birth and marriage certificate question (merged)

[mkhan91 0]

Hello all, I still dont know whether to file a k1 or a cr1 visa. I got married in Saudi Arabia but I dont know if its correctly documented. We have a marriage certificate that we got and translated at the u.s consulate of Afghanistan. Also I dont have the original copy with me just a copy that is emailed to me over the internet. Is it possible that i can still take the k1 visa route and also would I have to do the cr1 visa, do I need the original copy of the marriage certificate? Because if so then i would have to ask them to send it to me via mail, which would be adding more wait time for me and my spouse.

[The Mean Lady 604]

You're married.

You have to file CR1.

You have to get a certified copy or original for NVC.

You don't need the original for at least 3+ months from now.

I think you can handle the wait time.

[yorubaqueen13 28]

Married.. Not engaged! Theres no way around waiting times... Just do it legal cuz otherwise u will b waisting ur time & $... K1 is for fiance only.

[mkhan91 0]

I live in the U.S and i have chosen to go the spousal visa route. My wife in Saudi arabia with an afghani passport holds our marriage certificate. And me being in America is holding her birth certificate. We thought that we might need it for filing the spousal visa. Now Im thinking that the marriage certificate should be with me and her birth certificate should be with her. Please correct me if im wrong. Would it be okay to use copies of these documents instead?

Also I found a lawyer and she wants to charge $1000, do you guys think thats a fair price?

[stevie b 141]

lawyer not necessary.. follow the guides here

original docs are sent after your uscis approval to nvc with the appropriate applications

with the original spouse filing you will only supply copies

[Ryan H 3,819]

Copies are fine.

If you are comfortable filling out all the required paperwork on your own and there are no major issues that would make your case a complicated one, then forget the lawyer. On the flip side, if you are not comfortable filling out the required paperwork, then legal or professional assistance may be necessary. Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not you want to retain a lawyer.

[mkhan91 0]

Ok so i'm ready to file this I-130 form which I think is all i need to file for a spousal visa. When I send this form, can I fold it up and put it in an envelope. Or does it have to be one of those big package type things?

[stevie b 141]

Ok so i'm ready to file this I-130 form which I think is all i need to file for a spousal visa. When I send this form, can I fold it up and put it in an envelope. Or does it have to be one of those big package type things?

please go back to the guides.. the petition is not the only thing that should be in your pack

your petition.. when complete should be more than will fit in a regular envelope

[dwheels76 5,468]

Ok so i'm ready to file this I-130 form which I think is all i need to file for a spousal visa. When I send this form, can I fold it up and put it in an envelope. Or does it have to be one of those big package type things?

Here is a list of Bonafide evidence to consider. Your wife is coming from a country that may be a bit difficult. You have to consider if you have red flags and address those.

Have also attached example of Affidavit and a relationship Timeline if you choose to do one.

ease read the guides. You have much prep to do and reading.

[Ryan H 3,819]

Ok so i'm ready to file this I-130 form which I think is all i need to file for a spousal visa. When I send this form, can I fold it up and put it in an envelope. Or does it have to be one of those big package type things?

You need to carefully read the instructions for the I-130 form, your post above indicates that you have not done that. In addition to reading the form instructions, do as others have suggested and carefully read the VJ guides.

[mkhan91 0]

Ok so, I am required to provide evidence of a bonifide marriage. We dont have much to provide. We have an ongoing conversation on watsapp, which I dont know how i would be able to show them since it is very long, texting basically. I have passport stamps going to Saudi and back. I have marriage photos but i dont know whether I am to send originals or photocopies of the pictures. Who can be considered Affidavits to swear by our marriage? Also my dad is the one supporting me and will be supporting my spouse as well when she gets to the U.S. Do I have to provide the information for that with the USCIS package that I send? Also the G-325A requires a passport type photo of my non citizen spouse, since she is overseas can I use copy of a passport type photo of her? or does it have to be original. If I do this, I would have to print the picture she sends me and cut it out? Would this be acceptable?

[Ryan H 3,819]

We have an ongoing conversation on watsapp, which I dont know how i would be able to show them since it is very long, texting basically. I have passport stamps going to Saudi and back.

For your watsapp conversations, select a few over the course of your relationship and include those. The passport stamps are good also because that shows evidence of time spent in-person (always your best)

I have marriage photos but i dont know whether I am to send originals or photocopies of the pictures. Who can be considered Affidavits to swear by our marriage?

You can print your marriage photos out on plain paper and submit those (this is what I did and I'm sure other VJ members have done it this way as well). Affidavits carry little to zero weight, if you choose to include them, have them come from people who have interacted with you both as a couple on some level.

Also my dad is the one supporting me and will be supporting my spouse as well when she gets to the U.S. Do I have to provide the information for that with the USCIS package that I send?

No, this comes later when you are dealing with the NVC.

Also the G-325A requires a passport type photo of my non citizen spouse, since she is overseas can I use copy of a passport type photo of her? or does it have to be original. If I do this, I would have to print the picture she sends me and cut it out? Would this be acceptable?

To err on the side of caution, I'm going to suggest she send you an original that meets the stated requirements.

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

**** two threads on similar questions merged and a separate post in another member's thread removed. Please only post once about a question/ issue, and ask follow on questions in YOUR original thread *****