Finally ready to submit

[John & Rose 7,239]

I waited for a certified copy of the marriage certificate and had Rose sign the I-130a.  I am finally getting ready to file.  I am still concerned about the proof of real relationship.  We tried to put her name on my lease and we tried in 2 countries to have a combined bank account.  It just can't happen without a SSN and her living here.  I have put together a package of photos from each of the 10 visits, passport stamps, marriage certs, divorce papers, annulment papers...to me it looks like a real relationship but with the new rules I want to be sure.  I've bought furniture, installing air conditioning, buying new beds but none of this proves anything but the fact I spent money.  

 

Am I overthinking? (still....again)... LOL  

[Crazy Cat 41,923]

4 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I waited for a certified copy of the marriage certificate and had Rose sign the I-130a.  I am finally getting ready to file.  I am still concerned about the proof of real relationship.  We tried to put her name on my lease and we tried in 2 countries to have a combined bank account.  It just can't happen without a SSN and her living here.  I have put together a package of photos from each of the 10 visits, passport stamps, marriage certs, divorce papers, annulment papers...to me it looks like a real relationship but with the new rules I want to be sure.  I've bought furniture, installing air conditioning, buying new beds but none of this proves anything but the fact I spent money.  

 

Am I overthinking? (still....again)... LOL  

John, there are some types of evidence a couple just can't provide until the immigrant spouse is actually inside the US.  Your Photos, chat logs, travel documents showing actual time together are good evidence at this point in your marriage.....although not considered as strong evidence, a statement from a friend or family member could be helpful.

[Hank_ 9,174]

13 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I waited for a certified copy of the marriage certificate and had Rose sign the I-130a.  I am finally getting ready to file.  I am still concerned about the proof of real relationship.  We tried to put her name on my lease and we tried in 2 countries to have a combined bank account.  It just can't happen without a SSN and her living here.  I have put together a package of photos from each of the 10 visits, passport stamps, marriage certs, divorce papers, annulment papers...to me it looks like a real relationship but with the new rules I want to be sure.  I've bought furniture, installing air conditioning, buying new beds but none of this proves anything but the fact I spent money.  

 

Am I overthinking? (still....again)... LOL  

I find that difficult in a situation like yours (and thousands of others), so I wonder how they addressed this?

 

You could get Rose a TIN (Tax ID Number)  https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin

 

You generally must list on your individual income tax return the social security number (SSN) of any person for whom you claim an exemption. If your dependent or spouse does not have and is not eligible to get an SSN, you must list the ITIN instead of an SSN. You do not need an SSN or ITIN for a child who was born and died in the same tax year. Instead of an SSN or ITIN, attach a copy of the child's birth certificate and write Died on the appropriate exemption line of your tax return.

 

Do you send Rose money?   Include copies of receipts from that is a thought.

 

 

"(5) Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. Each affidavit must contain the full name and address of the person making the affidavit; date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit; and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage; or

 

(6) Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union"

Edited August 7, 2018 by Hank_

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 minute ago, missileman said:

John, there are some types of evidence a couple just can't provide until the immigrant spouse is actually inside the US.  Your Photos, chat logs, travel documents showing actual time together are good evidence at this point in your marriage.....although not considered as strong evidence, a statement from a friend or family member could be helpful.

I was thinking about her sisters doing an affidavit.  The problem is it would be in Tagalog.  We are close to her family there.  She has some friends how write well in English.  I know that my situation is common.  I am still spooked from the denial.

[Hank_ 9,174]

1 minute ago, John & Rose said:

I was thinking about her sisters doing an affidavit.  The problem is it would be in Tagalog.  We are close to her family there.  She has some friends how write well in English.  I know that my situation is common.  I am still spooked from the denial.

Have it typed out, then signed (notarized)

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 minute ago, Hank_ said:

I find that difficult in a situation like yours (and thousands of others), so I wonder how they addressed this?

 

You could get Rose a TIN (Tax ID Number)  https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin

 

You generally must list on your individual income tax return the social security number (SSN) of any person for whom you claim an exemption. If your dependent or spouse does not have and is not eligible to get an SSN, you must list the ITIN instead of an SSN. You do not need an SSN or ITIN for a child who was born and died in the same tax year. Instead of an SSN or ITIN, attach a copy of the child's birth certificate and write Died on the appropriate exemption line of your tax return.

 

Do you send Rose money?   Include copies of receipts from that is a thought.

I do send money.  I guess that is better for the CR-1 than the K-1.  I can download the Remitly logs.  I'm about to go over 1M pesos...a lot of that was for the K-1 medical and NVC fees the first time around...

[Hank_ 9,174]

4 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I do send money.  I guess that is better for the CR-1 than the K-1.  I can download the Remitly logs.  I'm about to go over 1M pesos...a lot of that was for the K-1 medical and NVC fees the first time around...

It is a financial record of a husband supporting his wife   

 

Like Missleman said - some stuff just isn't possible, so the best you can do  maybe  is what is done during the K-1 interview for relationship evidence - pictures together, random copies of chat logs, emails etc. .. and your Remitly records

[John & Rose 7,239]

14 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

I find that difficult in a situation like yours (and thousands of others), so I wonder how they addressed this?

