i-751 Interview advice and evidence

[earthwormgym 1]

Hi all,

My wife (US Citizen) and I (Brit) were "lucky" enough to be asked to come in for an I-751 interview. When we first received the letter, our hearts sank- as in we'd thought we'd been untrustworthy in all the previous evidence we submitted. But when we did some research, turns out we probably didn't provide enough! That could be true...

Our interview is this Wednesday. Any recent words of wisdom from anyone?

In regards to evidence, we have provided pretty much most of what they suggest, except car ownership (neither of us have a car), and mortgage (again, we don't have a house yet!) We included our renters agreement, but assume they don't want the WHOLE 46+ page document right?- Just like the cover pages or something?

We've also included wedding photos, letters of support (notarised) from family members and utility statements with both our names on. WE DON"T have any proof of a joint bank account, as we never opened an account together...until yesterday, haha- and the proof wont arrive in time! Is that a concern?

Any opinions or advice to prep us would be awesome!

Thanks all!

[earthwormgym 1]

As I do more research, it seems the joint bank account/providing statements is a big deal. What should we do? We could print out separate statements, but I'm not sure what that would prove...

[Leo7777 243]

Not to be too critical, but how did you get to this stage . . . two years past first Green Card, without thinking about the need for joint bank account, etc.?

[NikLR 13,230]

Get some wills and medical powers of attorney ASAP. Anything that shows you live together and have co-mingled your lives, especially financially.

[earthwormgym 1]

Honestly, we just never got around to signing up to one! Without going into too much detail, I spent the first few months unemployed and living with the in-laws. When we relocated to Chicago together, I opened my own bank account and we were both quite happy to split bills and pay for odds things separately. We "budget" together- I actually am bringing the excel document I have made for them- but like I said, never found the need to put our funds into one pot.

[earthwormgym 1]

Get some wills and medical powers of attorney ASAP. Anything that shows you live together and have co-mingled your lives, especially financially.

We have Life Insurance, 401K beneficiary evidence, health insurance etc. Would that not count?

[Leo7777 243]

like I said, never found the need to put our funds into one pot.

But there was the 'need.'

[earthwormgym 1]

But there was the 'need.'

I don't follow. We were never told by anyone that we had to have a joint account...

[Ash.1101 1,756]

I think need is a harsh word. It's more that it's HEAVILY RECOMMENDED that you have a joint bank account. It's one of the, if not the top, proof of commingling of funds there is and really, for most people there isn't a reason to not have a joint. I'm adding my fiance to my account once he's here, I would have added him before hand if I would have known I could.

Again though, they won't deny you because the lack of it and say "we're denying you because you don't have a joint bank account", it just means you'll need other forms of proof to offset the lack of a joint account, as it's weighed so heavily.

[earthwormgym 1]

I think need is a harsh word. It's more that it's HEAVILY RECOMMENDED that you have a joint bank account. It's one of the, if not the top, proof of commingling of funds there is and really, for most people there isn't a reason to not have a joint. I'm adding my fiance to my account once he's here, I would have added him before hand if I would have known I could.

Again though, they won't deny you because the lack of it and say "we're denying you because you don't have a joint bank account", it just means you'll need other forms of proof to offset the lack of a joint account, as it's weighed so heavily.

That makes sense. I would assume they would hear us out too. We literally never thought about it- does that make us dishonest people when considering a "bona-fide" marriage?

We are providing joint-filed tax returns dated from 2013- start of marriage-, as well as Renters agreements, Life Insurance policies and 401K plans. Pictures of marriage, trips taken together. We feel pretty confident about the other info submitted.

Should we maybe submit our own bank statements, just showing that our spending is taking place in similar locations and similar times?

Edited November 14, 2015 by earthwormgym

[blooms 63]

Yes include life insurance, 401k, any other asset you own together, joint phone bills?

Do you have children born in the marriage? If yes, bring birth certificates. Do you have renters insurance?

Joint bank account too although you guys just opened it together, just present it to the CO.

Medical PoA is also a good advice you need to heed.

Probably add more affidavits? Just a thought..

Good luck though, usually you will know if you're approved on the spot.

Blooms

[earthwormgym 1]

Yes include life insurance, 401k, any other asset you own together, joint phone bills?

Do you have children born in the marriage? If yes, bring birth certificates. Do you have renters insurance?

Joint bank account too although you guys just opened it together, just present it to the CO.

Medical PoA is also a good advice you need to heed.

Probably add more affidavits? Just a thought..

Good luck though, usually you will know if you're approved on the spot.

Blooms

Yes, added joint phone bills and renters insurance. We're going to bring a letter of proof of just opening bank account with us. [again- no statements though :-( ]

No kids- and no medical PoA- how do we go about getting that?!

We have affidavits from my dad, my mother and my mother-in-law.

Thanks for your input Blooms!

Edited November 14, 2015 by earthwormgym

[blooms 63]

Yes, added joint phone bills and renters insurance. We're going to bring a letter of proof of just opening bank account with us. [again- no statements though :-( ]

No kids- and no medical PoA- how do we go about getting that?!

We have affidavits from my dad, my mother and my mother-in-law.

Thanks for your input Blooms!

Some folks here got their medical PoA from legalzoom.

Bring everything that you already submitted and then some.

Good luck

Blooms

[NikLR 13,230]

Depending on your state you may be able to get relatively free or cheap MPOA and wills. Your various insurance showing beneficiaries and 401k is also good evidence.

When does the LPR want to become a citizen (if at all)?

[earthwormgym 1]

Depending on your state you may be able to get relatively free or cheap MPOA and wills. Your various insurance showing beneficiaries and 401k is also good evidence.

When does the LPR want to become a citizen (if at all)?

LPR? Sorry not got the initials yet?

Ideally, we want me to be eligible for citizenship by June 2016!