Just got started, a couple questions including marriage certificate. F-1

[Rumit 0]

Hello everyone, glad I found this site and forum!

Me and my wife (the US citizen) recently began putting all the forms together for submission and as a result we have a couple questions which I hope to get answered!

1) I am supposed to include a certified copy of our marriege certificate - what does this mean? Do I have to wait for the county to mail us a stamped certificate (which will take like up to two months..) or can I just copy the marriage certificate signed and stamped by the officiant and submit that?

2) Form G-352A: For the US Citizen's G-352A, when the form asks for the APPLICANT's last few adresses and jobs, is this applicant the one intending to immigrate or is the applicant in this case the US Citizen?

3) Affidavit of Support question: My wife would not be able to support me with the info from last years tax return as she was mostly unemployed, but she has found herself a job recently that puts us significantly above the income requirement. Will evidence of these jobs such as employment contracts be enough for the affidavit or should we include assets as well? Do not want to include assets unless you guys think it is necessary. How difficult is the affidavit to get approved?

4) F-1 and expiration date as indicated in I-94: Do I put D/S or Duration of Status here as indicated in the I-94 and nothing else, or do I put the date that is on my visa?

5) Evidence of bona fides of marriage: Neither one of us changed our last name, I moved into her place so all bills and lease is in her name, we have no joint bank accounts and have no reason at all to have joint bank account, where I am from I have in fact never heard of such a thing. Anyway, we first met about 1.5 years ago, have lived together for half a year, we have loads of photos of us, on travel, with friends, and with family. Are photos anything I should include - would they be considered evidence? We intend to include affidavits from people around us and use that as evidence. Any advice on our case? Is it worth to put my name on the phonebill or her car insurance or such?

6) Do I need to send in the medical examination along with the initial package or is that something that can be submitted at a later point?

Thanks in advance!

Edited January 23, 2013 by Rumit

[Mariana2012 89]

All I can help you with s the certified marriage certificate. You get that in about 10 working days from the same place you went to get your marriage license. It costs $ 3 a copy.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

1. Every state does it differently so we cannot help or give meaningful advice until we know the state you are in. We don't know what you have.

2. Each person fills out a form and answers as if all questions are aimed at them.

3. Current income i what counts. SHe can submit a letter from her employer showing her income.

4. D/S

5. Read the instructions. Evidence of financial c-mingling goes a long way for USCIS. You have never heard of a joint account? Usually couples need access to the same pool of money, at least for household things etc.

6. YES. You must schedule an immigration medical with a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon and submit the results with the sealed envelope the doctor gives you.

Edited January 23, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[Rumit 0]

All I can help you with s the certified marriage certificate. You get that in about 10 working days from the same place you went to get your marriage license. It costs $ 3 a copy.

Thanks!

Which state was this in? Our officiant (who issued the license to us) told us that it would take up to eight weeks for the county stamped certificate to be mailed to us. Also they costed $15 per copy! plus some additional for him to order it for us (which would make our life easier apparently and it would not impact how fast we would get it back)

Still, is the county stamped one a requirement or can I just submit the one that is stamped and signed by the officiant that we got at the time of marriage, it should be proof of marriage, no?

Every state does it differently so we cannot help or give meaningful advice until we know the state you are in.

California

[Mariana2012 89]

Thanks!

Which state was this in? Our officiant (who issued the license to us) told us that it would take up to eight weeks for the county stamped certificate to be mailed to us. Also they costed $15 per copy! plus some additional for him to order it for us (which would make our life easier apparently and it would not impact how fast we would get it back)

Still, is the county stamped one a requirement or can I just submit the one that is stamped and signed by the officiant that we got at the time of marriage, it should be proof of marriage, no?

California

I am in wa, . Didn't you get a small package of info when you got your marriage license? After the person who officiated the marriage registeres the certificate you can check online to see when it is available. The info should have been given to you when u applied for your license

Ohhhhh i just saw it is YOU who will submit the marriage certificate. Make sure u registere it asap and then get a certified copy of it, not sure if the copy you get on your marriage day is accepted. Definitelly the pretty commemorative one is not accepted

Also anyone can get a copy of anyone's marriage certificate. It is a public record. You don't need someone to order it for you. Sounds like someone is trying to make a $ of your back

For california check here, also google can help

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/pages/certifiedcopiesofmarriageanddivorcerecords.aspx

Edited January 23, 2013 by Mariana2012

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You will need the copy from the county. You can walk what you have over to them and ask for a copy the same day, instead of mail. Otherwise it will take a while.

[hmh33 117]

In San Francisco I was able to go to the county clerk's office in person and get the certificate 2 days after the marriage.