Petitioner statement - Any advice

[JustinS 44]

If I am not mistaken , the petitioner needs to provide a statement on the validity of the relationship.  I was just wondering how much bearing this has and what it should include. My wife and I communicated via text for years and then after I met my stepkids in person went to consistent phone and Skype so I didn't know if the statement would help warrant explanation on why everything seem to move so quickly once we met up in person the second time.  Thanks!

[zilchfox 296]

I know in a K-1 case, a letter of intent for marriage would probably be it, however in an IR-1/CR-1 case, you're already married, so definitely your marriage certificate instead. Cherry-pick key conversations from your chat log (you don't need to send them 500+ pieces of paper of chat log!), show them photos of you and her together, together with family, doing trips, etc.

Edited May 6, 2017 by zilchfox

[JustinS 44]

That helps but I thought there was a petitioner statement too?  The evidence ideas do help though as we don't have joint finances or shared property.  That's what we're trying to get to!

[A'n'L 735]

A statement is not required. For a spousal visa, the evidence preferred is evidence of financial and legal co-mingling, followed by evidence of time spent together, followed by evidence of communication. If you don't have any of the first and only limited of the second - a relationship timeline or statement could be helpful (but not necessary). 

[ASMS 86]

You can include a cover letter if you want, but is not mandatory.

the evidence of bona fide marriage and the rest of the documents are the real requirements.