Getting Ready to Submit I-130 and I-485 [merged threads]

[Beth & Achraf 328]

Had a question regarding submitting proof of bona fide marriage.

I spoke with an attorney and was told he tells his clients to wait to the interview to submit proof. Obviously, a marriage certificate is a must, but suggests to hold off on everything else until the interview.

I'm feel confused because on the USCIS website, it says to submit proof.

Any thoughts?

Wait until the interview or submit photos etc, now??

I submitted everything regarding evidence of a marriage from day One to the day we sent everything off to USCIS.

Joint bank, joint credit cards, joint auto insurance, joint tax returns, joint utility bills, etc.

Started a new Evidence box to keep things in, and will take to interview. Only thing we did not send was pictures, will take a couple of albums with us to the interview.

[sebastianshaw 97]

You can do this yourself, no need for a lawyer. FYI: Many post of attorneys making mistakes resulting in RFE's.

As for the interview, short, straight to the point TRUTHFUL answers, & make sure you know all about your spouse, then you have no worries in interview.

I agree ! also if you look at online forum answers of many so called expert lawyers they give out the wrong advice !! So it is better to take your time and fill in the forms yourself and the supporting documentations.

[tds0317 2]

I know. They put a lot of scare into you.... that they can put it together more "professionally" and we would need them for guidance. I'm very torn about whether to have a lawyer do it, or do it myself. It seems for $2500, there could still be errors. I guess I'm more concerned about the bona fide evidence.

[sebastianshaw 97]

As somebody said before, you don't need an arsenal of documents even for the bona-fide marriage part.

Understandably you wont have many joint financial documents, but then you can have affidavits by multiple people, lease agreement and things which might not require SSN but carry equal weight while proving bona-fide marriage.

[tds0317 2]

I got ya. I had bought my house in 2008, so there are minimal things I can add my spouse onto.

[tds0317 2]

^{Does anyone know? On some forms, it insists you enter an actual date... For example, on form I-130, it asks for the dates where you live with your spouse.}

^{Would I just put the date I mail out the forms? Unfortunately, it doesn't allow you to type in "Present"}

[sebastianshaw 97]

Hi... May be a silly question regarding form G325a?

In the last box at the bottom, my spouse (the one applying for AOS, would check the box Status of Permanent Resident.....??

And I (US Citizen) would check "other" and type in I-130???

YES