Proof of relationship for interview

[thaigecko 0]

Hey all, my wife has her interview for a CR-1 in the end of August, and I'm probly thinking about it more than I should, but with all the bad stories I've read about Embassies needing more information, want to make sure we're ready. Only thing that concerns me is having to show proof of relationship. From what I've read many people have had issues with this, but not sure if it's as hard for a CR-1. I've been living with my wife for a year and a half, but we don't have a single thing really in both our names besides the marriage certificate, and no emails or telephone conversations because I've been abroad the whole time. The only thing we'll have is tons of pictures from the past year and half. Will this be enough you think? I'll be 'around' the embassy during the interview, but from what I hear they don't even want the husband there during the interview. Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and input on experiences, just want to have all my ducks in a row.

[Ning 619]

Hey all, my wife has her interview for a CR-1 in the end of August, and I'm probly thinking about it more than I should, but with all the bad stories I've read about Embassies needing more information, want to make sure we're ready. Only thing that concerns me is having to show proof of relationship. From what I've read many people have had issues with this, but not sure if it's as hard for a CR-1. I've been living with my wife for a year and a half, but we don't have a single thing really in both our names besides the marriage certificate, and no emails or telephone conversations because I've been abroad the whole time. The only thing we'll have is tons of pictures from the past year and half. Will this be enough you think? I'll be 'around' the embassy during the interview, but from what I hear they don't even want the husband there during the interview. Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and input on experiences, just want to have all my ducks in a row.

When my wife interviewed I was there which I know is probably not allowed now. However during the interview I wasnt needed & was only asked questions to be polite I believe.

The officer was not interested in any pictures ect. The marrige certificate was enough. The only questions were how long had we been married & things along that line.

It seemed to me that if the documents are in order everything else will be fine. Like you, I had been in Thailand for 18 months. I wrote a letter to them explaining that & submitted it with the documents at the window outside.

I know we see the horror stories but what we dont see are the day to day success stories. I dont know any reason that yours will not be one of those.

[daboyz 36]

They got really hardcore earlier in the year. I lived there for 3 years, two of them with my wife. Things seemed to have settled down now. Here's what happened to me:

It took 3 tries to get the visa. She went in alone on Feb 23, 2009. They gave her 221g. They wanted more proof, and said that more I-864 was below the guidelines for 2007, since I owed the IRS 10k. I fixed the I-864 issue by sending my 2008 IRS returns with W-2s and 1099s which showed me to be well above the limit. I sill haven't figured out how they found about this, or why NVC didn't deny me at that stage. Went back in March 2 with the updated tax returns and more proof. The accepted the tax return, but denied her again. We want to see more photos! Ok then 2 digital cameras, photos together all over Bangkok, off to the 1 hour photo shop. Went back in AGAIN on March 3 with these photos. Visa approved, come back tomorrow to pick it up.

I lived with my wife in Bangkok for 2 years. I showed them utility bills with both our names, at the same address in Bangkok. I also showed them two passports with about 100 entry stamps into Thailand. I guess the issue was that I only proved to them that I lived in Thailand, not that I lived with her. So next time you are together, go crazy with the camera.

[Chris Me lil D 17]

Hey all, my wife has her interview for a CR-1 in the end of August, and I'm probly thinking about it more than I should, but with all the bad stories I've read about Embassies needing more information, want to make sure we're ready. Only thing that concerns me is having to show proof of relationship. From what I've read many people have had issues with this, but not sure if it's as hard for a CR-1. I've been living with my wife for a year and a half, but we don't have a single thing really in both our names besides the marriage certificate, and no emails or telephone conversations because I've been abroad the whole time. The only thing we'll have is tons of pictures from the past year and half. Will this be enough you think? I'll be 'around' the embassy during the interview, but from what I hear they don't even want the husband there during the interview.

