Evidence of Bonafided Marriage

[saddlepatch 6]

Hello, I need come clarification on a few things as evidence of our relationship for the I-130 petition?

First of all, I keep seeing that in the interviews and on some of the forms, they ask how long have you lived together? Is that a trick question? I only say this because, isn't that why the I-130 petition exists? So you can FINALLY be together on the same soil? We have never lived together per-say...we've visited a lot. Sadly most of our confirmation emails and boarding passes we're thrown out or deleted, so I have nothing recent. Will that be an issue? Do they want you to live together? And if so, how on earth can you do that when, again this is the reason why you're filling the petition?

For the past year, I've been working so I haven't had the chance to see my wife much. She came up to Canada for us to be married in July....the last time after that was in March and then in October of 2012 but she drove up, but the year (2012) prior I was visiting her almost monthly. Another issue is that my mom paid for some of my flights down and hers up in the last year or so, but she is refusing to provide proof of bank statements for her own "protection". There is no negotiating that out of her, so will that be a problem? There is just no budging that one I'm afraid, so I really hope they won't need that :S

I also wonder if they're be weary of the credit card statement of hers (my wifes)? I had her credit card for a bit, cause I needed help when I was moving and had it for awhile. The transactions on it show from Canada, so I'm scared they will think she was up here using it, when it was me and only me. I really can't prove it was me, other than by my words. Will that be an issue you think? Or do they not have to look at all her bank records? And no, both our names are NOT on the account...but could we change that with a quick call to Bank Of America? Would that help or no?

Also she stopped saving Skype data almost a year ago cause her computer has little room and I got a new computer around the same time and notice I had not saved any Skype logs....:S Will this be an issue or can I just provide other means of proof like photos, written letters, cards and letters from friends stating the truth of the marriage and relationship?

Also is it true they really ask "When did you know you were attracted to the same sex?" in the interview? I really hope not...also here they ask "Have you ever dating the opposite sex?". And in general, does anyone know what type of questions they ask at the interview?

Thanks in advance!! Sure all these questions have been asked so many times!

[Cathi 5,849]

Why would you think it's a trick question? Many couples are or have lived together before and during the process. You just haven't.

[Ketsuban 1,035]

Hello

I was also a little disconcerted about USCIS apparently expecting us to have lived with our spouses when that's what the visa is supposed to be for!

A lot of people who file for the CR-1/IR-1 are people who have lived together either in the US previously, or in another country where they are filing from, which is why they ask. USCIS don't expect newly-weds to have joint accounts or common residency because they do understand you are getting the CR-1 to do just that, so don't worry about it.

Send in some photos covering the span of your relationship, gift receipts from online shopping, maybe any emails you have between each other, phone bills showing texts and calls to each other... that's some stuff I can think of, if you have it available.

[Kaylara 814]

I lived with my husband in the Netherlands for 8 years before we applied, so I don't think it's a trick question. I guess you just want to compile as much evidence as you can and submit it, and don't worry about the stuff you can't compile.

Also is it true they really ask "When did you know you were attracted to the same sex?" in the interview? I really hope not...also here they ask "Have you ever dating the opposite sex?". And in general, does anyone know what type of questions they ask at the interview?

I've heard that they ask all kinds of crazy and invasive stuff to heterosexual couples as well. If they asked my husband and I those questions, they'd get a few interesting answers as we're both bisexual.

If you're having problems or need help, there is a group on Facebook offering free legal help because you are a same sex couple. https://www.facebook.com/TheDOMAProject

[Sukie 1,500]

Saddlepatch,

Since same-sex couples have only been able to apply for I-130s since June, with the fall of DOMA, there is not a lot of understanding about what, if any, specific questions any of the embassy folk will ask us.

Asking us WHEN we figured out we were gay or lesbian would seem to be in really bad taste, but I'm sure there will be a few that get asked this question - especially if they are trying to figure out if someone is just trying to "use" a gay relationship to get into the US.

They are going to be used to the stories of being apart. US Law kept us from living with each other - so we had to come up with numerous ways of seeing each other - including lots of visits.

