Evidence of relationship was returned... general questions.

[Lokita2012 0]

On July 1st I sent in our K-1 Visa case to the Texas lockbox for processing. I quickly received my receipt number from the California Service Center (dated July 10th) and am able to track my case using the uscis website. Each time I check the website I will get a status update that indicates the case is progressing without issues. No problems there. However, the majority of my "evidence of ongoing relationship" and my "proof of meeting over the past 2 years" was returned to me. Here are the items I included in my "evidence packet"

1) I made photocopies of my plane ticket stubs with dates and destinations clearly visible

2) Photocopies of letter and envelope that I sent to my fiance December 2012

3) Photocopy (in spanish) of an original letter and envelope that my fiance sent to me June 2013

4) Color photocopy of a photo souvenier from my trip to visit my fiance in March 2013

5) Photocopies of my passport stamps to Mexico to see my fiance (2 trips: August 2012 and March 2013)

6) Color photocopies of movie tickets and museum tickets from my trip to visit my fiance in March 2013

7) 5 Original color photos from my first time meeting my fiance (clearly labeled with date and location and names) - RETURNED

8) 18 Original color photos from my second trip to visit my fiance and his family (also labeled clearly) - RETURNED

9) DVD documenting my second trip to visit my fiance in March 2013 - RETURNED

10) Facebook data files saved to CD (most correspondence was done via facebook chat and all messages were included on the CD) - RETURNED

11) Two color screen shots from Skype video chats - RETURNED

Items 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were all organized and packaged in a zip-lock bag. However these same items were returned to me with a letter that stated they were not in a correct "format." I am unsure whether this means I did not label clearly of if that formats such as DVD and CD are not acceptable. Most surprising was that my color photos were returned to me. I followed all directions I could find regarding sending AND labeling evidence and so I was surprised to receive back the photos. Note: they did NOT send back our passport photos... those they kept

Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were kept in my case file... but if I were an immigration officer I would want more evidence.

I have the 1800 number to call for questions but so many people complain about that being a dead end as well. I just wanted to post on here before I stared freaking out.

I assume they will want photos at some point to prove our relationship and so I guess at this point I expect a RFE. However, if this happens, I am hesitant to send the photos, DVD, etc because they were returned before. I could print out all the facebook messages but I feel like that is overloading (3000 pages of messages!), isn't it better to give the a facebook data CD they can look at if they choose? Any suggestions? My fiance and I are also working on getting our phone records printed as well... but like I said the majority of our correspondence is via Skype and facebook chat.

Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

[d3adc0d3 186]

On July 1st I sent in our K-1 Visa case to the Texas lockbox for processing. I quickly received my receipt number from the California Service Center (dated July 10th) and am able to track my case using the uscis website. Each time I check the website I will get a status update that indicates the case is progressing without issues. No problems there. However, the majority of my "evidence of ongoing relationship" and my "proof of meeting over the past 2 years" was returned to me. Here are the items I included in my "evidence packet"

1) I made photocopies of my plane ticket stubs with dates and destinations clearly visible

2) Photocopies of letter and envelope that I sent to my fiance December 2012

3) Photocopy (in spanish) of an original letter and envelope that my fiance sent to me June 2013

4) Color photocopy of a photo souvenier from my trip to visit my fiance in March 2013

5) Photocopies of my passport stamps to Mexico to see my fiance (2 trips: August 2012 and March 2013)

6) Color photocopies of movie tickets and museum tickets from my trip to visit my fiance in March 2013

7) 5 Original color photos from my first time meeting my fiance (clearly labeled with date and location and names) - RETURNED

8) 18 Original color photos from my second trip to visit my fiance and his family (also labeled clearly) - RETURNED

9) DVD documenting my second trip to visit my fiance in March 2013 - RETURNED

10) Facebook data files saved to CD (most correspondence was done via facebook chat and all messages were included on the CD) - RETURNED

11) Two color screen shots from Skype video chats - RETURNED

Items 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were all organized and packaged in a zip-lock bag. However these same items were returned to me with a letter that stated they were not in a correct "format." I am unsure whether this means I did not label clearly of if that formats such as DVD and CD are not acceptable. Most surprising was that my color photos were returned to me. I followed all directions I could find regarding sending AND labeling evidence and so I was surprised to receive back the photos. Note: they did NOT send back our passport photos... those they kept

Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were kept in my case file... but if I were an immigration officer I would want more evidence.

