My first RFE for I-751 help needed

[ACalmCountry 17]

Hi I was granted conditional status in 2020 and it expired 2022. We submitted our I - 751

two years ago and have just now received a RFE. I’m stressing out which I guess is normal. After all this time and with no interview required or fingerprinting I had been hopeful that everything was fine. So now I need to take a deep breath gather the required evidence and resubmit. I need some help though hence my posting here. I intend to go through each evidence requirement point one at a time. One of the first pieces of evidence I’m required to resubmit is documented evidence that we cohabited, commingled finances and shared financial liabilities during the conditional residency period. 
I assume this means between me being granted conditional status (2020) and when it expired (2022). We provided the following in our packet: 

Current Car Insurance Policy

Copies Of Bank Statements for the year of 2020
Copies Of Bank Statements for the year of 2021

What else theoretically would show this? 
Also should I provide new bank statements from 2021 to now? 
 

[OldUser 6,636]

Any chance you can post a photo of what's asked with personal details redacted?

 

Based on what I see so far:

 

1) USCIS asks for proof of cohabitation. Do you have a copy or copies of lease, or mortgage? Do you have copies of IDs / DLs of you and your spouse showing same address where you actually live?

2) In terms of financial comingling... Did you submit joint tax return transcripts? The bank statements, were they for a joint bank account? Do you have any work retirement plans such as 401K? Did you include your spouse as a beneficiary on them?

 

Since you got RFE, I'd do what instructions for I-751 say as well as RFE. They tell to cover period from start of marriage until now. Throw everything in, from the day you married until today. All the old and new info. All pages of all statements.

 

 

What else is asked for?

 

Edited November 28, 2023 by OldUser

[powerpuff 6,697]

*** Duplicate post in a different sub-forum removed. Please post once per topic ***

[K1visaHopeful 2,814]

Your RFE was issued because the evidence you submitted is outdated. They are trying to avoid an interview. 

They want current evidence, so everything proving bona-fide marriage from when you submitted to now.

 

That's all.

[ACalmCountry 17]

21 hours ago, OldUser said:

Any chance you can post a photo of what's asked with personal details redacted?

 

Based on what I see so far:

 

1) USCIS asks for proof of cohabitation. Do you have a copy or copies of lease, or mortgage? Do you have copies of IDs / DLs of you and your spouse showing same address where you actually live?

2) In terms of financial comingling... Did you submit joint tax return transcripts? The bank statements, were they for a joint bank account? Do you have any work retirement plans such as 401K? Did you include your spouse as a beneficiary on them?

 

Since you got RFE, I'd do what instructions for I-751 say as well as RFE. They tell to cover period from start of marriage until now. Throw everything in, from the day you married until today. All the old and new info. All pages of all statements.

 

 

What else is asked for?

 

Hello, thanks so much for your prompt reply.

The part of the letter regarding evidence reads more or less as follows:

 

GOOD FAITH MARRIAGE, INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

You provided the following evidence etc : 

Two affadavits
Tenant income certification 2021

Allstate automatic installment
Joint bank account statements 2020 - 2021

IRS Tax return transcript 2019 - 2020

 

Note: i can now see the tenant income certification was a mistake not sure why we didn't send the lease itself. We have one and i was sure we sent it but clearly we didn't or they don't have it.

The IRS Tax Return Transcript looks like it was just for one year so no problem sending more we have them.

The joint bank statements we now have several years worth so that's no problem

We now have a car in our name so that is better evidence than just the initial allstate insurance we had.

The letter continues more or less as follows:

 

However , the documentation submitted is insufficient because you did not submit the following:

Documentation showing you cohabited, commingled finances and shared responsibilty for financial liabilities during the condtional residency period

Lease or mortgage contract showing joint occupancy

The next point addresses that the tenant income certification we submitted is insufficient

Financial records showing joint ownership of assets and joint responsibilty for liabilities such as joint federal and state tax returns/schedules/attachments W2s checking and savings accounts with history etc auto insurance etc etc

I can see how we provided not enough there i may have only been working for a short time at that stage so maybe that's why just the one year of tax transcripts was sent and we clearly didn't send enough other detail. In any case we have all of it right to the present day so can send it all.

Other documents relevant to establish your marriage was entered into in good faith

 

Then it goes on to ask to please submit additional evidence that may include etc:

Children (Birth certificates etc)
We have a child together so that's not a problem. I'm not sure why we didn't submit a birth certificate with our initial application i was certain we did.

It was probably a mistake on my part not to keep a complete copy of the package but i do have a cover letter copy so i can see what we submitted. In any case they are clear in reminding me what we sent and are telling us what we didn't so no problem.

