I-751 - Suggestions on what else we coudl prepare while waiting for appt

[106206 15]

We sent in an I-751 package about 3.5" thick weighing 3.7 pounds, just got receipt today. Basically my tactic is send every possible thing they could ever request in an interview and if they ask for interview I'll just increment what I sent.

Question is - where is our evidence soft and what could we incrementally be preparing in case of RFE or interview in the meantime? Note the house was in my name, purchased in 2009, 2 years before we met, I'm the only one on the deed.

Thanks in advance.

Item Details

Payment

Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence

Photocopy of Permanent Resident Card

Photographs Illustrating Relationship between Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

(This was 16 pages, with 4 pics per page listing date, location, event, names of every person in the picture and their relation to us)

Documentation of air travel taken by Conditional Resident and Spouse: Family trips to Boston, Venezuela, Aruba, and Italy

This is a printout of the airline bookings showing the flights. The stamps in the passports (we sent those also) corroborate this evidence. Also one of the affidavits is someone who traveled with us to Italy. The pictures also corroborate this.

Greeting Cards & Letters exchanged between or addressed to Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

About 10 cards total, 3 of which were to both of us

Two (2) Sworn Affidavits of bona fide marriage by personal friends of Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

2012 Federal, State Tax Returns & W2 wage statements for Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

I have 2011 handy J.I.C.

Pay statements and employee record for Spouse of Conditional Resident

Included as it showed me as "Married"

Records illustrating coverage for Conditional Resident on Spouse of Conditional Resident’s medical, dental & vision insurance

Credit Card Transaction Records for Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

This listed summary & detail for every month since she was on account, about 3 months after we got married. In her name is 20k of transactions (we use it as a debit card every day and pay bill in full ea month). About 120k total in expenditures over the 2 yrs. Includes photocopies of our cards front/back. She also has a card in her name (I'm auth user) which we did the same for, although transactions are light, around 2k total.

Records illustrating Conditional Resident as Primary Beneficiary of Spouse’s life insurance, 401(k) and IRA Accounts

Automobile Policy Records illustrating Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident holding joint coverage on family vehicles

Telephone records illustrating Conditional Resident and Spouse on joint phone plan with regular daily calls between Conditional Resident and spouse

For past year, every single phone call placed btwn us is listed in a table, thousands of calls. Summary chart is on the front. Included a screenshot of online service our names on each line.

Letter of Status for Bank Accounts jointly held by Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

We dont use checking account every day. I was only person on the account, I had her added then we got a 'letter of standing'. One of the accounts lists $45k in it.

Last Will & Testament, Power of Attorney, and Living Will for Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

Health club records (two years) illustrating Conditional Resident and Spouse regularly visit health club together on a daily basis

School Records illustrating Conditional Resident’s enrollment and/or completion of courses at XXXX Institute of Technology & XXXXX Extension School

This quantifies what she was doing with her time since she was not working.

Experian Credit Report for Spouse of Conditional Resident showing address and credit account history matched to Item #11 above

This shows the credit cards that were referenced, our address, etc.

Photocopy of Passports for Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

Included with all pages, we circle the stamps that correlate to the pictures we sent showing global travel and also the credit card charges in the records we sent

Certified official copy of the Spouse of Conditional Resident’s prior divorce decree

Just in case they lost it in original file

Certified official copy of marriage certificate between Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

Just in case they lost it in original file

Conditional Resident’s birth certificate (Photocopy of original, Un-translated Spanish & Certified English Translation)

Just in case they lost it in original file

[Navyk 78]

We sent in an I-751 package about 3.5" thick weighing 3.7 pounds, just got receipt today. Basically my tactic is send every possible thing they could ever request in an interview and if they ask for interview I'll just increment what I sent.

Question is - where is our evidence soft and what could we incrementally be preparing in case of RFE or interview in the meantime? Note the house was in my name, purchased in 2009, 2 years before we met, I'm the only one on the deed.

Thanks in advance.

