Primary Vs Secondary Evidence?

[cmoore25 4]

Can somebody give me examples (or a link) to primary evidence that should be included in the K1 application?

I am in the final stages of putting together our packet to mail to Texas and just want to make sure I have everything possible to avoid an RFE. I am following the Step-by-Step Guide from this site - are those the only things I need to include?

I am a bit worried b/c I see people talking about FB & Skype transcripts. The extractor program for skype does not work on my computer (mac) so there really is no way to prove that. I have FB message and emails, however, as far as phone calls go (many a week for the past year) I have no evidence b/c it was all skype to skype. Ugh...

I just don't want to miss anything, I suppose it's just nerves about FINALLY submitting everything. That, and all I've been reading about the Vermont processing center...goooooodness!

[Vera & Levi 0]

I will just tell you what we sent when were filling to VSC in Vermont and we got approved. We sent like 20 pictures of us together. Put at the back the date and place this picture was taken. Then we sent about 20 emails that we sent back and forth. We wrote letter of intent of how we met. As well as we sent receipts of us going to cinemas, restaurants, trips and etc. My fiance was buying tickets online to come and see me, so we printed confirmations of electronic tickets. At this stage we didn't send any skype, yahoo, msn conversations. This will be needed at the Interview at the Embassy.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Can somebody give me examples (or a link) to primary evidence that should be included in the K1 application?

I am in the final stages of putting together our packet to mail to Texas and just want to make sure I have everything possible to avoid an RFE. I am following the Step-by-Step Guide from this site - are those the only things I need to include?

I am a bit worried b/c I see people talking about FB & Skype transcripts. The extractor program for skype does not work on my computer (mac) so there really is no way to prove that. I have FB message and emails, however, as far as phone calls go (many a week for the past year) I have no evidence b/c it was all skype to skype. Ugh...

I just don't want to miss anything, I suppose it's just nerves about FINALLY submitting everything. That, and all I've been reading about the Vermont processing center...goooooodness!

If you are just working on the initial filing of the I-129F petition, then Skype and Facebook will not help you. All you need to prove with the original petition is that a) you are both able to legally get married b) the petitioner is a United States citizen and c) you have met in person in the last two years.

Primary evidence for having met in the last two years includes passport stamps, boarding passes, receipts, etc. Anything that proves without a doubt that you were in the same place at the same time.

Secondary evidence is photographs of the two of you together.

When people mention Skype and Facebook, they are likely talking about evidence of an ongoing relationship which does not need to be provided until the interview in the beneficiary's home country. So there is plenty of time to gather that up while you are waiting for your NOA2. I suggest beginning to email each other, so that you are able to print out emails as well as begin to use a new sort of messenger system so you are able to print out conversations.

Edited January 19, 2011 by Coconuts

[nastja 0]

Hey!

I have a question about all these skype/messenger/facebook talks.

Is it okay if you just pick . . . an appropriate part of a conversations, because our convos sometimes include some hilarious sentences. Oh and I was wondering if they actually read everything you send, including long letters and stuff like that?

Thanks.

[max+patricia 24]

Hey!

I have a question about all these skype/messenger/facebook talks.

Is it okay if you just pick . . . an appropriate part of a conversations, because our convos sometimes include some hilarious sentences. Oh and I was wondering if they actually read everything you send, including long letters and stuff like that?

Thanks.

We did this with tons of emails and letters - printing them out in their entirety and blacking out things we deemed personal.

It shouldn't be a problem, many others have done the same. Good luck!

[USColombia 6]

Hey!

I have a question about all these skype/messenger/facebook talks.

Is it okay if you just pick . . . an appropriate part of a conversations, because our convos sometimes include some hilarious sentences. Oh and I was wondering if they actually read everything you send, including long letters and stuff like that?

Thanks.

I'm sure they wont read EVERYTHING word for word, they just want to get a general idea of how you two are acting with each other. I'd print samples and identify what it is they are looking at at the top in bold. I.e. Skype Conversation 10/11/10 or Email From 10/12/10. Something like that.

