Declaration of having met in last two years.

[Hannah Pevehouse 0]

This is probably a really stupid question, but I'm trying to write the declaration of us having met in the last two years. We've met *numerous* times -- we actually lived together until a few months ago. Most of my actual proof -- photos, airline ticket stubs (I also have a phone bill and engagement ring receipt) -- comes from a vacation we took to Italy over the summer. But between then and now, I've gone to see him an additional six or seven times. What exactly do I write about? I'm so confused!

[JamalNTam 1]

This is probably a really stupid question, but I'm trying to write the declaration of us having met in the last two years. We've met *numerous* times -- we actually lived together until a few months ago. Most of my actual proof -- photos, airline ticket stubs (I also have a phone bill and engagement ring receipt) -- comes from a vacation we took to Italy over the summer. But between then and now, I've gone to see him an additional six or seven times. What exactly do I write about? I'm so confused!

We have been in exactly the same situation! We lived together for abiut 1 year and Jamal just moved back to the states. The only airline tickets etc for us was when we took vacations together - to Italy also!! Because Mal is in the military we sent the orders he was given proving that he was based in the UK for 2 years. We also sent bills and letters addressed to both of us around the same dates at the same address. Because Mal is in the military I couldnt be on the lease too or pay for any utilities but I sent my bank statements with the same address.We wroe how and when the 1st time we met, how our relationship progressed and when we moved in together. We also said that we took many vacations together and sent in some itinery (we used cheap planes so the boarding pass really doesnt show anything on it plus we threw most away). Anyways - they are just really looking for proof you've met in the last 2 years, so what you have should be fine. You'll really need to prove the relationship at the interview! Good luck xx

[Yodrak 7]

Hannah Pevehouse,

You've pretty much written it right here. Add a few dates and put things in sequence and you've got it.

Yodrak

This is probably a really stupid question, but I'm trying to write the declaration of us having met in the last two years. We've met *numerous* times -- we actually lived together until a few months ago. Most of my actual proof -- photos, airline ticket stubs (I also have a phone bill and engagement ring receipt) -- comes from a vacation we took to Italy over the summer. But between then and now, I've gone to see him an additional six or seven times. What exactly do I write about? I'm so confused!

[Hannah Pevehouse 0]

Tam - haha, cool. I wish I had thought ahead enough to save our bills from when we lived together. Although I think I can get transcripts for both of us from the university, showing that we lived/went to school at the same times together.

Anyway, thanks for the help guys! One step closer to getting this done...

[mozplay 29]

Don't overload them will too many bills and things. Your transcripts will be fine, but what with your flight info from the Summer trip, that's proof enough of what they want to see. Phone bills do not prove having met, so don't bother to include that bit. Credit card spending, or post-marked envelopes can also put you in the same place together. Just try to back up what you write in your statement with photos - then it creates a whole picture.

Good luck.

[J&D_anon 0]

Hmmmmm.......we are going to send off our I-129F tomorrow and we added pictures, my boarding ticket and that's actually about it. We didn't write a letter to it, because we answered the question if we met within 2 years already on the I-129F form. We just put our proof into an envelope. Isn't that good enough, or should we write a letter how we met and discribe the proofing material???

Thanks,

Diana

[Autumnchik 6]

I sent in copies of passport pages that showed my entries into Canada to visit my fiance and his visits to the U.S. to see me. I sent photos from those trips as well.

Good luck!

[Ladylethal 12]

Make the statement consise but be sure you write down all the dates in which you've met from the first to last.

In mine what I did was make a short explanation of how we met the first time and then added dates and brief explanation of what was done in each subsequential trip taken. I closed by saying how we got engaged 'cus I thought it added feeling and truth to our story.

[1HappyGuy 45]

First of all, the only stupid question is the one not asked.

As for declaration of your relationship, consider writing what happened as if you were telling your mother. It's okay to say that you met in whatever manner it was, that you had a connection and as the two of you got to know each other you began to fall in love. The other points given earlier are correct as to filling in the dates you met, times of other visits, etc. The one aspect necessary is to prove you have met in the last two years. Copies of airline tickets, passport stamps, hotel reservations, tickets to events or amusement arenas within your fiance's country, emails, telephone bills, letters and of course photos of the two of you together are all necessary.

I used copies of money exchanges, bus tickets and even grocery receipts as evidence if they show dates and city. Keep the evidence organized, send photo copies unless originals are required and label everything. Consider it a scrapbook of your new love and you will be fine.

Good luck.

[Marina + Dave 0]

Hmmmmm.......we are going to send off our I-129F tomorrow and we added pictures, my boarding ticket and that's actually about it. We didn't write a letter to it, because we answered the question if we met within 2 years already on the I-129F form. We just put our proof into an envelope. Isn't that good enough, or should we write a letter how we met and discribe the proofing material???

Thanks,

Diana

There is a great example of a cover sheet here on VJ that you can use to just introduce what you have included. As well as using that we also sent in an explanation of evidence given so that if they wanted they could have a simply list of everything. In addition to that I put on post-it notes on the actual evidence explaining BRIEFLY what it was. Like on our bank statement (we have a joint account) I wrote something like, "Our most recent bank statement showing that we have shared funds".

I'm not sure if any of that will make any difference, but I thought it might look more organised if there was an introductory letter, as well as potentially making it easier for them.

Hope that helps

Good luck!

[ucla_cutie26 0]

You might want to do what I did. I listed a VERY brief outline of all the meetings that took place between my fiance and I. But make sure to only concentrate on the two year period prior to the filing of your petition, because this is the time period they are looking at. Also, I believe it's a good idea to include copies of passport pages showing entry/exit stamps if possible, this is considered primary evidence. Then you will have pictures, airline ticket stubs, etc. to back up all of your primary evidence. Good luck

[bora bora 1]

I kept mine brief too.

I had a friend, going through the process at the same time, read over my letter.

She'd say "they don't care about this", "unncessary", etc. and so my letter was short and sweet. We met here, on this date, I went home, I returned, ...

I took out all of the "love at first sight", "we couldn't live without each other"

I'd suggest just sticking to the facts.

I sent in the proof that I worked in the same city that we met in (my certificate), 5 emails (with translations), 6 pictures (dated), phone bills, plane tickets, passport stamps, hotel receipt...

A bit of each - don't overwhelm.

[aussiewench 9]

Tip:

Use Q18 to describe in some detail of how you met in the required 2 year period that established the relationship. The evidence you then submit should support those details. Boarding passes, passport stamps, hotel/credit card receipts, rental receipts if ever lived together etc etc are primary evidence. Photos are secondary which support the primary evidence. What one should be aiming for is creating an image in the minds eye of the adjudicator......a complete picture. Look outside the box for evidence that shows you both in the same place at the same time. Each case is different and one should submit evidence accordingly, not just rely on the standard unofficial list.

Whilst evidence of an ongoing relationship is not a requirement at the initial filing stage, it can be beneficial to those from high fraud countries (eg the philipines) to do so, or if there is anything that could be a red flag that may cause issues at interview stage. This evidence should always be very carefully scrutinised especially emails & chat, to make sure there is nothing mentioned that may be construed in a different way then it is meant. Also make sure that any photo evidence submitted of any ceremony cannot be mistaken for a marriage ceremony which has in the past caused issues and denials.