Proof of Bona Fide Marriage?

[thepettle 0]

Do my husband and I need to prove we have a bonda fide marriage for the I-130 or later on in the process? I ask this because the checklist I have says nothing about it, but I think I have been told otherwise - just want some clarification? We have cards addressed to both of us, photos of us with family, letters addressed to us and a letter from my mother/grandmother signing stating they know for a fact its bona fide with a list of reasons as to why.

Is this necessary or just a waste of time?

[YuAndDan 153]

Look closely at form I-130's directions.

NOTE: In addition to the required documentation listed above, you should submit one or more of the following types of documentation that may evidence that bona fides of your marriage:

E. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or

F. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or

G. Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or

H. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or

I. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or

J. Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-130instr.pdf

Most, in a short marriage provide "I." Affidavits.

Again you are required to file an I-130 first.

Start here: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/uscis/i130filing.html

Edited June 2, 2009 by YuAndDan

[thepettle 0]

Look closely at form I-130's directions.

NOTE: In addition to the required documentation listed above, you should submit one or more of the following types of documentation that may evidence that bona fides of your marriage:

E. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or

F. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or

G. Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or

H. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or

I. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or

J. Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-130instr.pdf

Most, in a short marriage provide "I." Affidavits.

Again you are required to file an I-130 first.

Start here: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/uscis/i130filing.html

Thanks for answering my question - I read that in the I-30, the letter my mom/grandmother signed/wrote has all their information as "I. Affidavit" but I was wondering if I send this in with my first batch of files, I am assuming so but it says in the checklist not to send an extraneous amount of photos or tax returns etc. so I was just making sure it had to be sent with the I-130 and not later on in the process.

Also, I am assuming I don't need to fill out the I-129F form with this? I was going to do K-3 visa before I knew about DCF and it was needed for that.

Thanks again for all your help!!!

[YuAndDan 153]

Look closely at form I-130's directions.

NOTE: In addition to the required documentation listed above, you should submit one or more of the following types of documentation that may evidence that bona fides of your marriage:

E. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or

F. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or

G. Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or

H. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or

I. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or

J. Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-130instr.pdf

Most, in a short marriage provide "I." Affidavits.

Again you are required to file an I-130 first.

Start here: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/uscis/i130filing.html

Thanks for answering my question - I read that in the I-30, the letter my mom/grandmother signed/wrote has all their information as "I. Affidavit" but I was wondering if I send this in with my first batch of files, I am assuming so but it says in the checklist not to send an extraneous amount of photos or tax returns etc. so I was just making sure it had to be sent with the I-130 and not later on in the process.

Also, I am assuming I don't need to fill out the I-129F form with this? I was going to do K-3 visa before I knew about DCF and it was needed for that.

Thanks again for all your help!!!

Yes, this is attached to the I-130.

[thepettle 0]

Thank you for your help It is really appreciated!!!