I have the 1800 number to call for questions but so many people complain about that being a dead end as well. I just wanted to post on here before I stared freaking out.

I assume they will want photos at some point to prove our relationship and so I guess at this point I expect a RFE. However, if this happens, I am hesitant to send the photos, DVD, etc because they were returned before. I could print out all the facebook messages but I feel like that is overloading (3000 pages of messages!), isn't it better to give the a facebook data CD they can look at if they choose? Any suggestions? My fiance and I are also working on getting our phone records printed as well... but like I said the majority of our correspondence is via Skype and facebook chat.

Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

Photos must be 4x6 on individual photo paper.

like this:

They should contain the names of everyone in the photo on the back (indicating if its Left to Right. or Right to Left), a date, a location, and a brief description.

DVDs/CDs inadmissible, electronic evidence is not allowed, must contain a paper trail.

Data files for FB & Screen shot of skype calls: Print these out, on paper -- also this is more the stuff they're looking for when asking for "proof of ongoing relationship".

Edited July 15, 2013 by d3adc0d3

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You CANNOT send electronic media. NO CD/DVDs. Do NOT send that again.

Photos do not prove a relationship. They have some photos so it should be fine.

[Possiblymaybe 371]

All they really needed were #1 and #5. You should be fine.

[Andrea&Henry 311]

If they need more they will let you know, but sending back something that they already returned to you is kind of silly. Probably they are fine with the things they kept. If they need more send a few pictures with the info in the back, phone call bills and some enails. The dont allow electronic devices of any kind (cd, diskett, pen drive etc etc)

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

Photos must be 4x6 on individual photo paper.

Photos can also be printed out on photo/regular paper with captions printed under them. They do not have to be on individual photo paper in any certain size.

OP> Multimedia is not accepted by the USCIS or later by DoS at the consulate. They just returned everything you placed in the bag with the DVD and CD, The evidence they did keep is enough to prove meeting in person within the last 2 years. Take relationship evidence with you later to the actual K-1 visa interview.

[Lokita2012 0]

Thanks everybody for the honesty!

I won't send in anything unless they request it ... but in the event that they do, here is what I will do to be ready. Please let me know if any of this is incorrect.

1) OK, I won't send electronic data again. If they request additional evidence I will send back photos but I will re-label them. The originals I sent in before were 4X6 individuals so that is why I was a little confused. I will try relabeling.

2) As far as facebook messages go... I know one answer said to print out the messages (paper trail). Should I print out all messages ( A TON OF THEM!) or should I only print out a few from each month? There are literally 3,116 pages of messages to my fiance I don't think they would appreciate me doing that :0

3) I will continue to get copies of phone records.

Thanks again!

[Darnell 8,479]

I say cause you sent electronic media they sent everything back.

Sorry.

[pro_star 52]

Just print out a couple messages, if you get a rfe.

[NikLR 13,232]

Also photos do NOT have to be on photo paper. You can print them on normal paper, and write underneath.

[Redicent 14]

On July 1st I sent in our K-1 Visa case to the Texas lockbox for processing. I quickly received my receipt number from the California Service Center (dated July 10th) and am able to track my case using the uscis website. Each time I check the website I will get a status update that indicates the case is progressing without issues. No problems there. However, the majority of my "evidence of ongoing relationship" and my "proof of meeting over the past 2 years" was returned to me. Here are the items I included in my "evidence packet"

1) I made photocopies of my plane ticket stubs with dates and destinations clearly visible

2) Photocopies of letter and envelope that I sent to my fiance December 2012

3) Photocopy (in spanish) of an original letter and envelope that my fiance sent to me June 2013

4) Color photocopy of a photo souvenier from my trip to visit my fiance in March 2013

5) Photocopies of my passport stamps to Mexico to see my fiance (2 trips: August 2012 and March 2013)

6) Color photocopies of movie tickets and museum tickets from my trip to visit my fiance in March 2013

7) 5 Original color photos from my first time meeting my fiance (clearly labeled with date and location and names) - RETURNED

