Joint Checking Accounts with Transaction History

[Curious george 0]

Hello again... It seems like a while since we last posted (2 years probably!)

We have a quick question... We noticed on the updated instructions to the I-751 form that CIS now request joint checking accounts with the transaction history (it wasn't on the old instructions). We're simply planning on copying the front of the statement page for the previous two years. Quite frankly, we feel that asking for the transaction history crosses a line (In my opinion, it's none of their business where my wife buys her lingerie! ). There's no shortage of other stuff... Joint taxes, joint title, insurance etc. But if we refuse to include the transaction history from our joint checking account, what's the worst case senario? Do we get called for interview? (which would be great... it may mean that our I-751 is over and done with sooner than later)

Edited July 5, 2013 by Curious george

[rov 7]

We included only the front page of bank statements. After almost 5months waiting they sent us an RFE asking for more documents including full bank statements with transaction pages.

Edited July 5, 2013 by rov

[Curious george 0]

So if we receive that RFE and simply respond with updated bank statements (front page only) we'll simply get an interview? That's fine with us. Any interviewer with half a brain cell will be able to tell within 5 minutes that we're genuine. We just feel that sending the transaction pages is far too intrusive and crosses a line for us.

[rov 7]

yeah whatever works for you guys.

Just keep in mind that it might take them up to 6 months to look to your application. Then if they want to see bank statements they will ask for them and you have to provide them. Unless you want to refuse to provide (which doesn't make a lot of sense to me). Then they might reject your application or transfer you to an interview.

At the end, if they want to see those bank statements, you will have to show them.

[Dave&Roza 748]

If you feel that strongly about not showing them transaction history, then do not include that bank account information. They just want to make certain that the account was not set up with a name and no activity takes place like someone trying to commit immigration fraud would do. They would set up a dummy account with both names to show the co-mingling, but no money went into or out of that account. So now the USCIS wants to see that the account is actually used. I just sent in the complete statement for every quarter. Up to you what you do, but remember that it is their game and their rules. We may not like certain things they ask us to do, but in order to get them out of our lives we will given in sometimes. They may send an RFE asking for the information and if you refuse to answer the RFE the application will be denied and then your LPR status is revoked and you may find yourself in deportation proceedings--worst case senerio or you have to spend a lot of time and money on an appeal. Is all that worth it? Like I said in the beginning, do not include the bank information and let your application fly on the other evidence.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited July 5, 2013 by Dave&Roza

[bluebird80 4]

a related question: our bank charges money for paper statements, so we have ours online. Is a (full) printout of online statements ok?

[Curious george 0]

a related question: our bank charges money for paper statements, so we have ours online. Is a (full) printout of online statements ok?

It should be ok. That's what we were planning to do! Good luck

[Curious george 0]

If you feel that strongly about not showing them transaction history, then do not include that bank account information. They just want to make certain that the account was not set up with a name and no activity takes place like someone trying to commit immigration fraud would do. They would set up a dummy account with both names to show the co-mingling, but no money went into or out of that account. So now the USCIS wants to see that the account is actually used. I just sent in the complete statement for every quarter. Up to you what you do, but remember that it is their game and their rules. We may not like certain things they ask us to do, but in order to get them out of our lives we will given in sometimes. They may send an RFE asking for the information and if you refuse to answer the RFE the application will be denied and then your LPR status is revoked and you may find yourself in deportation proceedings--worst case senerio or you have to spend a lot of time and money on an appeal. Is all that worth it? Like I said in the beginning, do not include the bank information and let your application fly on the other evidence.

Good luck,

Dave

Cheers Dave,

We may just do that!

The funniest part is that it was my wife who got me jumping through all their hoops for LPR status. I wanted us to settle down in London, but she was adament about buying a house here. I absolutely hate living out here, but my wife would kill me if I deliberately threw a spanner in the works to be sent home... Especially with it being her $590 down for the application fee!

[Darnell 8,479]

house != 590.

OK !