It's not that they don't want the USC at the interview. The USC can attend if he/she wants to. The USEM is considered an American land, so they can not forbid you to enter the USEM with your spouse for their interview. If really Thailand USEM does not let US citizens inside, you could give your wife your US passport to have it with her while being interviewed. This way the CO will know you are outside waiting for her.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and input on experiences, just want to have all my ducks in a row.

[Ning 619]

Hey all, my wife has her interview for a CR-1 in the end of August, and I'm probly thinking about it more than I should, but with all the bad stories I've read about Embassies needing more information, want to make sure we're ready. Only thing that concerns me is having to show proof of relationship. From what I've read many people have had issues with this, but not sure if it's as hard for a CR-1. I've been living with my wife for a year and a half, but we don't have a single thing really in both our names besides the marriage certificate, and no emails or telephone conversations because I've been abroad the whole time. The only thing we'll have is tons of pictures from the past year and half. Will this be enough you think? I'll be 'around' the embassy during the interview, but from what I hear they don't even want the husband there during the interview.

It's not that they don't want the USC at the interview. The USC can attend if he/she wants to. The USEM is considered an American land, so they can not forbid you to enter the USEM with your spouse for their interview. If really Thailand USEM does not let US citizens inside, you could give your wife your US passport to have it with her while being interviewed. This way the CO will know you are outside waiting for her.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and input on experiences, just want to have all my ducks in a row.

Its true that Embassies are American soil, however the USC is no longer allowed inside the Embassy in BKK. The story by a V J member says a USC went crazy inside after they were denied a visa . Several members have have said they were not allowed entry after that incident.

[Chris Me lil D 17]

Hey all, my wife has her interview for a CR-1 in the end of August, and I'm probly thinking about it more than I should, but with all the bad stories I've read about Embassies needing more information, want to make sure we're ready. Only thing that concerns me is having to show proof of relationship. From what I've read many people have had issues with this, but not sure if it's as hard for a CR-1. I've been living with my wife for a year and a half, but we don't have a single thing really in both our names besides the marriage certificate, and no emails or telephone conversations because I've been abroad the whole time. The only thing we'll have is tons of pictures from the past year and half. Will this be enough you think? I'll be 'around' the embassy during the interview, but from what I hear they don't even want the husband there during the interview.

It's not that they don't want the USC at the interview. The USC can attend if he/she wants to. The USEM is considered an American land, so they can not forbid you to enter the USEM with your spouse for their interview. If really Thailand USEM does not let US citizens inside, you could give your wife your US passport to have it with her while being interviewed. This way the CO will know you are outside waiting for her.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and input on experiences, just want to have all my ducks in a row.

Its true that Embassies are American soil, however the USC is no longer allowed inside the Embassy in BKK. The story by a V J member says a USC went crazy inside after they were denied a visa . Several members have have said they were not allowed entry after that incident.

but still, I said: If really Thailand USEM does not let US citizens inside, you could give your wife your US passport to have it with her while being interviewed. This way the CO will know you are outside waiting for her.

OP (thaigecko) so I can update spreadsheets. When is your wife's interview?

[daboyz 36]

Also there are certain times they are open for USC services. The times they give interviews are not those times. If you get 221g and are asked for more info, they will allow the USC in with the beneficiary.

[thaigecko 0]

thanks for the replies. I'll probly go online and set myself up for an appointment for a notary or more pages in passport and try to get in early if not the same time as the wife, and be inside someplace waiting for her. Might do that with the passport and give that to her if the officer wants to see that I've been in Thailand the whole time I've been with her. Got over here about 21 months ago, been with her for close to 20 and have plenty of pics throughout that time.

As far as the finances, I have a co-sponsor which meets current requirements, only couple things that I can even imagine they might want is a recient pay stub from them, which we didn't have, but did have a letter from the employer which I'm under the impression you can have instead of the pay stub. Also, I didn't file any taxes last year because didn't really 'officially' work on paper, but since I have a co-sponsor, my taxes shouldn't even be an issue right?