Item Details

Payment

Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence

Photocopy of Permanent Resident Card

Photographs Illustrating Relationship between Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

(This was 16 pages, with 4 pics per page listing date, location, event, names of every person in the picture and their relation to us)

Documentation of air travel taken by Conditional Resident and Spouse: Family trips to Boston, Venezuela, Aruba, and Italy

This is a printout of the airline bookings showing the flights. The stamps in the passports (we sent those also) corroborate this evidence. Also one of the affidavits is someone who traveled with us to Italy. The pictures also corroborate this.

Greeting Cards & Letters exchanged between or addressed to Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

About 10 cards total, 3 of which were to both of us

Two (2) Sworn Affidavits of bona fide marriage by personal friends of Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

2012 Federal, State Tax Returns & W2 wage statements for Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

I have 2011 handy J.I.C.

Pay statements and employee record for Spouse of Conditional Resident

Included as it showed me as "Married"

Records illustrating coverage for Conditional Resident on Spouse of Conditional Resident’s medical, dental & vision insurance

Credit Card Transaction Records for Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

This listed summary & detail for every month since she was on account, about 3 months after we got married. In her name is 20k of transactions (we use it as a debit card every day and pay bill in full ea month). About 120k total in expenditures over the 2 yrs. Includes photocopies of our cards front/back. She also has a card in her name (I'm auth user) which we did the same for, although transactions are light, around 2k total.

Records illustrating Conditional Resident as Primary Beneficiary of Spouse’s life insurance, 401(k) and IRA Accounts

Automobile Policy Records illustrating Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident holding joint coverage on family vehicles

Telephone records illustrating Conditional Resident and Spouse on joint phone plan with regular daily calls between Conditional Resident and spouse

For past year, every single phone call placed btwn us is listed in a table, thousands of calls. Summary chart is on the front. Included a screenshot of online service our names on each line.

Letter of Status for Bank Accounts jointly held by Conditional Resident & Spouse of Conditional Resident

We dont use checking account every day. I was only person on the account, I had her added then we got a 'letter of standing'. One of the accounts lists $45k in it.

Last Will & Testament, Power of Attorney, and Living Will for Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

Health club records (two years) illustrating Conditional Resident and Spouse regularly visit health club together on a daily basis

School Records illustrating Conditional Resident’s enrollment and/or completion of courses at XXXX Institute of Technology & XXXXX Extension School

This quantifies what she was doing with her time since she was not working.

Experian Credit Report for Spouse of Conditional Resident showing address and credit account history matched to Item #11 above

This shows the credit cards that were referenced, our address, etc.

Photocopy of Passports for Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

Included with all pages, we circle the stamps that correlate to the pictures we sent showing global travel and also the credit card charges in the records we sent

Certified official copy of the Spouse of Conditional Resident’s prior divorce decree

Just in case they lost it in original file

Certified official copy of marriage certificate between Conditional Resident and Spouse of Conditional Resident

Just in case they lost it in original file

Conditional Resident’s birth certificate (Photocopy of original, Un-translated Spanish & Certified English Translation)

Just in case they lost it in original file

Yes, you sent tons but are the two following important one attached.

1. copies of joint lease or mortgage deed or letter stating that you live with parents or ...... covering full period.

2. copies of joint bank checking or saving account covering full period - also copies of transactions needed at least one per quarter.

[Done--Really 331]

And why didn't you send all your income tax records??

Too much stuff that doesn't matter, and not enough financial records covering entire period of marriage.

[106206 15]

tx for feedback.

bank stmts were in my name only. I had her added and included the letter of standing. if they ask for this I'll send it.

tax records we were married in 2011, if they want 2011 or earlier I can send it.

to return to original question- what would you suggest I prepare in case of RFE given all the excellent stuff that was sent? thanks in advance.

house in my name only. if they ask I'll send them the deed records showing this was pre marital asset.

to return to original question. while what I sent was extremely compelling, what else might I prepare in the meantime?

Edited September 17, 2013 by caterino

[Cheezees 1,514]

Sorry, but what you originally sent was not extremely compelling at all.

