i-751 evidence of living together

[Viridian 10]

Hi all,

 

I'll be filing my i-751 at the end of April, as soon as the 90-day window begins. I've read that USCIS asks for evidence that a married couple submitting an i-751 has been living together for the full first 2 years of LPR status. From September 2019 to May 2020, my (US citizen) wife did a 1-year Master's program in a different state from me, and had a separate residence (she lived in student dorms, and we visited each other pretty frequently). In July 2020 we moved into our current place, where we've lived together ever since.

 

We have a shared bank account and credit cards, filed our taxes together in 2020, and have plenty of other evidence, affidavits, etc. that make it clear that our marriage is genuine. But I'm a bit worried about that period we were living apart. Although we viewed her grad school accommodation as just a temporary residence, I'm still wondering how much that will bother USCIS, since only my name was on the contract for the previous place we lived (both are on the contract for our current place, where we've lived since July).

 

I'm concerned that this could potentially affect my i-751 application, or prevent me from being able to file my N-400 next year when I reach the 3-year residency mark. Does anyone have any thoughts on how I can minimize the chances of this being an issue?

[Sukie 1,460]

It won't affect your application at all.  When you submit your I-751 package, just write a paragraph explaining your living situation over the years.  Do not be apologize or feel like it is something bad.  LOTS of couples have to live apart during part of the process - for work, school, to take care of an elderly parent, etc.

 

Don't sweat it.  Just explain it up front!

 

Best of luck to you!

 

Sukie in NY

[Viridian 10]

4 minutes ago, Sukie said:

It won't affect your application at all.  When you submit your I-751 package, just write a paragraph explaining your living situation over the years.  Do not be apologize or feel like it is something bad.  LOTS of couples have to live apart during part of the process - for work, school, to take care of an elderly parent, etc.

 

Don't sweat it.  Just explain it up front!

 

Best of luck to you!

 

Sukie in NY

That's great to hear - thanks, Sukie!