I-129F: include proof of an ongoing relationship or not?

[Golden_State 2]

Hi,

I'm brand new to VJ so please excuse me if this question has been asked already! I've been reading the guides and FAQs for the K-1 visa and the initial I-129F forms very thoroughly, and noticed that VJ suggests including proof on an ongoing relationship in the initial package, even though it's not strictly required. I'm wondering if people who have done (and haven't done) this can weigh in with their experiences providing this info upfront. I have no problem providing proof of the relationship, I'm just wondering if it really does help, and how much to provide with the I-129F application.

Thanks so much in advance!!

[isitasham 1]

Hi,

I'm brand new to VJ so please excuse me if this question has been asked already! I've been reading the guides and FAQs for the K-1 visa and the initial I-129F forms very thoroughly, and noticed that VJ suggests including proof on an ongoing relationship in the initial package, even though it's not strictly required. I'm wondering if people who have done (and haven't done) this can weigh in with their experiences providing this info upfront. I have no problem providing proof of the relationship, I'm just wondering if it really does help, and how much to provide with the I-129F application.

Thanks so much in advance!!

I think it is always a good idea to provide as much proof of relationship as you can up-front and not give any of the agencies an opportunity to deny your case due to lack of such evidence. Remember, there are so-to-say easy consulates that may not require much proof, but there are others (such as Delhi consulate) that will look for any excuse to deny your case. So assess or ask around the "stingy-factor" of your consulate and go accordingly.

It is generally a good idea to err on the side of more information than the lack of it.

Good Luck!

[TBoneTX 45,540]

Welcome to VJ!

Your very good and intelligent question has indeed been discussed here. The act of including relationship evidence with an initial petition is called "front-loading."

In short, USCIS (with whom you file the I-129F petition) does not care whether you include relationship evidence. However, once the petition is approved and it reaches the consular stage, it can be a wholly different matter. "Easy" consulates (Canada is likely one -- see the regional forum for Canada) will accept relationship evidence that is brought to the visa interview. "#######" consulates (many in Africa & Asia, and some in Central & South America) can refuse to accept evidence that is brought to the interview, and in fact, consular officers can throw interviewees out of the interview for "insufficient evidence of relationship." This has happened.

An attorney who is a member of VJ, Marc Ellis (member name, Ellis-Island), reasons that if USCIS has seen evidence of a relationship in an initial petition before sending it to an embassy or consulate, the embassy or consulate cannot deny the existence of that evidence. For this reason, it does not hurt for a petitioner to include relationship evidence with the initial I-129F (or K-3, or CR-1) filing, and it could greatly help, or indeed prove to be quite crucial.

Go to the top of any screen here on VJ, click "Reviews: Embassy," and select "Ecuador" to read some true horror stories. Then, go to the regional forum for Canada, introduce yourself, listen to the experienced members there, and be thankful that you are dealing with a largely reasonable consulate.

You're obviously thoughtful and literate, which makes you a valuable and valued member of VJ. Again, welcome!

[Dakine 26]

Hi,

I'm brand new to VJ so please excuse me if this question has been asked already! I've been reading the guides and FAQs for the K-1 visa and the initial I-129F forms very thoroughly, and noticed that VJ suggests including proof on an ongoing relationship in the initial package, even though it's not strictly required. I'm wondering if people who have done (and haven't done) this can weigh in with their experiences providing this info upfront. I have no problem providing proof of the relationship, I'm just wondering if it really does help, and how much to provide with the I-129F application.

Thanks so much in advance!!

Some embassy's [or COs] seem not to be paying much attention to evidence people have been bringing to their interview and have already made their decision from the evidence submitted with the initial petition so people are "front loading" a lot more.

Used to be people only submitted enough evidence they had met in person in the last 2 years and submitted proof of having a bonafide relationship at their interview.. That seems to be changing. Especially for Vietnam.

Edited December 27, 2009 by Dakine

[Golden_State 2]

thank you so much for the replies! I'm amazed by how helpful the VJ members are! Can't wait until the process is done and I can pay it forward.

[Yan&Gary 0]

thank you so much for the replies! I'm amazed by how helpful the VJ members are! Can't wait until the process is done and I can pay it forward.

I am surprised that it wasn't prevously mentioned. The K1 application is for a Visa for marriage within 90 days of

entry. So if there isn't any evidence of a relationship, then why would you be requesting the government for

a visa so you 2 can get married?

[ScottThuy 140]

I am surprised that it wasn't prevously mentioned. The K1 application is for a Visa for marriage within 90 days of

entry. So if there isn't any evidence of a relationship, then why would you be requesting the government for

a visa so you 2 can get married?