How much evidence do we need for the I-130 "evidence of a bonafide marriage"?

[Samus Aran 0]

From the guide on this site:

1.    Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or
2.    A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or
3.    Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or
4.    Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or
5.    Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or
6.    Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

 

We were married last year and have been together for about 10 years so I don't THINK this will be that tough to prove, but the only actual documentation we have from the above right now is:

 

• Marriage license, obviously.
• Two different apartment leases that we both signed.  Both from a few years back (we're still living together in the second one.)
• A joint tax return.
• A joint bank account that we only set up a few weeks ago.  (We didn't set it up FOR immigration purposes, it was something we had thought about for awhile and then recently we got a check from a joint tax return that our banks wouldn't let us do anything with without a joint account so it seemed like the right time to finally get on that.)

 

That's all that we have as far as official documentation.  Are we going to need more?  Should we get signed affidavits?  Who can do that, can family and friends do it?  What should they look like if so?  What all counts for #6 "any other relevant documentation"?!

 

Thanks!

[juancarlos 122]

I think it looks good. Do you have health insurance together? That would work.

 

What about photos? I sent 5 pages of photos at different points of our relationship, showing both families together etc.

[Samus Aran 0]

6 minutes ago, juancarlos said:

I think it looks good. Do you have health insurance together? That would work.

 

What about photos? I sent 5 pages of photos at different points of our relationship, showing both families together etc.

Ah, totally forgot about this.  She does get healthcare through my work now, we're both listed on the cards.

We have a bunch of photos too, mostly older ones, but also some newer ones, including wedding photos, of course.  Our respective families haven't been together a whole lot (due to living in different countries) outside of our wedding.

Edited July 7, 2020 by Samus Aran

[juancarlos 122]

Just now, Samus Aran said:

Ah, totally forgot about this.  She does get healthcare through my work now.

We have a bunch of photos too, mostly older ones, but also some newer ones, including wedding photos, of course.  Our respective families haven't been together a whole lot (due to living in different countries) outside of our wedding.

Include the insurance certificate showing both names. That is a powerful one.

 

Our families did not meet a lot either, but if you have a photo where they are together that is also a good proof.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,328]

Good evidence is wedding photos, especially if family were present.  Also photos of her with your family and you with her family.  Vacation and holiday photos (Christmas, New Year, etc) as well.

 

That, along with what you have, should be fine.  You do not need the affidavits. 

[Sukie 1,440]

Having driver's licenses and/or state IDs with your current address on them is valuable.  Make a photocopy of both.

 

Sukie in NY

[beefmaster2 51]

I sent 2 pieces of evidence only (lease + rental insurance). My case is ready to be scheduled for interview so I guess it was OK.

[carmel34 3,538]

19 hours ago, Samus Aran said:

That's all that we have as far as official documentation.  Are we going to need more?  Should we get signed affidavits?  Who can do that, can family and friends do it?  What should they look like if so?  What all counts for #6 "any other relevant documentation"?!

If you live together, maybe you have some utility bills listing both of you?  Joint auto insurance, renters' insurance?  Joint credit card accounts/statements?  Joint cell phone bills?  Evidence to show normal things married couples do together.  Don't bother with the affidavits unless you don't have any evidence of financial co-mingling but you have some so you should be fine.  As others have said, a few photos of the two of you together, documents from trips you took together might help too if you have them.  Good luck!