Evidence you and your spouse have resided together: (didn't they already cover that above?)

Leases with joint occupancy

Drivers licenses identity cards ( I have neither) My wife does.

Evidence of combined financial resources: 
Checking,savings accounts
Property life or health insurance documents
Federal and state tax returns schedules attachments W2s etc

Utility BIlls
Loan Or Credit Card statements

Wills etc

 

And that's pretty much it. Looking at it i can see how we didn't send enough now. I guess i thought the initial package had everything in terms of proving the relationship was genuine. So we didn't send photos etc as far as i can remember. Will definitely send more of those. We don't own any assets really so not sure what i can show in that regard. The commingling thing is hard to show all we have is the joint bank account and a few things i guess. 

 

Any suggestions or help from you all is appreciated. I'm extremely stressed and i don't feel like i have the strength to put together the whole package again (this was all pre-covid) but it appears that is not necessary we just have to include as much as possible of what they are asking for. My intention is to go point by point and ask questions here of anything that comes up that is bothering me. This forum has been helpful to me in the past on what has been a very long journey. 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 28, 2023 by ACalmCountry

[Rocio0010 5,579]

This was our package. We were approved without an interview. See if it helps.

 

 

COHABITATION

Copy of Owners Title Insurance Policy with original recorded warranty deed for the property located at xxxxxxxx

Copy of American Land Title Association Settlement Statement showing xxxx and xxxx as buyers of the property situated at xxxxxxxx. 

Copy of Veterans United pre- approval letter showing xxxx and xxxx as pre-approved for a home loan. Dated: Jun 18, 2021 Signed by Kris Ball (Loan Officer) 

 

Copies of xxxx xxxxxxx and xxxx xxxxxx current drivers’ licenses showing joint residence at xxxxxxxx

Copies of xxxx xxxxxand xxxxxxxxxx old drivers’ licenses showing joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copy of xxxx Knotts’s updated Argentinian ID listing address at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Spectrum (Internet) monthly statements showing xxxx as responsible for paying gas and electricity in our joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Columbia Gas of Ohio monthly statements showing xxxx as responsible for paying gas in our joint residence atxxxxxxxx

Copy of lease agreement listing us as joint tenants at previous address (xxxxxxxxxx), beginning May 28, 2019 and copies of lease renewals for the same address for subsequent terms until May 31, 2022. 

Copy of xxxx xxxxx old argentinian ID listing address at xxxxxxxxxx

Copy of Horace Mann Insurance Company new business declaration listing us as jointly covered under renters’ insurance policy number xxxxxxx  for our residence at xxxxxxxxxxxx. Effective date: 02/02/2021. Expiration date: 02/02/2022.

Copy of appointment reminder from veterinary addressed to both of us.

 

Exhibit 😧 TAX RETURNS- STATE TAXES- PROPERTY TAXES

Copies of joint IRS tax returns for 2020 and 2021.

Copy of 2021 and 2022  Monongalia County Personal Property Return filed jointly.

 

2020 and 2021 joint West Virginia Tax receipts.

  

 

Exhibit E: FINANCIAL COMMINGLING

Copies of quarterly bank statements of our joint checking account (with United Bank) since inception of the accounts on 04/19/2019 to closing of the account on xx/xx/xxxx,, showing various financial co-mingling such as Veteran United payments, rent payments, car loan payments, insurance payments, grocery shopping etc.

Copy of Chase Deposit Account Balance summary showing us as joint owners of the Chase Premier Plus Checking Account ending in 6235. Dated 10/30/2021.

 

Exhibit F: JOINT MORTGAGE STATEMENTS, UTILITIES, AND VET BILLS.

Veterans United joint mortgage statements from August 2021 to January /2022

Copies of the city of Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying water in our joint residence xxxxxxxxx 

Copies of AEP (Electric Company) monthly statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying the electric bill in our joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Local Waste Services monthly statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying the trash pick up in our joint residence at xxxxxxxx

Copies veterinary bills showing us as jointly responsible for paying the veterinary bill

Copy of note from landlord in Morgantown stating he was responsible for paying the utilities on the property rented at xxxxxxxxx  for the time period we lived there.

 

Exhibit G:  JOINT HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE OVER THE YEARS.

Copy of xxxx’s current life insurance underwritten by Principal Life Insurance company listing xxxx as beneficiary of this insurance. 

Copy of current  dental/ vision insurance (with Principal), via xxxx’s current employer, showing us both covered under the same insurance plan. Effective date: 08/09/2021.