Not strong evidence:

Photos

Birth certificate - not even necessary

Marriage certificate - not even necessary

School enrollment

Travel documents

Greeting cards

Affidavits

Payment stubs

Copy of passport - not even necessary

Strong(er) evidence:

Joint lease/mortgage/deed

Joint car insurance/ownership

Joint taxes (last 2 years)

Joint bank statements (covering the last 2 years - at least statement per acct per quarter)

Joint credit cards

Joint health/life insurance

Wills

Other joint assets

Why would you withhold evidence so you could "send it later"? You are trying to prove the co-mingling of funds and joint liability. Do not give USCIS an excuse to send you an RFE, request for an interview or to deny your case.

Your NOA states that you can send further evidence. Please consider doing so now. You still have a chance. Good luck!

[Navyk 78]

tx for feedback.

bank stmts were in my name only. I had her added and included the letter of standing. if they ask for this I'll send it.

tax records we were married in 2011, if they want 2011 or earlier I can send it.

to return to original question- what would you suggest I prepare in case of RFE given all the excellent stuff that was sent? thanks in advance.

house in my name only. if they ask I'll send them the deed records showing this was pre marital asset.

to return to original question. while what I sent was extremely compelling, what else might I prepare in the meantime?

1. Many got RFE for lack of joint checking or saving accounts. You can send the next joint statements if you get a RFE.

2. I hope you explained why you don't have joint ownership of the house else you do if you get a RFE,

3. They need evidence covering the period starting from GC start date to application date - Tax records to cover this period.

In your case it is best to wait for the next joint bank statement and then sent that with a covering letter explain why you just have one statement, why the house is just in your name...... along with a copy of your NOA. You can also wait till you get a RFE, if any, and then send what that asks for.

[mily7 11]

Hi everyone ... I have a friend who is from Venezuela and she have her appointment interview on december 4, she like to know if is necessary that her husband is present on the interview with her.? can someone reply me please?

[victorian221b 12]

I am confused as to why some considers this list of evidence "not compelling" enough. I can see there may be a few items missing such as actual statements from each month of the joint account but the OP had submitted a letter of status from the bank (if I read that correctly). Some have submitted just a ref. letter about the start and current status of joint bank accounts without bank statements and were approved - so who knows, really depends on the IO.

To OP, here are a few things I may consider in case you do get an RFE:

1) You can add your wife to the deed - it'll have to be recorded and there's a small fee involved.

2) I did not see any utility bills attached, consider getting those.

3) Consider getting tax transcripts from the time you guys began filing jointly. Tax transcripts are easy to get.

4) Any important mails sent to your wife to your address if you don't have lease/mortgage documents proving joint residency.

5) Any health insurance records and claims for doctor's visits?

Too much seemingly useless evidence is better than no evidence and it doesn't look like you only submitted non-compelling evidence anyways so at this point in time it's really up to the IO.

Good luck!

[Dave&Roza 748]

I am confused as to why some considers this list of evidence "not compelling" enough. I can see there may be a few items missing such as actual statements from each month of the joint account but the OP had submitted a letter of status from the bank (if I read that correctly). Some have submitted just a ref. letter about the start and current status of joint bank accounts without bank statements and were approved - so who knows, really depends on the IO.

To OP, here are a few things I may consider in case you do get an RFE:

1) You can add your wife to the deed - it'll have to be recorded and there's a small fee involved.

2) I did not see any utility bills attached, consider getting those.

3) Consider getting tax transcripts from the time you guys began filing jointly. Tax transcripts are easy to get.

4) Any important mails sent to your wife to your address if you don't have lease/mortgage documents proving joint residency.

5) Any health insurance records and claims for doctor's visits?

Too much seemingly useless evidence is better than no evidence and it doesn't look like you only submitted non-compelling evidence anyways so at this point in time it's really up to the IO.

Good luck!

There is a thread by Gary and Alla that has a discussion of what is considered good evidence and not so good evidence and utility bills is on the not so good side; so are cards and letters. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/220440-i-751-evidence/page-1.