8) 18 Original color photos from my second trip to visit my fiance and his family (also labeled clearly) - RETURNED

9) DVD documenting my second trip to visit my fiance in March 2013 - RETURNED

10) Facebook data files saved to CD (most correspondence was done via facebook chat and all messages were included on the CD) - RETURNED

11) Two color screen shots from Skype video chats - RETURNED

Items 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were all organized and packaged in a zip-lock bag. However these same items were returned to me with a letter that stated they were not in a correct "format." I am unsure whether this means I did not label clearly of if that formats such as DVD and CD are not acceptable. Most surprising was that my color photos were returned to me. I followed all directions I could find regarding sending AND labeling evidence and so I was surprised to receive back the photos. Note: they did NOT send back our passport photos... those they kept

Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were kept in my case file... but if I were an immigration officer I would want more evidence.

I have the 1800 number to call for questions but so many people complain about that being a dead end as well. I just wanted to post on here before I stared freaking out.

I assume they will want photos at some point to prove our relationship and so I guess at this point I expect a RFE. However, if this happens, I am hesitant to send the photos, DVD, etc because they were returned before. I could print out all the facebook messages but I feel like that is overloading (3000 pages of messages!), isn't it better to give the a facebook data CD they can look at if they choose? Any suggestions? My fiance and I are also working on getting our phone records printed as well... but like I said the majority of our correspondence is via Skype and facebook chat.

Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

There is common confusion about these items:

1. The statement of how you met.

2. Proof that you met.

3. Intent to marry

4.Ongoing relationship.

These are all different and separate requirements.

At the stage of filing an I-129F, you dont need to prove an ongoing relationship (4). That comes later, at the interview.

What you need at this stage is the statement of how you met (1), signed, dated original . This is separate from all the other statements, such as the intent to marry, and stands alone. You must also include evidence that you met in person (2). The items you sent may have been returned if you labeled them "proof of ongoing relationship", because they dont need that. Save your proof of ongoing relationship for the interview. Also make sure that you sent letters of intent to marry (3), from each of you, signed, dated originals.

Some here would advise you to wait until you get an RFE to send any documents that may be missing (either by omission or having been returned). Personally, I would send the documents that may be missing now, in the proper format, properly labeled, including proof of meeting, but excluding proof of ongoing relationship. If you send anything, include your receipt number and A# if one has been assigned. After they receive anything you send, you will see that your file has been "touched", on the case status website. This means that they added them to your file. Its just the way I would do it to avoid an RFE and delay. Thats how I would do it. Your mileage may vary.

Review this VJ page:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

[TBoneTX 46,304]

There is common confusion about these items:

1. The statement of how you met.

2. Proof that you met.

3. Intent to marry

4.Ongoing relationship.

These are all different and separate requirements.

At the stage of filing an I-129F, you dont need to prove an ongoing relationship (4). That comes later, at the interview.

The bolded statement is correct when we're talking about USCIS only. An important qualification is that front-loading (including evidence of a bona fide relationship) can be crucial before the interview stage, when the reviewing consular officer looks at the by-then-approved petition package and forms an impression. Just wanted to point that out.

OP, Jay-Kay has recommended that you bring that evidence to the interview; she has experience with your consulate, and you can trust her advice. However, folks who will deal with tougher consulates should strongly consider front-loading to a greater or lesser extent.

Edited July 16, 2013 by TBoneTX

[Redicent 14]

The bolded statement is correct when we're talking about USCIS only. An important qualification is that front-loading (including evidence of a bona fide relationship) can be crucial before the interview stage, when the reviewing consular officer looks at the by-then-approved petition package and forms an impression. Just wanted to point that out.

A valid consideration.

[d3adc0d3 186]

Really? Regular paper?

I was told 4x6 photos on photo paper only for the I-129F.

I was told regular paper is acceptable with the Visa interview but not acceptable for the initial petition.

I wonder if that was a "safe" response because some IO's are picky.

[TBoneTX 46,304]

Really? Regular paper?

Any ol' format. I was privately wondering where your conclusion came from. Who told you this?

A valid consideration.

Thanks for agreeing -- the consular phase is NOT to be underestimated.