small for some of the text. For example, they only provide one line for your full address so he used the line below it also which is meant for a second address. Is that okay? Or should he just handwrite the whole thing?

THANKS AGAIN!

If he runs out of space on the form or if extra space is needed to complete any item...."attach a continuation sheet, indicate the item number, and date and sign each sheet."

I do not think the second address line should be used for the first.

Those are the intructions from USCIS.

I hope this helps. It is only from what I read from instructions at USCIS. We did not encounter this problem in our applications/ petitions.

Sincerely,

Magnus