The only thing I really see as a "mistake" by the OP was not to inculde the 2011 tax returns. They want to see from the date of the marriage to present time. Doing things now just to have evidence for ROC is a bigger red flag than not having the evidence IHMO. My wife was never on the Deed and currently is sill not on the Deed. We will either add her or I will complete a Quit Claim Deed she can file it should I die to transfer the house to her--have to do that anyway even if she owns half the house to transfer my half to her.

Good luck,

Dave

[106206 15]

I don't know what kind of interview you are talking about but if it is anything other than a biometrics appointment I would be showing up fully prepared, including spouse

Hi everyone ... I have a friend who is from Venezuela and she have her appointment interview on december 4, she like to know if is necessary that her husband is present on the interview with her.? can someone reply me please?

[106206 15]

Sorry, but what you originally sent was not extremely compelling at all.

...

Why would you withhold evidence so you could "send it later"? You are trying to prove the co-mingling of funds and joint liability. Do not give USCIS an excuse to send you an RFE, request for an interview or to deny your case.

Well, the USCIS took a slightly different view. They found the information compelling enough to issue a 10 year greencard - although they did request copies of our driver's licenses, which we sent in, and 2 days after they approved the case!

[victorian221b 12]

Congratulations! This is the reason why I keep saying we never know what USCIS is thinking...

Well, the USCIS took a slightly different view. They found the information compelling enough to issue a 10 year greencard - although they did request copies of our driver's licenses, which we sent in, and 2 days after they approved the case!

[victorian221b 12]

I read that when I was looking for help, and TBH, the whole evidence thing is like a big murky grey body of water. I wouldn't take that as gospel - not especially after getting an RFE. I responded with a very loud bang (read: everything that has both of our names). During the time I was looking for help, there were a bunch of posts suggesting affidavits are useless. But I submitted them anyways. As ridiculous as it may seem, I wouldn't discount magazine subscriptions.

Of course, I wouldn't submit magazine subscriptions in the absence of financial documents. That just won't make sense. However, OP did send compelling evidence, maybe not in the amount that other people are sending but one that sticks out like a sore thumb to me is the will. There were also financial statements, stuff with addresses on like the credit report. I mean, I still don't see anything as bad as some considers.

And well, most important thing is they got approved. Not to say that other couples who read this should do the same just so long as the other couples know what they are doing and not throwing something in the air and let it fall somewhere.

There is a thread by Gary and Alla that has a discussion of what is considered good evidence and not so good evidence and utility bills is on the not so good side; so are cards and letters. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/220440-i-751-evidence/page-1.

The only thing I really see as a "mistake" by the OP was not to inculde the 2011 tax returns. They want to see from the date of the marriage to present time. Doing things now just to have evidence for ROC is a bigger red flag than not having the evidence IHMO. My wife was never on the Deed and currently is sill not on the Deed. We will either add her or I will complete a Quit Claim Deed she can file it should I die to transfer the house to her--have to do that anyway even if she owns half the house to transfer my half to her.

Good luck,

Dave

[Peace.... 281]

WOW... Hmmm that's pretty incredible you were improved with little or no IRS transcripts and bank statements. Geez it took my bank a whole day and two girls printing off two years of daily transactions for three bank accounts and one business account. I sent in over five pounds of evidence. When we got married, I put a medium size bin in my office, every time I received something with our names on it for two years, it went there. My bin was so full with mail, copies of bill together, etc. that it really added up to my surprise along with all the other stuff we sent in.

Congrats on your approval OP...

[Laure&Colin 558]

WOW... Hmmm that's pretty incredible you were improved with little or no IRS transcripts and bank statements. Geez it took my bank a whole day and two girls printing off two years of daily transactions for three bank accounts and one business account. I sent in over five pounds of evidence. When we got married, I put a medium size bin in my office, every time I received something with our names on it for two years, it went there. My bin was so full with mail, copies of bill together, etc. that it really added up to my surprise along with all the other stuff we sent in.

Congrats on your approval OP.

Daily transactions? You don't think monthly statements were good enough?