Edited January 19, 2011 by USColombia

[nastja 0]

Well we're not there yet, but I just thought I could start putting all the things together already, I really don't wanna hurry when we actually decide to petition for my fiance visa.

And yes, I think I'll just black out some things, it's the easiest way.

[Maleman 5]

In applying my two bits regarding “Evidence of the Relationship,” I’m not sure any of us truly understand the mindset or internal workings of the USCIS. Nonetheless, the senior members within JV have seen and experienced a great deal. Thus, their advice should be pretty solid. Based on others reporting and advice, along with our experience, I cannot say enough about postal mail. Email and other digital formats are so easily manipulated. Therefore, we used postal mail as well as Email, Cam, and such. The postal mail not only shows a more personal involvement, but is also post marked from each corresponding country, in turn, rendering a better means of authenticated communication. Yes, sadly, the postal mail is much slower. However, I believe it will stand better than copies of emails alone. I know you will prevail!

[nastja 0]

I'm pretty sure about that too. I have written him two letters by now. One for his Birthday and one for Christmas. And he has written one for me. We'll just copy those and some more we'll write during the time we're apart.

Actually . . . I prefer letters, they seem much more personal than emails. You have to put effort and time in it, and I always rewrite them at least twice so they look pretty.

[LewisandAlena 0]

I am a bit worried b/c I see people talking about FB & Skype transcripts. The extractor program for skype does not work on my computer (mac) so there really is no way to prove that. I have FB message and emails, however, as far as phone calls go (many a week for the past year) I have no evidence b/c it was all skype to skype. Ugh...

I had trouble getting our actual call history, too. I ended up actually just print-screening samples of skype conversations and facebook messages. I highlighted call lengths on skype (hours and hours and hours) and blanked out everything in the facebook messages except things like "i love you" "xoxox" and "___ days until I see you again!" It probably wouldn't stand up in a court of law because it could be edited so easily, but along with our pictures and stamped passport pages I think it proves an ongoing relationship. Why would you quit your job to visit your girlfriend and then fake skype records?

[pushbrk 13,515]

In applying my two bits regarding "Evidence of the Relationship," I'm not sure any of us truly understand the mindset or internal workings of the USCIS. Nonetheless, the senior members within JV have seen and experienced a great deal. Thus, their advice should be pretty solid. Based on others reporting and advice, along with our experience, I cannot say enough about postal mail. Email and other digital formats are so easily manipulated. Therefore, we used postal mail as well as Email, Cam, and such. The postal mail not only shows a more personal involvement, but is also post marked from each corresponding country, in turn, rendering a better means of authenticated communication. Yes, sadly, the postal mail is much slower. However, I believe it will stand better than copies of emails alone. I know you will prevail!

See bold above. USCIS doesn't care in the least about evidence of relationship. They care only about primary evidence of meeting in person, freedom to marry and the petitioner's US Citizenship status. "Evidence of relationship" is for the Consular officer to evaluate. With that in mind, you make good points but the Consular officer (not USCIS) is looking for evidence of how and how frequently you communicate secondarily but primarily how frequently and how much time you've spent together, whether you CAN communicate and whether the beneficiary KNOWS what a fiancee WOULD KNOW about the petitioner and the relationship. So, make sure your attention is on the priorities.

[Maleman 5]

The tidbit I shared was just as a side note. I wholeheartedly agree with “Straight Talk,” when he says apply the emphasis on when you met and how much time you spent together (Document it!). As it pertained to my wife and I, although we only met once in her country we traveled together a great deal during that time and saved everything! Additionally, at the hotels/resorts when I had my credit card backing my stay I had her sign for a great deal of the meal and gift receipts. In this manner not only did it substantiate that she was with me, it noted this by proof of her signature. Please note your trips do not have to entail spending a great deal of money, but just take time to be creative in validating your time spent together. Thanks Straight Talk!