Copy of current United Health Care insurance, via xxxx’s current employer, showing us both covered under the same insurance plan.

Public Employees Insurance Agency certification letter showing xxxx as policy holder and xxxx as covered by this insurance. 

Copy of xxxx’s life insurance underwritten by United Omaha Life Insurance Company designating spouse xxxx as beneficiary.

Copy of previous health insurance cards (Independence), via xxxx former employer (xxxxx), showing us both covered under the same (former) insurance plan.

 

EXHIBIT H: Special Permissions

One Point of Care (OPOC.US) authorization for use and disclosure of private health information, providing authorization on behalf of xxxx to disclose private health information and listing xxxx as spouse.

 

 

 

Exhibit H:  JOINT RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Copy of xxxx  Individual Retirement Account from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIIA) beneficiary designation letter? listing xxxx as beneficiary of the account.

Copy of West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board Pre- Retirement Beneficiary Designation showing xxxx as member, and xxxx as beneficiary of the account. 

 

Exhibit I:  JOINT VEHICLE AND HOME INSURANCE.

Copy of xxxx ’s xxxxxxx Vehicle Insurance Card showing xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxxx . Effective date: 08/18/2021. Expiration date: 02/18/2022.

Copy of xxxx’s Vehicle Insurance Card showing xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxx . Effective date: 08/20/2021. Expiration date: 08/20/2022/ 

Copy of Progressive Home Advantage Insurance policy statement listing our joint residence at xxxxxx . Policy number: xxxxx. Covered from July 23, 2021 to July 23, 2022. 

Copy of AAA (American Automobile Association) joint statement with a payment date of 11/16/2021.

Copy of xxxx xxxx Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number:xxxxxx. Covered from February 10, 2020  to July 9,2020.

Copy of xxxx xxxx State Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxxx. Covered from July 09, 2020  to January 09,2021.

Copy of xxxx xxxxxx State Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxx. Covered from January 09, 2021  to July 9,2021.

 

Exhibit K: JOINT MEMBERSHIPS

Copies of Sam’s membership listing xxxx xxxxx as a complimentary member of the account.

 

Exhibit L: TRIPS TAKEN TOGETHER

Flight reservations for our (postponed due to COVID) trip to Argentina in July 2020.

 

EXHIBIT M: EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:

West Virginia University Outpatient Face Sheet for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

Family Vision Clinic patient sheet  for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

Paylocity profile for xxxx, listing husband xxxx as emergency contact.

Orthopedic ONE Patient Information sheet  for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

 

Exhibit N: PICTURES

Copies of photos of us together at various events with family and friends throughout the years

Copy of wedding pics.

Include some of everyday pics already sent with AOS.

 

Exhibit O: 

Copies of greeting cards, letters and packages from family and friends addressed to us throughout the years

[OldUser 6,636]

1 hour ago, ACalmCountry said:

Drivers licenses identity cards ( I have neither) My wife does.

 

Why don't you have it? Even if you don't drive, you can go to a DMV and apply for a Real ID. It's super useful in daily life: from certain purchases at pharmacy / grocery store to verifying your identity with employer or at the bank and flying domestically in the US.

I think it costs no more than $50-60 depending on your state.

 

Go get it tomorrow.

[OldUser 6,636]

1 hour ago, ACalmCountry said:

We now have a car in our name so that is better evidence than just the initial allstate insurance we had.

So you do have a joint asset. Yes, it is depreciating but you do have it 😊 that's in answer to:

 

1 hour ago, ACalmCountry said:

We don't own any assets really so not sure what i can show in that regard.

 

[ACalmCountry 17]

On 11/28/2023 at 3:44 PM, OldUser said:

Why don't you have it? Even if you don't drive, you can go to a DMV and apply for a Real ID. It's super useful in daily life: from certain purchases at pharmacy / grocery store to verifying your identity with employer or at the bank and flying domestically in the US.

I think it costs no more than $50-60 depending on your state.

 

Go get it tomorrow.

There was no real reason I just always used my green card for ID. But you are correct I probably should. My wife made the same suggestion. I said won’t that look suspicious though! I will get it though thanks for the suggestion. 
 

 

i

Edited November 30, 2023 by ACalmCountry

[ACalmCountry 17]

On 11/28/2023 at 3:46 PM, OldUser said:

So you do have a joint asset. Yes, it is depreciating but you do have it 😊 that's in answer to:

 

 

Yes that was recent occurrence that is a bit of luck. I keep stressing about how to show the commingling. We have a joint bank account is it enough to just highlight sections and say this is us paying rent this is us buying etc I don’t quite understand how to show them what they want. I’m the only one in the family working how do I show that we are both using the money. Sorry if this is a dumb question I just feel so stressed I’m having trouble thinking straight with all this. I know we have evidence it’s a matter of showing it. I want to make sure I give them exactly what they want. 

