Joint Bills for Removing Conditions...

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journeys. Anyways, I was wondering if any of you have experienced any problems getting all of the household bills in both joint names (as having joint bills is a requirement as evidence for removing conditions). My husband and I have written to the billing companies about getting both of our names on the bills that we pay with our joint bank account, and only about half of them responded back with the joint names. Is this normal and/or expected? If so, are there any reasons why only half the bills came back jointly named? How can it be overcome? Will only having half of the bills in joint names affect the Removing of Conditions process?

Any comments, suggestions, or thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

Ant

Edited February 22, 2007 by antocru

[Marilyn. 340]

no, it shouldn't be a problem....

[rebelheart 0]

no, it shouldn't be a problem....

[diadromous mermaid 36]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journeys. Anyways, I was wondering if any of you have experienced any problems getting all of the household bills in both joint names (as having joint bills is a requirement as evidence for removing conditions). My husband and I have written to the billing companies about getting both of our names on the bills that we pay with our joint bank account, and only about half of them responded back with the joint names. Is this normal and/or expected? If so, are there any reasons why only half the bills came back jointly named? How can it be overcome? Will only having half of the bills in joint names affect the Removing of Conditions process?

Any comments, suggestions, or thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

Ant

It's been my experience to notice that some companies, and especially utility companies, don't wish to feature both names on billing. Of course, even if this is the case, if you have a joint checking account, which ahs both of your names printed on checks, there's nothing to prevent the alien from signing the check in payment of the bill. As such, even without the cooperation of the company issuing the bill, you can compile a record of both the alien and the US citizen assuming responsibility for its satisfaction or payment! It's another example of getting creative.

[tammiandtom 0]

I've had some issues with some companies. Some had me send in a copy of our marraige license! The gas company wouldn't do it at first, I cannot remember why, but I just called today (over a year later) and the lady did it right on the phone no questions asked. We will see if the change actually shows up.

It all depends but I would keep pushing them to make the change. Or some others said make the address in the one name but under it put c/o Tom and Tammi (for example). So then both names appear in the address.

[Marilyn. 340]

some of our bills were only in my name but I included them anyways... I also included stuff that was just in my hubby's name too... but it showed that we both have the same address.....

all the evidence doesn't necessarily have to have both your names on it....

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your responses. So far we only have the following bills and/or items in both of our names:

1) A joint bank account

2) Electric Bill

3) House Deed/House Purchase Agreement

4) Home property management company (they do the maintenence work, as we share some main property with other neighbours)

5) Homeowner's Insuarance (they even sent us a very nice letter)

6) Will add Auto Insurance later (when my husband's policy expires soon)

7) Various letters, local memberships, cards, and correspondences in both names

8) Photos of my husband and I together, along with other family members and friends with us

Lol...we got no response from:

1) Gas Bill

2) Telephone Bill

3) Cable Bill

So, based on this list, do I have enough stuff for now? I also have the records of the cheques that we have sent to pay jointly. And before we got the joint account, we had copies of money orders that we sent together (in case they asked during the AOS interview, which they didn't). Still, I hope I have enough evidence for when the time comes next year, as I'm now starting to gather my paperwork for Removing of Conditions. After all, it's never too early to be prepared!

Ant

Edited February 22, 2007 by antocru

[Marilyn. 340]

like I mentioned in my post above.. you can also include stuff like bills etc... that just has your name on it and stuff with his name on it but shows the same address....

all the evidence doesn't have to have both your names on it....

[tweety 1]

None of the companies we get monthly bills agreed to put both names on the bills. We will throw in a few bills anyway as they show our address. Hope this won't be a problem.

[diadromous mermaid 36]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your responses. So far we only have the following bills and/or items in both of our names:

1) A joint bank account

2) Electric Bill

3) House Deed/House Purchase Agreement

4) Home property management company (they do the maintenence work, as we share some main property with other neighbours)

5) Homeowner's Insuarance (they even sent us a very nice letter)

6) Will add Auto Insurance later (when my husband's policy expires soon)

7) Various letters, local memberships, cards, and correspondences in both names

8) Photos of my husband and I together, along with other family members and friends with us

Lol...we got no response from:

1) Gas Bill

2) Telephone Bill

3) Cable Bill

So, based on this list, do I have enough stuff for now? I also have the records of the cheques that we have sent to pay jointly. And before we got the joint account, we had copies of money orders that we sent together (in case they asked during the AOS interview, which they didn't). Still, I hope I have enough evidence for when the time comes next year, as I'm now starting to gather my paperwork for Removing of Conditions. After all, it's never too early to be prepared!

Ant

The list is shaping up. but form I-751 should also be accompanied by other evidence which has nothing to do with both names on a bill. I see a couple of glaring omissions, which are tax returns and birth certificates of any children born to the marriage. And for the joint checking account, it's not necessary to send copies of each month's statement. You could send randomly selected statements to represent the timeframe in question.

[antda 13]

Hi Marilyn,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply about having stuff with the same address, but not with joint names. Hmmm...that means we can add a couple of more things to the list...Thanks.

Ant

like I mentioned in my post above.. you can also include stuff like bills etc... that just has your name on it and stuff with his name on it but shows the same address....

all the evidence doesn't have to have both your names on it....

[antda 13]

Hi Diadromus Mermaid,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply, especially about my list of what I already have and about evidence that has nothing to do with both names on a bill. As for the omissions, the tax omission can be explain by reading the following message thread that I posted on this board: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=53441 .For the children omission, well, we don't have any children yet (we're still working on that one), but if/when we do, we'll definately be sure to include their birth certificates. With all the statements, bills, etc. we'll probably just include the first, middle and last months copies before we send in the paperwork (lol...I don't think the immigration people want too many bills anyways, and it costs too much in postage to send too many things).

Ant

The list is shaping up. but form I-751 should also be accompanied by other evidence which has nothing to do with both names on a bill. I see a couple of glaring omissions, which are tax returns and birth certificates of any children born to the marriage. And for the joint checking account, it's not necessary to send copies of each month's statement. You could send randomly selected statements to represent the timeframe in question.

Edited February 23, 2007 by antocru