Supporting Documents for I-130

[GeorgiaPeach 2]

Hello All!

We are nearly ready to submit our I-130 plus accompanying documentation. I found a link to the London Embassy website (we will be applying there) that included a checklist for things to include. On that list, it said not to include things like a lease or photos of us as a couple. However, on the I-130 instructions guideline that I printed off the USCIS website, it lists a lease as evidence that CAN be used. Does anyone have advice on whether including a copy of our lease, photocopies of pictures, and even copies of cards from our family members (for our wedding anniversary and Christmas) is okay?

Additionally, on the G-325A, it asks you to list all of your previous addresses for the past 5 years. My hubby and I lived together for 4 months in my apartment in the USA back in 2010/2011. Would it be a good idea to include a copy of his J-1 visa, which allowed him to legally be in the country for that length of time?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[rhea and kolya 0]

In my case, when submitting the documents they won't accept any of those things, but they will expect them when they conduct the interview. In our case it was on the same day (you need to pay before you can be interviewed), so it was good we showed up prepared.

It couldn't hurt to photocopy the visa. The worst that will happen is they won't need it, but I honestly doubt they'll care.

[Ryan H 3,821]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to DCF Discussion; OP's information indicates they intend to file using this method.

[LauraDP 10]

For the I130 submissions doing DCF through London (and possibly true of elsewhere), the only things to include are the documents on the specific checklist. All of the other documents are for later in the process. It does not harm to start compiling all of those documents while you are waiting for NOA2 but they will be disregarded for the I130 so don't bother sending them.

Best wishes

Laura

[GeorgiaPeach 2]

Thanks, Laura! I see that someone else posted the same questions, so I'm glad to see I'm not the only one! :-)

[MollyDan 0]

Hi! Well, I was advised by a US immigration lawyer that family photos were definitely to be included. In fact, we were advised to use ANY AND EVERY POSSIBLE THING we could get our hands on that would serve as proof of the validity of our marriage. I compiled a set of about 21 photos, all of which included my husband and various friends and family members, and did include that set of photos with the I-130 (I sent mine to the Consulate in Rome). Despite all this it sounds like if the London Embassy is specifically telling you that they DON'T want those items, then I would just leave them out and save them until it's time for your interview. Good luck.

[Jewli 0]

I included photos, copies of our college diplomas (where we met) and copies of old plane tickets from our most recent trip together to show an ongoing relationship/marriage. I was told at the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany to include any and everything I could since we don't have joint bank accounts or property. I agree with MollyDan that you probably shouldn't send them now if they specify not having it. But as long as you're sending copies, does it really hurt to send more? Probably not.

[Nieuwoudt 0]

We just filed our I-130 through the consulate in Seoul and we had to be there in person. Our instructions also said to include proof of ongoing relationship (bills, affidavits, etc). But the man at the window just looked through our documents and handed them back to us, saying they weren't needed until the interview. The only kept the copy of our actual marriage license. London could be different, but that's what happened in our case!