RFE- Proof of intent to marry (long post, sorry)

[kehills 217]

I did not include a timeline of the relationship in my initial I-129F filing, because it is not required. I actually submitted more evidence than was required per the instructions. Also, I did not address any religious or cultural questions in this initial package, because it doesn't appear to be required at this point. I expected these types of issues to be raised at the consular level, and was preparing to address them at that time. From my reading in the forums I basically got that only a handful of things are required for a I-129F petition to be approved at the USCIS level and sent on to the consulate in the beneficiary's country for a final decision. We both have to be free to marry, we have to state that we intend to do so within 90 days of my fiance's arrival in the U.S. on K-1, we have to have physically met each other within the past 2 years, and we have to show proof that we have a relationship. And maybe a handful of other things. I interpret this to mean that, at this point, no one is looking for a life story, just the basics. I added the extra stuff for the benefit of the consulate in New Delhi, not USCIS. And this seemed a pretty standard and safe route to go. It is just more than a little frustrating and irritating that they are asking for items not requested in the instructions. Had they asked, we would have supplied them. Now I'm just complaining. I'm finished now, thanks for listening.

Yes, it's frustrating that people from certain countries are held to a higher standard of scrutiny than others. If you spend some time reading the other forums, you'll see why this is, unfortunately. :/

My guess is, you guys sent in the bare minimum, and they want more information. You'll find that a lot of people recommend that you "front load" applications if there is something unusual about your application–for example, someone from a heavily family-oriented and religious country marrying someone outside the standards of that society (older, different religion, different race). I'm afraid that because of who you are, and who he is, you guys are probably going to face added scrutiny at every step along the way. :-(

I'd suggest treating the RFE, as well as the rest of this process, as a video game on the hardest level. Go overboard providing every possible thing they could ask for and want, in order to eliminate future delays.

To answer the RFE, I'd re-send the two original statements of intent to marry, along with two new statements of intent to marry with more details (where you intend to marry, what the plans are, etc, written in each of your own words), and have each of you write a "how we met" story, along with affidavits from friends/family for your relationship.

From this point forward, be sure that you are generating additional content to support your relationship. Send physical letters, connect up on Facebook, be sure milestones are celebrated with some kind of paper trail (flowers, candy, whatever).

Just my two cents, though.

Edited August 18, 2014 by kehills

[team_gn 1]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! Finally, we were approved after the RFE!!! Since we didn't have engagement photos or written plans for marriage, I sent in the following additional information:

• Notarized responses from me addressing EACH question contained within RFE (including responses to why we don't have engagement photographs, why we have not selected a venue to marry, detailed account of how we met and the nature of our relationship, etc).
• Updated beneficiary declaration of relationship and letter of intent to marry from my fiance (I had him handwrite a letter explaining how we met, the nature of our relationship, etc ., scan it and email it to me. I really, really love him for remembering to write in bright blue ink to authenticate it!)
• Photocopies of ORIGINAL intent to marry letters from my fiance and me, which we submitted with the original application.
• Statements from 3 friends as evidence that they know about our engagement.
• Additional passport-style photograph of my fiance (the standard Indian size passport photo is much smaller than U.S. size).

• Biographic pages from my fiance's passport.

I'm so happy and relieved that this step is over. But I'm now even more nervous about the next steps, especially the interview at the consulate.