Proof of Residence in the US

[JeffreyO 2]

Hello,

My wife had her interview earlier today at the US Embassy in Bangkok and while she passed the interview questions they said that they wanted further proof of my residence in the states. Apparently my W2's and 1040's weren't enough, which is odd... my question is, what can I use at this point?

Would my state income tax return work? As you only pay state income tax if you live in a state. I live with roommates and am not on the lease nor do I have any bills in my name and I'm not registered to vote. My license (ID) is expired as I have used my passport and social security card for employment and live in New York City so I have no need to drive.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Anh map 2,098]

Some ideas - A state photo ID, bank statements showing your address, mail addressed to you, medical insurance statements, etc. A signed affidavit from the leaseholder stating that you live there and the length of time.

Living off the grid makes the immigration process more difficult. Remember that it is your responsibility to provide the needed information, not the USCIS to dig around.

[JeffreyO 2]

Some ideas - A state photo ID, bank statements showing your address, mail addressed to you, medical insurance statements, etc. A signed affidavit from the leaseholder stating that you live there and the length of time.

Living off the grid makes the immigration process more difficult. Remember that it is your responsibility to provide the needed information, not the USCIS to dig around.

I don't have a state ID, at least not one that's in date. I haven't needed it and have used my passport for things like employment. Honestly I don't need it in NYC and who wants to deal with the DMV?

I do, however, have bank statements with the address listed and credit card statements...

[verneforchat 139]

Lease, utility bills, perhaps bank verification statements.

Regardless whether you want to deal with the DMV or not, license/ID is very important.

[Amadia 711]

To prove domicile and show your continued ties to the US, you can show voting records, proof of paying state/local taxes, proof of property ownership, maintenance of bank accounts in USA, mailing address that receives legitimate mail (not spam/junk mail), etc.

If the consulate is not convinced that you have ties to the US, they may deny the visa. Gather as much proof as you can and good luck!

[JeffreyO 2]

Lease, utility bills, perhaps bank verification statements.

Regardless whether you want to deal with the DMV or not, license/ID is very important.

As I mentioned I live with roommates who signed the lease and the utility bills are in their name so that's a no-go. I do have bank statements and ID is not a requirement in the US.

[verneforchat 139]

As I mentioned I live with roommates who signed the lease and the utility bills are in their name so that's a no-go. I do have bank statements and ID is not a requirement in the US.

ID is not a requirement, but in your case you might need it to prove residence. So go get one if you can.

No one likes to deal with the DMV.

[JeffreyO 2]

I'm in Thailand visiting my wife at the moment and unfortunately I can't go to the DMV. The plan was to spend the rest of the time here until she receives her passport back and head back...

[Alaska2012 462]

Well if you can't prove your residency you may have to head back beforehand and sort it out.

[Anh map 2,098]

I'm in Thailand visiting my wife at the moment and unfortunately I can't go to the DMV. The plan was to spend the rest of the time here until she receives her passport back and head back...

It may be wiser to return home and sort out the problems.

You seem to think that this is a USCIS problem. That is mistaken. It is your problem to solve in order to obtain the visa.

[JeffreyO 2]

It may be wiser to return home and sort out the problems.

You seem to think that this is a USCIS problem. That is mistaken. It is your problem to solve in order to obtain the visa.

It's not that they're the problem it's that the embassy's request is illogical. Also USCIS is done, USCIS only handles some of the tasks then hands it off to the embassy, USCIS was great, this is the staff at the embassy being illogical. Having a W2 with my address and my companies address both being listed as NYC should prove domicile but it's not that I have an option at this point. I'll have to bend the knee and figure out what they want, which would be nice if they provided a list.

I have found this list on the US Embassy in Bangkok's site.

A convincing combination of the following types of action might be considered as an indication of residence:

• Establishing an address in the United States
• Setting up and maintaining bank accounts in the United States
• Transferring funds to the United States
• Making and maintaining investments in the United States
• Seeking employment in the United States
• Applying for a social security number
• Voting in local, state, or federal elections
• Enrolling children in schools
• Paying U.S. income taxes
• Taking steps to relinquish residency in a foreign country

To retort to these - I already have an address in the US

I have bank accounts in the US

I don't transfer funds to the US since I already lived there

I have an investment account with shares in public US companies.

I don't seek employment because I am already employed in the US

I am a citizen and as such already have a social security card.

I don't vote

I don't have children.

I do pay income taxes and have proven that but I did not prove state taxes so i will provide those.

I don't need to take steps to relinquish residency in a foreign country as I have no residency in a foreign country.

I suppose at this point, bank statements, credit card statements, investment account statement, state tax return and a notarized letter explaining why the others are not available is the best I can do at this point.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Do you pay *anything* to your roommates? Like, a share of the bills and rent? Do you have any agreements with them to pay a share?

To be honest, the request seems totally logical to me. You're in Thailand with no fixed plans to return home (if you do, then perhaps include that information for them - return ticket, etc.) and you have provided them no evidence of actually living in the USA so far.

Edited April 12, 2016 by lost_at_sea

[JeffreyO 2]

Do you pay *anything* to your roommates? Like, a share of the bills and rent? Do you have any agreements with them to pay a share?

To be honest, the request seems totally logical to me. You're in Thailand with no fixed plans to return home (if you do, then perhaps include that information for them - return ticket, etc.) and you have provided them no evidence of actually living in the USA so far.

My W2's and tax returns show that I reside in the US so I have provided proof but they want more.

With that in mind, they explicitly say not to buy plane tickets until the passport has been returned with visa in hand. I did pay them but unfortunately there was no written agreement between us, only verbal .

[JeffreyO 2]

and I apologize to anyone I was snappy to. I'm in a bit of a foul mood due to this. I'll try to be a bit kinder .

[lost_at_sea 995]

With that in mind, they explicitly say not to buy plane tickets until the passport has been returned with visa in hand.

That advice is for the beneficiary, not you.