I-130 Proof of bona fide marriage

[Yemeni Fee Dubai 0]

I'm sending off our I-130 packet this weekend but I'm anxious about the proof of bonafide marriage because we met in the US while he was here on a visitor visa and then he returned to his country and a few months later, sent me tickets to come to Dubai where we got married. I stayed there for 2 weeks with him and then returned to the US so we don't have any joint bank accts, no lease agreements, no joint bills at all... we've got really nothing other than a marriage certificate and some photos to prove our marriage exists. There really isn't anyone in the US who would even be able to sign any type of statement that they know us to be married since we haven't lived together in the US and he hasn't yet met my family and friends (other than my children). Do you think the marriage certificate, copy of the plane ticket he sent me and the photos are going to be enough if I include in the cover letter an explanation as to why we don't have these other documents? Does anyone have any advice to offer for this situation? Many thanks!

[caly 48]

I'm sending off our I-130 packet this weekend but I'm anxious about the proof of bonafide marriage because we met in the US while he was here on a visitor visa and then he returned to his country and a few months later, sent me tickets to come to Dubai where we got married. I stayed there for 2 weeks with him and then returned to the US so we don't have any joint bank accts, no lease agreements, no joint bills at all... we've got really nothing other than a marriage certificate and some photos to prove our marriage exists. There really isn't anyone in the US who would even be able to sign any type of statement that they know us to be married since we haven't lived together in the US and he hasn't yet met my family and friends (other than my children). Do you think the marriage certificate, copy of the plane ticket he sent me and the photos are going to be enough if I include in the cover letter an explanation as to why we don't have these other documents? Does anyone have any advice to offer for this situation? Many thanks!

A lot of people who file for the CR-1/IR-1 have not lived together and don't have that kind of proof to submit. Don't sweat it, you don't even need to explain it to them but you can if you want to.

If you don't think you have enough evidence, other things you might consider including are:

• evidence of communication (chat logs, phone logs, emails, letters etc..)
  
• entry and exit stamps in your passport from when you have visited each other
  
• have you added each other as the beneficiary on the other person's insurance? If yes, you can include that as proof of financial co-mingling.
  

Good luck!

[The Mean Lady 604]

If you have auto insurance in the US, call to declare yourself married.

When I did this, they INSISTED on adding my husband to my policy despite the fact that he lives in Canada and doesn't even have a license.

Not all insurance companies will allow it, but some will.

It's a great way to see a mingling.

Also, as stated above, you can send in chat logs, pictures, passport stamps, etc.

[pushbrk 12,881]

Contrary to what some believe, "evidence" and "proof" are not synonyms. You provide evidence of a bona fide marriage. "Proof" is too absolute a term for such a subjective analysis.

[ndu26 114]

I do not think you are working in your favor providing a letter explaining why you do not have those stuff you listed. Also mentioning that he has not met your friends and family( apart from your kids) does dnot put you guys inthe best light before USCIS. How old are your children? who witnessed the marriage since he has not met your family and friends? so I would suggest you just send in what you have( with copy of boarding passes for those trips) with out trying to explain anything in a letter. Hopefully the pics you have are not only posed pics. They need to see you guys in natural enviornment too in the midst of people.

If you do not feel about this now then give it couple of months more while you try to gather more evidence. Better to get it right than rush it and be denied.