Proving bona fide marriage in an initial AOS package

[wilcouk 7]

I was able to open a joint account with the wife with Chase, all i needed was my passport and a utility bill in my name showing my address confirming i do reside in the country, Capital one was able to do authorised user too to her Credit card.

[cardia 146]

While it is strongly recommended that you send evidence in the packet, my husband and I didn't include any evidence with our filing. We were advised by our lawyer to not include it, because at the time we filed we did not really have much in terms of "strong" evidence. We're now gathering our strongest evidence to present at the interview. For what it's worth, our filing has progressed smoothly, and I personally know a few couples who have gone through this and come out successful, without having included evidence in their packet.

[cardia 146]

Regarding joint finances (from personal experience):

1. You can open a joint account with Chase or Bank of America. Schedule an appointment to open an account with either banks, and bring your passport, a proof of address (i.e. bills), and your ITIN.
2. You can be added to your husband's credit cards as an authorized user using an ITIN. I'm an authorized user on my husband's credit cards through American Express and Chase.
3. You can apply for a credit card without an SSN, but you must have an ITIN to use in place of it and only some companies are willing to accept ITINs. I recommend Capital One, and then you can add your husband to that card as an authorized user.

 

Regarding other evidence:

1. If your husband has health insurance, you can be added to it using an ITIN.
2. Do you have any other bills? You can show that your phones are on the same plan, even if it might be only in your or your husband's name.
3. Do you have correspondence with your husband? If you have a lengthy record of phone calls and messages, you can use that as evidence of your relationship.
4. You might not have it now, but when you file for taxes, you can file as married filing jointly using an ITIN. You can include that when you have your interview.