Does my I-130 have enough evidence?

[ainsn 13]

My priority date is July 2, 2012. Haven't heard back from VSC yet, but after reading some of the rock hard evidences other couples submitted, I'm beginning to wonder if what I put together was enough?! Here's the outline of what my packet included:

• Personal check in the amount of $420

• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

• Copy of unexpired U.S. passport (Petitioner)

• G-325A (Petitioner)

• Passport style photo (Petitioner)

• G-325A (Beneficiary)

• Passport style photo (Beneficiary)

Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage:

• Letter explaining our relationship history, marriage, and our future plans together

• Copy of Marriage Certificate from Bangladesh

• Proof of enrollment and completion of undergraduate program in U.S. (Petitioner)

• Proof of enrollment in Medical School in Bangladesh (Beneficiary)

• Affidavit of Petitioner's Father

• Affidavit of Petitioner's Mother

We were both students when I applied. I've since graduated, but my husband is still finishing med school abroad, hence the proofs of enrollment. I referred to my trips to Bangladesh (for the wedding and subsequent visits) and used the included copy of my passport as evidence of the mentioned trips. Other than that, the official marriage certificate and affidavits from my parents are all we're workin' with here.

Is it good enough evidence?

[speedwell 224]

We were both students when I applied. I've since graduated, but my husband is still finishing med school abroad, hence the proofs of enrollment. I referred to my trips to Bangladesh (for the wedding and subsequent visits) and used the included copy of my passport as evidence of the mentioned trips. Other than that, the official marriage certificate and affidavits from my parents are all we're workin' with here.

Is it good enough evidence?

Only the officer processing your case can say. Use the time of waiting to get more evidence. Have the USC add the Bangladeshi citizen to mortgage or lease and to utility bills, add each other as beneficiaries in life/health/car insurance, show evidence of gifts you purchased and sent to each other, gather photos of you two together (especially along with family), include birth certificates of children you have together if any, anything else you can think of that screams "We are preparing to live together and mingle our lives and finances". Send the USC a certified copy of the non-USC's birth certificate just in case.

Expect a request to submit more evidence. That's what my husband and I are expecting and we have gathered as much of the above information as possible.

[ainsn 13]

Only the officer processing your case can say. Use the time of waiting to get more evidence. Have the USC add the Bangladeshi citizen to mortgage or lease and to utility bills, add each other as beneficiaries in life/health/car insurance, show evidence of gifts you purchased and sent to each other, gather photos of you two together (especially along with family), include birth certificates of children you have together if any, anything else you can think of that screams "We are preparing to live together and mingle our lives and finances". Send the USC a certified copy of the non-USC's birth certificate just in case.

Expect a request to submit more evidence. That's what my husband and I are expecting and we have gathered as much of the above information as possible.

I'm expecting an RFE, but not sure what to submit if I get one. I (USC wife) just graduated from college and moved to Bangladesh to be with my husband while he finishes med school. Now I'm going back to America to work and financially prepare for him to come to the US, but since I used to live with my parents before, I don't have anything substantial in terms of finances to add him to yet(such as a mortgage or lease). We don't have any children together. Pictures, yes, but that comes in only after we make it to the interview stage. Ugh, so frustrating.

I'm hoping we get approved in the first go, and dreading the possible RFE. All in the same mental space. My brain hurts.

[The Mean Lady 604]

I'm expecting an RFE, but not sure what to submit if I get one. I (USC wife) just graduated from college and moved to Bangladesh to be with my husband while he finishes med school. Now I'm going back to America to work and financially prepare for him to come to the US, but since I used to live with my parents before, I don't have anything substantial in terms of finances to add him to yet(such as a mortgage or lease). We don't have any children together. Pictures, yes, but that comes in only after we make it to the interview stage. Ugh, so frustrating.

I'm hoping we get approved in the first go, and dreading the possible RFE. All in the same mental space. My brain hurts.

You should have submitted pictures with your I-130.

Please read the guide for more information:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

[ainsn 13]

You should have submitted pictures with your I-130.

Please read the guide for more information:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Yeah, I thought about it, but decided not to include photos (for religious reasons) unless they request them.

[hellraiser 42]

Dear Ainsn:

My 2 cents: when it comes to documents there is no such thing as enough and it varies from person to person in terms of "what is enough". But to start with te USCIS website clearly states what is required for standard procedure and it worked well for me. Now for no reason I would say that worked for all. So what you've enlisted could be enough (doubt if effidavit from parents are acceptable, unless from 3rd party for Bangladesh, which I learned later), add both kabin-Nama and marriage certificate in there along with copy of birth certificate (US or abroad -in English). If you are not a born USC, a copy of your naturalization certificate and yea few wedding pictures may help. I know it could be difficult to prove financial co-mingling but that is not a showstopper or even a critical thing. Religion is a topic I would like to avoid for reasons hence suggested "may help". I think as long as you provide the info that I required on the "I-130" instruction page, you MAY be alright. Try to avoid any RFE because that will create unnecessary pains as young need more till you are all good. As a joke you may get heart ache or get ulster from this process. Again, the goal sould be trying to avoid RFE either from USCIS or NVC.

Important: if possible try to notarized all photocopies (you should not send any original in any step of this journey, unless specifically asked).

Good luck and have a good start.

[ShirahBet 42]

I included phone bills, highlighting text and phone calls to international numbers that my husband had both when he was in Canada and Morocco. I also included various emails that weren't too revealing over the course of our relationship, as well as pictures from trips we took with his family and our wedding with my family. My I-130 went through without issue.

