Starting AOS process, May have some Red Flags :(

[jdh 103]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm glad everything worked out great for you.

The courthouse wedding for us was more like a legal procedure, while when it comes to actual wedding with all the formalities, we still want to have one.. actually two but it is not possible until we get through the paper process. I think it's understandable and officer would accept it. And also, if any questions asked, I do know a lot about his family. We talk a lot. Especially at the beginning of our relationship, we used to talk all night long so i'm aware of many things from his past etc..

Knowing about his family and knowing his family are two different things. People who commit marriage fraud can know 'about' things by rehearsal.

I really believe that is your biggest red flag - that and the fact that as a result of his mommy situation you are going to have a hard time getting any evidence built up.

[RussianAmerican 0]

In regards to intent, you said you had no plans on immigrating here during your visit. Were you ever put into secondary screening upon arrival?, and if you did what did they ask? (this is where they will get you on intent). If you were not put into secondary screening, then you should be fine. Best of luck.

I'm not 100% sure what secondary screening is so I hope that means that i never been put through one. Last time I entered USA in Atlanta, officer on a regular customs check point asked me if i'm aware of the fact that i can only stay not more than 6 months out of a year in USA and that i already been in states for 2.5 months in 2011. And I said I know. I was just going to jamaica through the USA and intended to stay maybe couple weeks after Jamaica just to visit friends etc. So he put a stamp for 6 months on my i-94 again (they always did that,e every time i came but of course i never stayed the full 6 months). And after i came back to Atl from Jamaica i absolutely had no problems with customs, they left the same i-94 and didn't ask any questions.

[RussianAmerican 0]

Knowing about his family and knowing his family are two different things. People who commit marriage fraud can know 'about' things by rehearsal.

I really believe that is your biggest red flag - that and the fact that as a result of his mommy situation you are going to have a hard time getting any evidence built up.

Yes, I understand. You have a valid point. Thank you for it. But may I ask a question, how do you think it may come to their attention? It doesn't shows up in a first/main package that we send, right? I understand they may ask during the interview, i'd just say that i met them, they are aware and it is what it is. No we don't have no pictures together (as of right now) from thanksgivings and christmas, but we don't really have pictures like that period.. we don't necessarily into the big outings etc. He stays in the gym a lot, i study online. How much deeper they can go into situation on spot?

Don't get me wrong, i'm not trying to lie about situation. I just don't think i should talk about it unless they ask.

Also, when it comes to evidence.. yes it's hard for us to put my name on the lease right now, but this is optional right? If i show joint bank account, bills, pictures... it may work too right? In the guides, it says show the proof of Bona Fide Marriage: .... OR .... OR .... OR... etc. I hope other papers that i include would satisfy them.

[Reyan 56]

You didn't go through secondary screening, if you did you would know.

Gather as much co-mingling of documents as you can (what about medical/dental/car insurance, life/retirement?). In regards to the lease (you will have an opportunity to explain your situation during the interview), as long as you can prove that you live in the same address it should be fine. It was not easy for me to add my fiancee (now wife) to my lease, because they require a credit check (she had no credit history or SSN at the time). They ended up running the report under her name, but added me as a joint-signer to get her approved. Good luck.

[Mike Z 8]

Also, when it comes to evidence.. yes it's hard for us to put my name on the lease right now, but this is optional right? If i show joint bank account, bills, pictures... it may work too right? In the guides, it says show the proof of Bona Fide Marriage: .... OR .... OR .... OR... etc. I hope other papers that i include would satisfy them.

It looks like a decent package. dont worry too much about lease if your bank stuff is solid.

Yes, I understand. You have a valid point. Thank you for it. But may I ask a question, how do you think it may come to their attention? It doesn't shows up in a first/main package that we send, right? I understand they may ask during the interview, i'd just say that i met them, they are aware and it is what it is. No we don't have no pictures together (as of right now) from thanksgivings and christmas, but we don't really have pictures like that period.. we don't necessarily into the big outings etc. He stays in the gym a lot, i study online. How much deeper they can go into situation on spot?