Edited November 30, 2023 by ACalmCountry

[ACalmCountry 17]

On 11/28/2023 at 2:46 PM, Rocio0010 said:

This was our package. We were approved without an interview. See if it helps.

 

 

COHABITATION

Copy of Owners Title Insurance Policy with original recorded warranty deed for the property located at xxxxxxxx

Copy of American Land Title Association Settlement Statement showing xxxx and xxxx as buyers of the property situated at xxxxxxxx. 

Copy of Veterans United pre- approval letter showing xxxx and xxxx as pre-approved for a home loan. Dated: Jun 18, 2021 Signed by Kris Ball (Loan Officer) 

 

Copies of xxxx xxxxxxx and xxxx xxxxxx current drivers’ licenses showing joint residence at xxxxxxxx

Copies of xxxx xxxxxand xxxxxxxxxx old drivers’ licenses showing joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copy of xxxx Knotts’s updated Argentinian ID listing address at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Spectrum (Internet) monthly statements showing xxxx as responsible for paying gas and electricity in our joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Columbia Gas of Ohio monthly statements showing xxxx as responsible for paying gas in our joint residence atxxxxxxxx

Copy of lease agreement listing us as joint tenants at previous address (xxxxxxxxxx), beginning May 28, 2019 and copies of lease renewals for the same address for subsequent terms until May 31, 2022. 

Copy of xxxx xxxxx old argentinian ID listing address at xxxxxxxxxx

Copy of Horace Mann Insurance Company new business declaration listing us as jointly covered under renters’ insurance policy number xxxxxxx  for our residence at xxxxxxxxxxxx. Effective date: 02/02/2021. Expiration date: 02/02/2022.

Copy of appointment reminder from veterinary addressed to both of us.

 

Exhibit 😧 TAX RETURNS- STATE TAXES- PROPERTY TAXES

Copies of joint IRS tax returns for 2020 and 2021.

Copy of 2021 and 2022  Monongalia County Personal Property Return filed jointly.

 

2020 and 2021 joint West Virginia Tax receipts.

  

 

Exhibit E: FINANCIAL COMMINGLING

Copies of quarterly bank statements of our joint checking account (with United Bank) since inception of the accounts on 04/19/2019 to closing of the account on xx/xx/xxxx,, showing various financial co-mingling such as Veteran United payments, rent payments, car loan payments, insurance payments, grocery shopping etc.

Copy of Chase Deposit Account Balance summary showing us as joint owners of the Chase Premier Plus Checking Account ending in 6235. Dated 10/30/2021.

 

Exhibit F: JOINT MORTGAGE STATEMENTS, UTILITIES, AND VET BILLS.

Veterans United joint mortgage statements from August 2021 to January /2022

Copies of the city of Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying water in our joint residence xxxxxxxxx 

Copies of AEP (Electric Company) monthly statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying the electric bill in our joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Local Waste Services monthly statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying the trash pick up in our joint residence at xxxxxxxx

Copies veterinary bills showing us as jointly responsible for paying the veterinary bill

Copy of note from landlord in Morgantown stating he was responsible for paying the utilities on the property rented at xxxxxxxxx  for the time period we lived there.

 

Exhibit G:  JOINT HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE OVER THE YEARS.

Copy of xxxx’s current life insurance underwritten by Principal Life Insurance company listing xxxx as beneficiary of this insurance. 

Copy of current  dental/ vision insurance (with Principal), via xxxx’s current employer, showing us both covered under the same insurance plan. Effective date: 08/09/2021.

Copy of current United Health Care insurance, via xxxx’s current employer, showing us both covered under the same insurance plan.

Public Employees Insurance Agency certification letter showing xxxx as policy holder and xxxx as covered by this insurance. 

Copy of xxxx’s life insurance underwritten by United Omaha Life Insurance Company designating spouse xxxx as beneficiary.

Copy of previous health insurance cards (Independence), via xxxx former employer (xxxxx), showing us both covered under the same (former) insurance plan.

 

EXHIBIT H: Special Permissions

One Point of Care (OPOC.US) authorization for use and disclosure of private health information, providing authorization on behalf of xxxx to disclose private health information and listing xxxx as spouse.

 

 

 

Exhibit H:  JOINT RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Copy of xxxx  Individual Retirement Account from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIIA) beneficiary designation letter? listing xxxx as beneficiary of the account.