 

You could get Rose a TIN (Tax ID Number)  https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin

 

You generally must list on your individual income tax return the social security number (SSN) of any person for whom you claim an exemption. If your dependent or spouse does not have and is not eligible to get an SSN, you must list the ITIN instead of an SSN. You do not need an SSN or ITIN for a child who was born and died in the same tax year. Instead of an SSN or ITIN, attach a copy of the child's birth certificate and write Died on the appropriate exemption line of your tax return.

 

Do you send Rose money?   Include copies of receipts from that is a thought.

 

 

"(5) Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. Each affidavit must contain the full name and address of the person making the affidavit; date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit; and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage; or

 

(6) Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union"

I am visiting her again in a couple weeks.  The ITIN requires her original documents so I may take her new passport to send in.  I will also ask her friends and family for affidavits.  It puts us back a couple more weeks but I am more confident with the evidence.

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

That's weird that they denied the K1. Based on what you're saying, I think you'll have much easier time with the CR1. I agree with the others on the affadavits. We had my wife's brother create and sign a statement (and had a translation made) and my sister create and sign a statement. Both had attended our wedding. Basically we just told the story of how we met, how often I visited her, the story of our wedding, and our plans for the future, all supported by pictures. The big package of evidence we submitted in our ROC evidence with our i751 application where we show all the financial co-mingling.  Good luck!

[John & Rose 7,239]

3 minutes ago, Russ&Caro said:

That's weird that they denied the K1. Based on what you're saying, I think you'll have much easier time with the CR1. I agree with the others on the affadavits. We had my wife's brother create and sign a statement (and had a translation made) and my sister create and sign a statement. Both had attended our wedding. Basically we just told the story of how we met, how often I visited her, the story of our wedding, and our plans for the future, all supported by pictures. The big package of evidence we submitted in our ROC evidence with our i751 application where we show all the financial co-mingling.  Good luck!

I really appreciate the thoughts of someone who made it through the process.  I will gather some affidavits on my visit later this month.  Thank you for the insight...

[MartinyMi 44]

49 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I waited for a certified copy of the marriage certificate and had Rose sign the I-130a.  I am finally getting ready to file.  I am still concerned about the proof of real relationship.  We tried to put her name on my lease and we tried in 2 countries to have a combined bank account.  It just can't happen without a SSN and her living here.  I have put together a package of photos from each of the 10 visits, passport stamps, marriage certs, divorce papers, annulment papers...to me it looks like a real relationship but with the new rules I want to be sure.  I've bought furniture, installing air conditioning, buying new beds but none of this proves anything but the fact I spent money.  

 

Am I overthinking? (still....again)... LOL  

John,

You can add Rose's name to your bank accounts, property and more. You need a Power of Attorney designating you to act on behalf of Rose. I have a POA for my husband exactly for these reasons. We found a notary legal for signing US documents near the US border. She, myself and my husband walked to the border. She stepped on one side and stamped the documents with the notary ensignia. Like you, I am concerned about lack of financial evidence, though we filed taxes for 2017 together. I have been able to perform banking transactions, transfer property, etc. In his name. The US consulate in Rose's country should be able to schedule an appointment for the notary to sign your documentation there at the consulate. They charge 10X more than notaries based in the US but it is worth the expense to obtain the evidence. Happy life to you & Rose!

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 minute ago, MartinyMi said:

John,

You can add Rose's name to your bank accounts, property and more. You need a Power of Attorney designating you to act on behalf of Rose. I have a POA for my husband exactly for these reasons. We found a notary legal for signing US documents near the US border. She, myself and my husband walked to the border. She stepped on one side and stamped the documents with the notary ensignia. Like you, I am concerned about lack of financial evidence, though we filed taxes for 2017 together. I have been able to perform banking transactions, transfer property, etc. In his name. The US consulate in Rose's country should be able to schedule an appointment for the notary to sign your documentation there at the consulate. They charge 10X more than notaries based in the US but it is worth the expense to obtain the evidence. Happy life to you & Rose!

All of the banks I use say that they cannot add her without a SSN.  My lease can't add her without an SSN and a criminal background check with fingerprints so either way, she would need to be here in order to do any of that with the banks I use.

[Crazy Cat 41,923]

3 minutes ago, MartinyMi said:

You can add Rose's name to your bank accounts, property and more.

It doesn't work like that for all banks....most banks require original picture ID like a passport.

[John & Rose 7,239]

Just now, missileman said:

It doesn't work like that for all banks....most banks require original picture ID like a passport.

I will keep looking around.  I need to get her passport for the ITIN anyway...

[Arkitekt-GS 19]

Just anither thought, If you have life insurance, IRA/ 401k, and/or medical through work you could likely add her as a beneficiary for each of those to be an example of financial co-mingling. I was able to do that for my wife when we were still living in Philippines and she didn’t have an SSN yet (all those were US based benefits through my employer). Medical might not be useful if it’s a US only plan (mine was an expat plan) but the others would be good evidence.