No, USCIS wont look into his mothers knowledge when you first send in your application.

jdh is referring to documents your husbands mother might have (birth certificate? not needed for initial filing but for interview). and that it may be difficult to get hold of them if she doesnt know about you...

//EDIT: just a thought - does he have a credit card? usually pretty easy & fast to add a second person.

Edited May 4, 2012 by Mike Z

[SOflaherty 40]

I wouldn't worry about the mom thing too much, some families are just not close and I'm sure they see that every day. My husband hasn't met my parents after nearly 2 years of marriage because I don't talk to them. It's not a big deal.

As for documents of his, if he needs his birth certificate or something he is perfectly capable of ordering his own copy like a big boy. He doesn't need his mother for that,

[DandT14 272]

You didn't go through secondary screening, if you did you would know.

That made me smile... My husband was put through secondary screening on his first trip to the US from Canada. He found it all rather amusing, until he missed his flight!

Russian, you have time. My suggestion, like others have said, would be to send what you have and then gather whatever else you can. I don't think your story sounds all that crazy for young people. Hopefully your interviewer sees it the same way.

Good luck.

[jdh 103]

In all liklihood you won't have issues.

The intent thing is nothing to worry about - you did not marry immediately after crossing, so it would hardly be a question - even if it were a question, that's all it would be. They are directed with the intent thing to believe the statement of the immigrant unless compelling evidence shows otherwise. Also directed that should it be believed that they did have intent to immigrate that it be forgiven because the weight of strong family ties outweighs the negative factor of intent,

The question of the in-laws has come up in some folks interviews on here, so I would definitely be ready for it. Plus it sounds like he is fairly close with his mom, so it would be great long term for you guys to be able to be open and be able to share your happiness with the momma.

Best of luck and keep us updated!

[bigdog 376]

Good Luck and congratulations.

[AmyWrites 593]

My interview went bad just because we don't have lots of financial co-mingling or a joint lease. So I'm not so optimistic about you and would try to add you to the lease or get some more financial co-mingling. THe family secret thing is a pretty terrible idea too IMO. Don't think the intent thing will be an issue though.

Edited May 5, 2012 by AmyWrites

[Peter_Pan 661]

But if the US citizen has bad credit, won't mingling affect the spouse's credit score?

[Sayha or bust. 71]

But if the US citizen has bad credit, won't mingling affect the spouse's credit score?

That's irrelevant to the AOS , her hubby could have bad credit and still get a GC for her as long as he's above the 125% poverty guideline.

[jdh 103]

That's irrelevant to the AOS , her hubby could have bad credit and still get a GC for her as long as he's above the 125% poverty guideline.

I think this person was just speaking of down the road, to which the answer is no.

Having a joint bank account doesn't effect either persons individual credit. Also joint credit cards are typically not truly joint - generally th contract fine print still shows that the original/primary card holder is the one inevitably reponsible for the debt. In other words collection agencies could not try to collect from the second card holder. Definitely look at fine print on things before you agree to them.

What may affect the credit of both persons is having bills in both names and not paying them, not sure on that. Moral of that story - pay your bills and it won't be an issue.

Edited May 5, 2012 by jdh

[Sayha or bust. 71]

I think this person was just speaking of down the road, to which the answer is no.

Having a joint bank account doesn't effect either persons individual credit. Also joint credit cards are typically not truly joint - generally th contract fine print still shows that the original/primary card holder is the one inevitably reponsible for the debt. In other words collection agencies could not try to collect from the second card holder. Definitely look at fine print on things before you agree to them.

What may affect the credit of both persons is having bills in both names and not paying them, not sure on that. Moral of that story - pay your bills and it won't be an issue.

Your right I was going to come back and hit edit but too late. TY.

[juliava 80]

In regards to your living arrangements, do not worry too much: try and obtain some affidavits from family, neighbors or people who work in the building management office, etc. stating that you have been living at address X since date Y. That would help. Once you get your EAD, go to DMV and obtain a picture ID. That would be another solid proof of living at address X.