To be honest, we're using an attorney because we were nervous about being in the first wave of same-sex couples to go through the I-130 process. The ONLY piece of evidence she submitted with our packet was our New York marriage license.

We have very strong financial-mingling evidence - we own properties in Australia together. Once my partner gets her green card, I will add her as an owner of our US property.

I really wonder how many people would "pretend" they are gay to get to the US!! While we've come a long way, I'm not sure how many straight people would go around waving their hands to admit they were gay when they were not.

Build your case to show longevity together, and don't sweat the "living together" part. We've not had the CHANCE to live together - until now!

Sukie

[dwheels76 5,486]

Hello, I need come clarification on a few things as evidence of our relationship for the I-130 petition?

First of all, I keep seeing that in the interviews and on some of the forms, they ask how long have you lived together? Is that a trick question? I only say this because, isn't that why the I-130 petition exists? So you can FINALLY be together on the same soil? We have never lived together per-say...we've visited a lot. Sadly most of our confirmation emails and boarding passes we're thrown out or deleted, so I have nothing recent. Will that be an issue? Do they want you to live together? And if so, how on earth can you do that when, again this is the reason why you're filling the petition?

For the past year, I've been working so I haven't had the chance to see my wife much. She came up to Canada for us to be married in July....the last time after that was in March and then in October of 2012 but she drove up, but the year (2012) prior I was visiting her almost monthly. Another issue is that my mom paid for some of my flights down and hers up in the last year or so, but she is refusing to provide proof of bank statements for her own "protection". There is no negotiating that out of her, so will that be a problem? There is just no budging that one I'm afraid, so I really hope they won't need that :S

I also wonder if they're be weary of the credit card statement of hers (my wifes)? I had her credit card for a bit, cause I needed help when I was moving and had it for awhile. The transactions on it show from Canada, so I'm scared they will think she was up here using it, when it was me and only me. I really can't prove it was me, other than by my words. Will that be an issue you think? Or do they not have to look at all her bank records? And no, both our names are NOT on the account...but could we change that with a quick call to Bank Of America? Would that help or no?

Also she stopped saving Skype data almost a year ago cause her computer has little room and I got a new computer around the same time and notice I had not saved any Skype logs....:S Will this be an issue or can I just provide other means of proof like photos, written letters, cards and letters from friends stating the truth of the marriage and relationship?

Also is it true they really ask "When did you know you were attracted to the same sex?" in the interview? I really hope not...also here they ask "Have you ever dating the opposite sex?". And in general, does anyone know what type of questions they ask at the interview?

Thanks in advance!! Sure all these questions have been asked so many times!

Okay you are wayyyy over thinking the financial and monies here. The I-130 form covers alot of people in a whole lot of situations. Questions at interviews are asked really based on the evidence you present.

In a nutshell you are from Canada which means you won't have to be expected to present a mountain of evidence to prove every single minute of your relationship.

You need not worry about showing bank statements and all that its highly not necessary or all your plane tickets. You can very well put all your visits in a relationship timeline many of us have used to show key times, visits and such.

Remember you are showing proof of a bonafide relationship not how many times you flew over (you could have been seeing anyone) letters, cards pictures thats what they like. And as many other Canadians will show you you don't have to send in the kitchen sink.

For basic interview questions go to the guides there is a list there.

You have plenty of evidence so don't worry.

[Rose13 30]

I never lived with my husband. We saw each other every week because we lived 1 hour away from each (Windsor-Detroit). There was no problem with not having lived together. For proof, we submitted wedding photos, affidavits from family and friends, and pictures from when I visited his parents and he visited my sister for Christmas. Relax, it's gonna be okay.

[KinaNKev 5]

You also should have travel stamps on your passport...so that's great proof and definately phone records!

[saddlepatch 6]

Thanks for all your replies and advice!! Really makes me feel better! I usually always over think things!

Haha, don't have passport stamps cause Canadians visiting Americans and vise versa don't need stamps when entering each others countries

Just so many different answers for things on here, but I see a trend on my post here!

Thanks!!