RFE: Good marriage, insufficient evidence of joint assets

[eortiz 1]

RFE lists what documentation I submitted (which looks awesome in my opinion) and then they give the one liner: “However, the documentation submitted is insufficient because a bit more evidence showing a joint assets is required.” Yup, plural “assetS” and all. 
 

Then they list the following 3 categories of recommendations for things to include: children, combined financial resources and joint estate/health/financial arrangements. 

We initially included copies of medical records of my OB visits for our daughter (born after we sent in the I-751), joint tax returns, lease agreements and rental insurance showing both our names, car insurance showing both our names, car registration showing both our names, CC statements, T-Mobile statements showing how often we communicate, affidavits and photos. 

 

Based on this request for more “joint assets”, plan on sending:
 

- baby’s birth certificate 

- photos of birth, 3-4 during her first year including photos of vacationing in my spouse’s home country where baby met her paternal fam, her 1st birthday 

-Copies of DL showing same address

copy of the title of the car showing co-ownership 

-new joint CC statements 

-documentation of 401k showing spouse as beneficiary 

-new joint tax return and W2

-updated lease agreement and renters insurance 

-documentation of how baby is on his dental plan and on my medical plan 

 

Is this too much, too little?
 

We don’t have a joint checking or savings account but I have no problem adding him as an owner. Is that OK to do now or will it work against me and be shady that it was a recent thing? Or should I just write a letter explaining why we don’t have joint checking/savings?

 

There’s really no special reason, many couples don’t so I’m not sure why that would be what makes or breaks our case? But do let me know if that’s been the case!

 

Appreciate all the help and insight. Thank you!

 

 

 

[mindthegap 2,599]

You can't send what doesn't exist.

[Sukie 1,464]

You have a child, right?  Then go get wills done for both of you - and medical powers of attorney.  Not only is this very good evidence for "estate/financial" arrangements, with a child, you need to have planned for the future should BOTH of you die at the same time.  Name a guardian for your child(ren).

 

Also - are you covered under the same health plan(s)?  If so, send the yearly "Summary of Benefits" that shows your health plan(s) and the people covered.  You do NOT have to have joint accounts (nor do you HAVE to have wills).  Bottom line?  You might be called for an interview.  But I think with wills, and the evidence you are going to send, you should be ok.  Draft a paragraph with your RFE response that gives a quick reason (not that it's their business, but they make it out to be) why you do not have joint checking accounts. 

 

Again - you will be OK in the end.  Just give them EXACTLY what they ask for (and Wills/Medical Powers of Attorney is something that will go a long way in what they ask for), and keep your chin(s) up!

 

Good luck!

 

Sukie in NY

[eortiz 1]

25 minutes ago, Sukie said:

You have a child, right?  Then go get wills done for both of you - and medical powers of attorney.  Not only is this very good evidence for "estate/financial" arrangements, with a child, you need to have planned for the future should BOTH of you die at the same time.  Name a guardian for your child(ren).

 

Also - are you covered under the same health plan(s)?  If so, send the yearly "Summary of Benefits" that shows your health plan(s) and the people covered.  You do NOT have to have joint accounts (nor do you HAVE to have wills).  Bottom line?  You might be called for an interview.  But I think with wills, and the evidence you are going to send, you should be ok.  Draft a paragraph with your RFE response that gives a quick reason (not that it's their business, but they make it out to be) why you do not have joint checking accounts. 

 

Again - you will be OK in the end.  Just give them EXACTLY what they ask for (and Wills/Medical Powers of Attorney is something that will go a long way in what they ask for), and keep your chin(s) up!

 

Good luck!

 

Sukie in NY

I appreciate your response Sukie. We filled out and signed an “Advanced Health Care Directive” form provided to us by the hospital (Kaiser) with 2 witnesses when I was pregnant should anything happen during labor (but it’s a pretty general form). It does designate what each of us want at end of life type of situations and do declare each other as the others healthcare proxy. Is this the same (or valued the same) as a will/medical power of attorney? 
 

Naming a guardian for our child is a good idea regardless of this situation, so will definitely do that. 
 

As far as the health plans - we work for the same company so it’s more financially-wise to have individual coverage. However, he has our daughter on his dental and I have her on my medical. 
 

I appreciate your words of encouragement! 

[Sukie 1,464]

8 hours ago, eortiz said:

I appreciate your response Sukie. We filled out and signed an “Advanced Health Care Directive” form provided to us by the hospital (Kaiser) with 2 witnesses when I was pregnant should anything happen during labor (but it’s a pretty general form). It does designate what each of us want at end of life type of situations and do declare each other as the others healthcare proxy. Is this the same (or valued the same) as a will/medical power of attorney? 
 

Naming a guardian for our child is a good idea regardless of this situation, so will definitely do that. 
 

As far as the health plans - we work for the same company so it’s more financially-wise to have individual coverage. However, he has our daughter on his dental and I have her on my medical. 
 

I appreciate your words of encouragement! 

Your Advance Health Care Directive is an excellent document to include.  Add a note to your cover letter explaining the health care policies - because they might not "get it" if you don't hold it up in their face.

 

Even if you don't get a will done for your RFE, please do this as soon as you can.  Many young people don't understand how important this document is - and when you have a child, it becomes even MORE critical.  You might feel like you don't have any assets to protect, but the law (different in each state) can certainly end up doing things that you and your spouse DON'T want.

 

I know an RFE is frustrating (we got a stupid one when we went through), but buckle down, send in the data, and then sit back and wait.

 

Sukie in NY

[implife 318]

Joint bank accounts are crucial. better late than never. 

[Sukie 1,464]

12 hours ago, implife said:

Joint bank accounts are crucial. better late than never. 

Joint bank accounts are very good evidence, but they are NOT required.  Many spouses do not combine their bank accounts for various (good) reasons.  The OP has listed good evidence for replying to the RFE.

 

Sukie in NY

 

[implife 318]

16 minutes ago, Sukie said:

Many spouses do not combine their bank accounts for various (good) reasons.

... and get an RFE as a result 😎

Seriously, it's very easy to add your spouse to your account to avoid unnecessary delays and complications.

Edited November 12, 2019 by implife

[Liam2021 587]

I think join bank account is the first think USCIS want to see and they expected to see it in every I-751. For whatever reason no join bank account submitted, a letter explain the reason why no join account is needed.

[amyNJ 13]

Joint bank accounts are not needed or crucial as long as you have other proof, you have a baby, that is good enough. 
The joint bank accounts "requirement" is a lie as well as "you have to change your last name" lie. Nice to have it, yes.. but not a requirement. 

Taxes and babies are a strong proof. 

And yes, many couples handle different bank accounts.