Personal Letter?

[Marina135 0]

HI!

I'm in the process of collecting evidence for ROC and I was wondering if it'd be okay to write a personal letter stating why my husband and I don't have a lease, utility bills, credit card statements, etc. We are a young couple still living at home with mom (my mother-in-law). We pay her rent but don't have proof except for a letter she wrote confirming that we've been renting a room from her for over 2 years. We don't have bills because she takes care of all the bills. We don't currently own a credit card because it hasn't been something we needed. We don't have life insurance or joint insurance plans. We are currently saving money for a house and living simple for that reason. We did buy a car together but because I don't drive my name is not on the title or insurance.

I think writing a letter explaining why we don't have so-and-so would be helpful but I'm not sure if it's allowed or recommended? I just don't want to receive a RFE asking for copies of bills and credit card statements etc when we don't have them to begin with.

Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[Hypnos 6,577]

You can write a letter; it might not do any good though, but you can certainly try.

It doesn't sound as if you have much evidence.

[Marina135 0]

Any tips on how to start off such letter and where to place letter in package? (at the beginning or at the end)

The evidence we have that I can think of right now are:

Joint Checking Account Statements (2012-2014)

Joint Federal Tax Returns (2012-2013)

4 Affidavits from Family and Friends

Proof that we worked together in 2013

Most Current Employment Paystubs (showing same address)

Tons of Pictures

2013 Greyhound Receipt (from trip we took to Canada)

Receipts from Online Orders (showing same address)

Mail/Cards sent to us

Facebook Postings

Wedding Invite Addressed to Both of Us

Annual Street Listing (proof of residence in mom's house)

It's unfortunate that we don't currently have utility bills and lease agreements and insurance plans together but what can you expect from a young couple that simply needs more time to get to that stage in life...

[cdneh 3,112]

We sent a similar letter, being in the same sort of situation. We were living with my husband's Mum, while she recovered from surgery, and also during the time her elderly husband fell ill and passed away. We didn't have bills either, so my MIL wrote a letter that stated we lived with her, and that she was paying the bills, as far as utilities and the like. We included similar things as you have listed, adding drivers licence's that showed the same address, bank statements and letters addressed to us both at the same address. We did have bank debit/credit cards, so we included correspondance relating to that. I'd got into the habit of tossing anything that showed our finances, or living our lives together, into a box I called...lol..evidence.

I sent a cover letter, I put our letter stating our situation close to the top, and her letter after ours. Our ROC went fine, no interview or anything. Good luck !

[gwenstar 66]

I would recommend sending a letter with an explanation. Seems like you have some other things that do show that you have been living together/joint lives. I am sure whoever looks at the packet will question why you did not include more "substantial" evidence like credit card/insurance/lease/car title - but if you let them know why, it couldn't hurt and could probably prevent you from getting an RFE. Definitely put the explanation on the cover letter so it is easy to find.

I am sure it will work out fine considering you are actually living your lives together Best of luck!

[mike411 15]

You have work to do! You need more...

Get a couple of credit cards - add her as authorized user

Both names on the savings account

Print a lease agreement from the web and have your mom sign it

Evidence of car purchase from your money to her name

Joint tax returns

Affidavits from family and friends (his and hers)

Write a letter from you explaining the progression of your relationship and future plans