Hi all,
Below is my situation:
Entered as F1 since 2013
Met my spouse 2015, moved in 2016, got married Jun 2017
Received CPR Feb 2019 after a fairly simple interview
We both moved out-of-state and out of our joint residence Aug 2020, me to a nearby state for a job offer and my spouse across the country. The mutual agreement was that I would work there a year max to achieve some financial stability for us (fresh out of school smack dab in the midst of pandemic with hefty student loans, I did apply for residency programs in the state where we wanted to move to but failed to match), while my spouse started building a home there for us first. We still of course maintain our marriage while living separately.
Filed joint I-751 Jan 2021. Later that year, however, I was selected for a highly competitive training opportunity with a federal agency that was set to end this Fall (2023). During this physical separation, we still maintain our marriage, visit each other 3-4 times/year (I train/work 6x/week). My spouse did stay with me for an extended period of 6 months.
Admittedly the period of living apart has taken a toll on our marriage, but I still have full intentions of moving back in with my spouse) after the training ends (currently prepping for state exam).
We just received an RFE for bona fide marriage. I have the following evidence to I'm planning to submit for the RFE:
Tax transcripts for 2020-2022
Joint health insurance
Joint auto insurance for when my spouse visits
Bank statements
CC as authorized user
Beneficiary designation for savings acct
Evidence of previous joint residence (lease, mails, utility bills, foster pet...)
Flights records, gift receipts, handmade cards
Photos with just us and with friends and family
Affidavits x2
Previous vacation trip back to my home country (prior to the separation)
Confirmation of my training program here and confirmation of employment/prep class for my spouse
Cover letter explaining our situation
I understand that due to the prolonged separation, our case will be under extreme scrutiny and an interview is highly likely. On top of that, my spouse is expressing that some frustration with our situation to a point that I am concerned my spouse might not cooperate at the interview when the time comes.
How strong do you think our collection of evidence is? I am meeting with a lawyer next week to discuss our case, but just want to hear the community's input.