Proof of relationship

[cassecouilles 3]

Hi guys,

I am trying to assemble everything I have for proof of relationship. So far it's print screens of skype, facebook, emails, travel itineraries and hotel confirmations (I never kept actual tickets or boarding cards, think that'll be a problem?), pictures, his orders, etc.

My fiance and I have a 5 months old little boy so I thought to add his birth certificate to the stack because it clearly states that he is our son. However, since Ian was born in Brussels his birth certificate is in French. I translated it once before myself, when we applied for his american citizenship, but never had it translated by a certified translator. Do you think I should when sending the petition? I am perfectly capable of doing it myself as I'm only a couple of classes away from having my degree in translating. By the way, as a benificiary my borth certificate is not required, right? I thought that was a bit strange.

Any opinion is appreciated :-)

[C-ma'am 684]

Hi guys,

I am trying to assemble everything I have for proof of relationship. So far it's print screens of skype, facebook, emails, travel itineraries and hotel confirmations (I never kept actual tickets or boarding cards, think that'll be a problem?), pictures, his orders, etc.

My fiance and I have a 5 months old little boy so I thought to add his birth certificate to the stack because it clearly states that he is our son. However, since Ian was born in Brussels his birth certificate is in French. I translated it once before myself, when we applied for his american citizenship, but never had it translated by a certified translator. Do you think I should when sending the petition? I am perfectly capable of doing it myself as I'm only a couple of classes away from having my degree in translating. By the way, as a benificiary my borth certificate is not required, right? I thought that was a bit strange.

Any opinion is appreciated :-)

Hello and welcome to VJ!

Since you are about to file the petition, what you need to prove to USCIS is that you have met, face to face, at least once in the past two years. The primary evidence for this purpose will be any passport stamps, ATM transactions, hotel receipts, boarding passes (not itineraries, as they could have been cancelled) and then you will back up that evidence with pictures (preferably) and anything else you want.

In your case, since you have a 5mo old baby, well... it takes two to tango, so that can also be used as proof that you were in the same time and space 14 months ago or junior wouldn't be around There's no need to have your baby's birth certificate translated by a certified translator, just by someone with English proficiency (in this case you). Just remember to add this little line at the end of your translation:

I, Cassecouilles SMITH, being duly sworn, depose and say that I translated this document from French to English. This translation is accurate and complete. I further certify that I am fully competent to translate from French to English. Signature of Translator______________________

So you sign it and voila!

Your birth certificate will be needed only at the interview stage but you won't have to translate it; however, you will need translations later on, after you come to the US and get married, for the following step called Adjustment of Status (a.k.a AOS) which will allow you to become a resident.

EDIT: This guide will help you put the petition together http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide and if you have any more questions, just ask

Edited August 30, 2012 by Celeste & C

[cassecouilles 3]

Thank you Celeste that was incredibly helpful! I rather thought that Ian would be sufficient proof in himself ;-)But I guess I'm paranoid and since there's a pretty important timing issue I just wanted to be sure I won't have to contend with an extra RFE. I'll definitely follow your advice on the translation and docs I need!

[C-ma'am 684]

Thank you Celeste that was incredibly helpful! I rather thought that Ian would be sufficient proof in himself ;-)But I guess I'm paranoid and since there's a pretty important timing issue I just wanted to be sure I won't have to contend with an extra RFE. I'll definitely follow your advice on the translation and docs I need!

No problem. Just look at it this way... the person who receives your file must be able to establish the requirements (free to marry, have met at least once in the past two years) really easily. Your evidence is the one that needs to tell the tale. So, put yourself in their shoes

On question 18 of the i-129f, you will set the start line.. The question is, how did you two meet? Don't tell a love story, simply answer the question with facts (for example): We met at a bar in Brussels in September of 2010 while I was backpacking in Europe. We started our relationship right there and then. I went back to Belgium in February 2011 and we now have a 5 month old baby together."

With the stamps, the hotel receipts, pictures and Junior's BC, you will be able to back up this story.

Makes sense?