Copy of West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board Pre- Retirement Beneficiary Designation showing xxxx as member, and xxxx as beneficiary of the account. 

 

Exhibit I:  JOINT VEHICLE AND HOME INSURANCE.

Copy of xxxx ’s xxxxxxx Vehicle Insurance Card showing xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxxx . Effective date: 08/18/2021. Expiration date: 02/18/2022.

Copy of xxxx’s Vehicle Insurance Card showing xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxx . Effective date: 08/20/2021. Expiration date: 08/20/2022/ 

Copy of Progressive Home Advantage Insurance policy statement listing our joint residence at xxxxxx . Policy number: xxxxx. Covered from July 23, 2021 to July 23, 2022. 

Copy of AAA (American Automobile Association) joint statement with a payment date of 11/16/2021.

Copy of xxxx xxxx Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number:xxxxxx. Covered from February 10, 2020  to July 9,2020.

Copy of xxxx xxxx State Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxxx. Covered from July 09, 2020  to January 09,2021.

Copy of xxxx xxxxxx State Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxx. Covered from January 09, 2021  to July 9,2021.

 

Exhibit K: JOINT MEMBERSHIPS

Copies of Sam’s membership listing xxxx xxxxx as a complimentary member of the account.

 

Exhibit L: TRIPS TAKEN TOGETHER

Flight reservations for our (postponed due to COVID) trip to Argentina in July 2020.

 

EXHIBIT M: EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:

West Virginia University Outpatient Face Sheet for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

Family Vision Clinic patient sheet  for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

Paylocity profile for xxxx, listing husband xxxx as emergency contact.

Orthopedic ONE Patient Information sheet  for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

 

Exhibit N: PICTURES

Copies of photos of us together at various events with family and friends throughout the years

Copy of wedding pics.

Include some of everyday pics already sent with AOS.

 

Exhibit O: 

Copies of greeting cards, letters and packages from family and friends addressed to us throughout the years

Thank you so much for taking the time to post all that. It will be very helpful to refer to I cannot thank you enough. Much appreciated. 

[ACalmCountry 17]

51 minutes ago, ACalmCountry said:

There was no real reason I just always used my green card for ID. But you are correct I probably should. My wife made the same suggestion. I said won’t that look suspicious though! I will get it though thanks for the suggestion. 
 

 

i

Ok I just looked into this and I may have a problem. I don’t have any of the documents in the first catagory to apply for a real ID. My foreign passport is expired and I don’t  have the funds right now to renew. Hoping to do that in new year.I don’t have a EAD card my green card helped served that purpose. My green card is expired I have the form they send when you are waiting to get approval for removal of conditions of AOS that’s all I have. So looks like the ID card may be a no go. 

Edited November 30, 2023 by ACalmCountry

[OldUser 6,636]

1 hour ago, ACalmCountry said:

There was no real reason I just always used my green card for ID. But you are correct I probably should. My wife made the same suggestion. I said won’t that look suspicious though! I will get it though thanks for the suggestion. 
 

 

i

There's nothing suspicious about getting a state ID / DL. You can get it as a LPR. I got mine a while ago on non-immigrant visa and been renewing since.

 

I noticed there's more questions asked by employer, TSA, anybody I present GC to. Everybody is used to seeing IDs and DLs and prefer it. Really, other than CBP / ICE / USCIS / DMV you don't need to show your GC. Maybe mortgage lender...

Edited November 30, 2023 by OldUser

[TeddyFazBear 69]

On 11/28/2023 at 5:24 AM, K1visaHopeful said:

Your RFE was issued because the evidence you submitted is outdated. They are trying to avoid an interview. 

They want current evidence, so everything proving bona-fide marriage from when you submitted to now.

 

That's all.

 

Exactly. And on a side note, there is a bizarre story going around on various forums lately that you should only send a few months bank statements and a few credit card statements etc...absolutely and 100% incorrect. Send everything you have that has your both names on it. Easiest way to avoid RFEs and possible interviews. 

[OldUser 6,636]

32 minutes ago, ACalmCountry said:

Ok I just looked into this and I may have a problem. I don’t have any of the documents in the first catagory to apply for a real ID. My foreign passport is expired and I don’t  have the funds right now to renew. Hoping to do that in new year.I don’t have a EAD card my green card helped served that purpose. My green card is expired I have the form they send when you are waiting to get approval for removal of conditions of AOS that’s all I have. So looks like the ID card may be a no go. 

Which state are you trying to get your ID from? Why GC and extension letter are not working? They're probably accepted. Renewing passport is important too, though I understand this may be expensive and addressed later.