I-130. Is this everything?

[aloram 1]

I'm an American living in Hanoi with my Vietnamese wife, and we're planning on sending our I-130 packet early next week. We've been together for almost two years, and married for a short time. Please tell me if we're missing anything:

1. I-130 form

2. G-325A for me, G-325-A for her

3. A copy of our marriage certificate, as well as a certified translation

4. One passport-size photo of her, one of me

5. Copies of our passports and visas (including an American visa for her from last year when we traveled to the U.S. to visit my mom in the hospital)

For evidence:

1. Our lease (which actually began before we got married; I figured showing that we've lived together for a while would help more than hurt)

2. Bank records showing a joint account

3. Affidavits from some friends and family who've met my wife in the U.S. and/or Vietnam (when they came here to visit)

4. Photos of us, including some with her family and some with my family

5. Emails (including some email communications between my wife and my mother)

6. A few Skype chat screenshots

7. We've traveled together internationally four separate times, and we have flight confirmations and corresponding visas for these trips.

Are we missing anything? In addition, despite hours and hours of research, I'm not entirely clear on whether we need a notarized timeline and a 10-year residency for the I-130. Any help, comments, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks.

Edited August 22, 2012 by aloram

[aloram 1]

I forgot to add that I'm 32 and she's 31, and neither of us has any children or previous marriages..

[phil09 8]

What you submitted should be fine, as it seems like you have plenty of evidence to prove a bona fide relationship. Don't worry about the timeline and the 10-yr residency thing, the US Consulate will ask for it if they have questions. In your case, everything seems to be straightforward so they may not even bring it up. Good luck, and please keep us posted.

[WeatherEmperor 21]

Hello,

It looks like you have everything ready for the i130. Dont worry about the timeline and residency documents at this point. Some people have tried to include them with their petitions only for the consulate to ask for the same documents again at the interview. Just make sure you have them at the interview just in case the consulate asks for it. Good luck and keep us posted

[aloram 1]

Thanks for your input. I have a question about the G-325A as well. I've maintained an address in the U.S. (San Francisco) since I've been in Vietnam (over two years now). I have my bank, credit card, tax, and all other information go to the San Francisco address; I lived in San Francisco for five years prior to coming to Vietnam, so I also have a driver's license there. My question is: On the G-325A form, I'm not sure what to do under "Applicant's Residence last five years." Because I've been here (in Vietnam) pretty consistently for the last couple years, I haven't LIVED in San Francisco in a while. IBasically, this is what I did:

- Came to Asia in May 2010 for a trip

- Came to Vietnam in June 2010, and then started working and living here

- Switched my San Francisco address to a different one where I knew my friend would help me with all my mail

- I've been living with my wife for several months (even though we actually just got married last week), and I have a lease, work contracts, and a joint bank account as evidence that we're living together here.

So where on the G-325A form would I even MENTION my San Francisco address? If I don't list it on the G-325A, will it be a problem for me when I need to meet the domicile requirements?

Edited August 23, 2012 by aloram

[aloram 1]

I'm not sure if it's relevant, but I've never had a work permit or residence card here; I'm an English teacher and I've worked for schools that don't require them. I've just been on B3 visas the whole time. Hopefully this will help towards meeting the domicile requirements, since I've never gone the "official" route of becoming a resident here.

[phil09 8]

So where on the G-325A form would I even MENTION my San Francisco address? If I don't list it on the G-325A, will it be a problem for me when I need to meet the domicile requirements?

I would put the SF address on the G325A, at the bottom, like so: "Permanent address: 1234 Anystreet, SF, CA 12345."