Good luck!

[speedwell 224]

As a joke you may get heart ache or get ulster from this process. Again, the goal sould be trying to avoid RFE either from USCIS or NVC.

Important: if possible try to notarized all photocopies (you should not send any original in any step of this journey, unless specifically asked).

It should not be necessary to provide notarized copies of your documentation. All a notary does is testify that the copy they signed and stamped looks like the original, or that you signed something in front of them. They do not certify that a birth certificate, for example, is an authentic document. If the official has a doubt that the copy is of the original, they will ask you for the original. Don't go through the expense of notarizing everything at this stage.

(Oh, and Ulster is where my husband is from. I think you mean "ulcer" lol)

Edited February 4, 2013 by speedwell

[ainsn 13]

Dear Ainsn:

My 2 cents: when it comes to documents there is no such thing as enough and it varies from person to person in terms of "what is enough". But to start with te USCIS website clearly states what is required for standard procedure and it worked well for me. Now for no reason I would say that worked for all. So what you've enlisted could be enough (doubt if effidavit from parents are acceptable, unless from 3rd party for Bangladesh, which I learned later), add both kabin-Nama and marriage certificate in there along with copy of birth certificate (US or abroad -in English). If you are not a born USC, a copy of your naturalization certificate and yea few wedding pictures may help. I know it could be difficult to prove financial co-mingling but that is not a showstopper or even a critical thing. Religion is a topic I would like to avoid for reasons hence suggested "may help". I think as long as you provide the info that I required on the "I-130" instruction page, you MAY be alright. Try to avoid any RFE because that will create unnecessary pains as young need more till you are all good. As a joke you may get heart ache or get ulster from this process. Again, the goal sould be trying to avoid RFE either from USCIS or NVC.

Important: if possible try to notarized all photocopies (you should not send any original in any step of this journey, unless specifically asked).

Good luck and have a good start.

Thanks hellraiser for your encouragement and advice! I'll make sure to keep everyone posted about what happens next in our visa process. By the way, I just looked through your timeline, I'm crossing my fingers that ours goes through as smoothly. We're planning on flying in at JFK also.

[ainsn 13]

It should not be necessary to provide notarized copies of your documentation. All a notary does is testify that the copy they signed and stamped looks like the original, or that you signed something in front of them. They do not certify that a birth certificate, for example, is an authentic document. If the official has a doubt that the copy is of the original, they will ask you for the original. Don't go through the expense of notarizing everything at this stage.

(Oh, and Ulster is where my husband is from. I think you mean "ulcer" lol)

I wasn't sure how getting everything notarized would help either. Is is safe to assume that if I'm asked for originals and I submit them, that I can expect to get them back?!

[ainsn 13]

I included phone bills, highlighting text and phone calls to international numbers that my husband had both when he was in Canada and Morocco. I also included various emails that weren't too revealing over the course of our relationship, as well as pictures from trips we took with his family and our wedding with my family. My I-130 went through without issue.

Good luck!

I also just found some letters I mailed him before and after our marriage (with date stamped envelopes and all!). So I'm saving those in case I'm asked for more proof and/or for the interview.

[speedwell 224]

I wasn't sure how getting everything notarized would help either. Is is safe to assume that if I'm asked for originals and I submit them, that I can expect to get them back?!

Yes, if they ask for originals, they are supposed to send them back to you. They might not send them back very promptly, though. However, if you send originals without being asked for them, you might not get them back. You would have to file a special form to request your originals back in that case.

[Darnell 8,478]

Well, the fact that you moved in with your husband after the marriage, after you submitted the I-130, is rather cool.

Now, what have you done to document that move and daily life? If you get an RFE for bonafide marriage evidence, you have a unique opportunity to tell USCIS all 'bout it. I am troubled that you not have photos due to religious reasons - so if this carried forward into your married life in Bangladesh and you still not make photos of daily life - well, you're gonna have some issue.

At the most, you can write up an evolution of relationship letter for what you've been doing after filing the I-130, and include it with the RFE.

Think about it - how you gonna prove you moved to Bangladesh to live with your husband? What documentary evidence do you have?

Edited February 4, 2013 by Darnell

[hellraiser 42]

(Oh, and Ulster is where my husband is from. I think you mean "ulcer" lol)

Yes. I wanted to say Ulcer but my insanely stupid spell auto correct of my very smart phone pulled it from somewhere . Nothing against where your hubby is from Thanks for the correction.

You are right a out the notarized copy but for certain geographic locations it may (again may) add value. Just the way you notarize the 3rd party statement on the bonafide marriage. Bu you are right, it doesn't have to be.

[hellraiser 42]

As someone gave you the link earlier: http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2 and the summary of this link for your I-130 would be:

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a money order so you can track the payment. If a personal check is allowed, use that instead.

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-130), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

4. Copy of the Full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship.

5. A copy of petitioner's proof of naturalization. (If applicable)

6. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

7. A certified copy of your certified marriage certificate (again, translated if not in Engligh)

8. A certified official copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If one or both of you have been divorced before)

9. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died)

10. G-325A filled out by the US Citizen, signed and dated.

11. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

12. G-325A filled out by the foreign spouse signed and dated.

13. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign spouse. Write the full name of the beneficiary on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

14. Evidence of a bonafide marriage

Finally, make a identical copy of this whole package and keep it for yourself.