ROC evidence- do you guys think this will be enough?

[meuy99 4]

Hi everyone,

Our ROC date is coming up in a couple of weeks and I am getting a little nervous with the evidence. Basically, I own my house and I didn't add him to the title once we got married, I recently added him to the insurance, I own my car and didn't add him to the title, but added him to the insurance. We don't have a joint savings/checkings account because that's just the way we prefer it, but I added him to my credit card, so I can send them copies of our cards with identical card numbers and statements (even though the statements are only in my name). I added him as one of the beneficiaries to my Roth IRA (not 401k just cuz I haven't) and life insurance policy through work. He's on my medical plan. We filed jointly in 2014, so I can send a copy of our return and IRS transcript, but we filed for an extension for 2015, so I only have the extension paperwork.

I can send pictures of us and get affidavits, although I read that these are just secondary evidence, so I'm not sure I should even bother.

Do you guys think I should include as much secondary evidence as I can since I only have 1 tax return to include and no joint bank account?

Thanks!

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Joint car insurance is fine. My name is not on the car title either.

Perhaps you could write a letter explaining the rationale behind the separate bank accounts, how both of you divide the household bills payments with the banks statements to support it

[meuy99 4]

Joint car insurance is fine. My name is not on the car title either.

Perhaps you could write a letter explaining the rationale behind the separate bank accounts, how both of you divide the household bills payments with the banks statements to support it

Well, he only works part time, so I basically pay all of our bills. Everything comes out of my checking account. Do you think that would be an issue? I think it's like when one spouse doesn't work and is being supported by their significant other. In this case, his money is his money and my money is our money... (if it weren't for me not having to do laundry anymore, I'd say I'm getting a raw deal )

thanks!

[Sukie 1,460]

I agree wholeheartedly with Merrytooth. I also added an explanation as to why I was the only name on the deed to the house and on one of our cars.

If you choose to maintain separate accounts, then explain that and why. Then show how you pay joint bills (you pay some, your spouse pays some?). Because there is an ASSUMPTION that all couples combine their finances, it's important to explain to them why you don't. It's ok not to combine - but it just looks different.

Prove that you are both on the medical plan - either through photocopying your cards, or the paperwork that shows you both on the plan.

Get wills done. And Medical Powers of Attorney.

Good luck!

Sukie in NY

Edited August 30, 2016 by Sukie

[Pinkrlion 2,720]

What about utility bills?

[Stevephoto 230]

Get wills done. And Medical Powers of Attorney.

Good luck!

Sukie in NY

Edited August 30, 2016 by Stevephoto

[meuy99 4]

What about utility bills?

Everything is in my name. I didn't see the point of adding him.

[lost_at_sea 995]

I think you are a case where some secondary evidence may be worthwhile. I'd also go do the wills and PoA as mentioned above. You don't really have any co-mingling of financial assets and financial responsibilities to show, and that's the thing they really want to see. Did you take any trips? Flights, hotel bookings together? Stuff like that. Does he get any mail to the house in his name - if so, anything official? Also, state ID/driving license showing the same address on both wouldn't do any harm.

In regards to the "point" of adding spouse to utility bills, joint bank accounts etc. This thread is the point. :/ I've seen folks who have created a joint bank account to put money into / pay bills out of just to satisfy an upcoming RoC (and that was our original reason for doing it - but we're keeping the joint checking because it turns out paying bills that way is just a lot more convenient for us now).

But, as I said in another thread - send what you have. Worst case they RFE you for more and/or ask you in for an interview.

Edited August 30, 2016 by lost_at_sea

[meuy99 4]

I think you are a case where some secondary evidence may be worthwhile. I'd also go do the wills and PoA as mentioned above. You don't really have any co-mingling of financial assets and financial responsibilities to show, and that's the thing they really want to see. Did you take any trips? Flights, hotel bookings together? Stuff like that. Does he get any mail to the house in his name - if so, anything official? Also, state ID/driving license showing the same address on both wouldn't do any harm.

In regards to the "point" of adding spouse to utility bills, joint bank accounts etc. This thread is the point. :/ I've seen folks who have created a joint bank account to put money into / pay bills out of just to satisfy an upcoming RoC (and that was our original reason for doing it - but we're keeping the joint checking because it turns out paying bills that way is just a lot more convenient for us now).

But, as I said in another thread - send what you have. Worst case they RFE you for more and/or ask you in for an interview.

Thanks! Yes, getting the wills and PoA done now. I've got stuff with his name and same address so we'll send that. ..Yeah, I should've thought it through, but at the time it really didn't make sense for us since he makes so little money. Lots of secondary evidence it is.

Thanks everyone!

[Pinkrlion 2,720]

It really doesnt matter who makes more money, it is showing u putting your money together as a married couple. Just be prepared for an RFE and interview.

[Wurstbrot_Royal 29]

I agree with all the sentiments. I got counsel from an Immigration lawyer who looked over my first iteration of the evidence and he essentially advised me to beef it up and tell a story. He tells his clients to add at least 20 images, mixed with travel, family etc.

Try to add as much as you have. We didn't have a whole lot of things that were financial. Tax documents are important - did you guys file jointly?

I grouped evidence together in logic sections. Be it separate jobs and evidence related to that, or financial, or travel, or things related to the house, vehicles etc. Make it easy for the officer to go through, und have it tell a story of the last 2 years.