interview proof of ongoing relationship

[Steph and George 1]

Hey guys

So i'm looking at everything I have to bring with me to the interview and I have a lot of personal items like emails, birthday cards and letters. I have tons of pictures, phone records and everything. I'm trying to some how extract my skype records and what not.

I have 2 questions: is this enough?

and: do they give me my stuff back or do they keep it? I don't want to leave my letters and cards and stuff with them, the pictures i can make endless copies of but the physical stuff is valuable to me. I would like to get it back from them.

Thanks everyone

[TBoneTX 46,122]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves the interview phase. ***

[DrakeSG 2]

I've been reading here for almost a year now, and it seems to me by the time your case gets to the embassy, they already know if you will be approved easily (couple of questions), or you won't make it at all (very rare).

I haven't heard of too many cases where they grilled the interviewee intensively and then approved the visa. Although it has happened.

The bottom line is, you can't be too prepared, as you will never know what they might ask for or at what level they will be 'convinced'. In most cases, they will just look over a few photos and possibly call records.

They won't keep any of the evidence you bring.

Here's some suggestions though (in addition to what you have already stated):

1) Airline travel receipts to prove you've visited each other. Hotel receipts if applicable.

2) Some embassies ask for timelines - if I were doing a K1, I'd certainly make one regardless... makes the conversation easier.

3) Did you get engaged? Then ring receipts, engagement party photos (with dates on the photos), etc.

4) Have you planned your wedding? Any evidence that suggests you have started this might help.

5) Affidavits from family members that your relationship is real (search for these, there are some good examples in these forums)

6) At the interview, make sure you have a few 'special' photos that are 'meaningful' to your relationship and that you can both explain why the same way.

Those are some suggestions.

If you are truly in love, the relationship is real, etc., you'll be fine at the interview. If worst comes to worst (in those rare .1% of cases), you can always just get married in Canada and apply for an I-130 CR1 visa. Then you can take photos of marriage, wedding, honeymoon, etc., ensure you take photos each and every day with documentation, get joint financial accounts in everything, buy property together, etc. etc. and more etcs. You'll be with your spouse regardless in the U.S. at the end of it all, just takes time, be patient!