How to get joint documents

[shoelace 0]

While reading through the checklist for filing the I-130, we notice you have to provide evidence for a bona fide marriage. Seeing how she's canadian, how do I add her to anything so that its joint? How much proof is needed? Wouldn't they require information like a SSN for a bank account? Are affidavits themselves enough proof or the more we can get the better?

[Colleens 40]

While reading through the checklist for filing the I-130, we notice you have to provide evidence for a bona fide marriage. Seeing how she's canadian, how do I add her to anything so that its joint? How much proof is needed? Wouldn't they require information like a SSN for a bank account? Are affidavits themselves enough proof or the more we can get the better?

Most banks will require a SSN but there are some that do not. There are some old threads here that deal with banking and adding a spouse without a SSN so try searching and reading through some of them. Some other things that you can look into is naming her as beneficary on any insurance policies or investments. If you own a home put her on the title. Add her onto the car insurance. Add her onto your credit card. Also try to have her name added to any utility bills.

I didn't do a CR1 so I am not sure how picky they are about this stuff, but this should give you a good start.

Edited February 6, 2012 by Colleens

[sheeshkabelle 153]

Every thing Colleens said.

Also you can get her added to your car title with a quick trip to the DMV (if you don't have a lien)

I had no issues with Geico adding my husband to the car insurance.

He's on the deed of trust to the house (but not the mortgage)

We have a joint bank account with RBC. (look into getting an RBC account if you haven't already. It makes your cross border financial life so much easier)

made hubby beneficiary on one life insurance policy. Quick phone call.

Changed my Will to include him

Made him an emergency contact and pick up person on the kids' school paperwork

Was no problem having his name added to the electric and water bills

Changed my phone listing with AT&T to include his name

Now, since I've done all this, my husband now gets junk mail here in the US. It cracks me up he gets more offers for car loans and credit cards than I do! I save a few things in case, doesn't hurt to show mail being sent to our US address for evidence.

[BBCC 16]

The only thing we provided with our I-130 petition to establish a bona fide relationship was an apartment lease in both names.

They never asked for anything else. It seems the standard of proof for this is as low as it could possibly be for applications adjudicated in Canada. It is other locales with a history of improper visa use that require more. Your "mileage may vary" but that is how it worked for us.

[Marilyn. 340]

i don't recall sending a whole lot of evidence to prove a bona fide marriage, maybe some pictures, cards and emails.. we didn't send in any joint account stuff..

[Canadiandggal 49]

We sent in, emails, phone records, photos, nothing jointly as we were newly married.