I-751: Some Questions/Concerns

[Tio 61]

Hello, everyone!

 

So, my 90-day window just opened up yesterday, February 7th. Prior to me sending the I-751, I have a few questions/concerns that I would like addressed, please:

 

1. My spouse and I have been living on our current place since 2018. Pretty soon, we will be moving into our own apartment. Considering that my window just opened up, I'm wishing to wait a week or two until we get the apartment so that we can add our joint lease agreement with both of our names. So, my question is: may I send the I-751 even if most of our current documents show the current address instead of the soon-to-be new one? It will take time for us to get updated documents with the new address, such as our state ID, but I think that waiting weeks for those is a waste of time. This means that our current state ID copies will have the current address instead of the soon-to-be new one. Is that fine?I will definitely add the joint lease agreement that shows the exact date of move-in so I am sure they will understand that the address will take a few weeks to update all throughout agencies and whatnot. Will I be OK if I do this? Also, when filling out the application, which address should I put: my current one or the soon-to-be new one?

 

2. I'm aware that this package may be big considering all the documents/evidence that we have to send to USCIS. How exactly did you guys send yours? Like, did you put everything in a yellow manila envelope? Did you guys one of those small boxes that USPS has? Or what exactly did you guys use? What do you recommend I use to securely send my I-751 package? I want to make sure I do this correctly as there will be a lot of papers, documents, pictures, evidence, etc., and I believe these should be completed secured.

 

3. We are also waiting after the 12th of February so that we can send our joint 2020 tax returns. We have 2018/2019 tax returns and will soon have 2020 tax returns to add them to the package as well.

 

4. Do you guys have an idea of how many pictures in total should be added? I know that we should add the details on the back of the pictures, but I wish to know how many should be added?

 

These are all the concerns/questions that I currently have right now. I have commenced to gather everything that we have so that everything it's ready when it's time to send it.

 

Thanks, all.

 

 

[mushroomspore 3,044]

17 minutes ago, Tio said:

Hello, everyone!

 

So, my 90-day window just opened up yesterday, February 7th. Prior to me sending the I-751, I have a few questions/concerns that I would like addressed, please:

 

1. My spouse and I have been living on our current place since 2018. Pretty soon, we will be moving into our own apartment. Considering that my window just opened up, I'm wishing to wait a week or two until we get the apartment so that we can add our joint lease agreement with both of our names. So, my question is: may I send the I-751 even if most of our current documents show the current address instead of the soon-to-be new one? It will take time for us to get updated documents with the new address, such as our state ID, but I think that waiting weeks for those is a waste of time. This means that our current state ID copies will have the current address instead of the soon-to-be new one. Is that fine?I will definitely add the joint lease agreement that shows the exact date of move-in so I am sure they will understand that the address will take a few weeks to update all throughout agencies and whatnot. Will I be OK if I do this? Also, when filling out the application, which address should I put: my current one or the soon-to-be new one?

 

2. I'm aware that this package may be big considering all the documents/evidence that we have to send to USCIS. How exactly did you guys send yours? Like, did you put everything in a yellow manila envelope? Did you guys one of those small boxes that USPS has? Or what exactly did you guys use? What do you recommend I use to securely send my I-751 package? I want to make sure I do this correctly as there will be a lot of papers, documents, pictures, evidence, etc., and I believe these should be completed secured.

 

3. We are also waiting after the 12th of February so that we can send our joint 2020 tax returns. We have 2018/2019 tax returns and will soon have 2020 tax returns to add them to the package as well.

 

4. Do you guys have an idea of how many pictures in total should be added? I know that we should add the details on the back of the pictures, but I wish to know how many should be added?

 

These are all the concerns/questions that I currently have right now. I have commenced to gather everything that we have so that everything it's ready when it's time to send it.

 

Thanks, all.

 

 

1. The new lease is definitely a good piece of evidence so it's worth adding that. You can also add a sentence or two in your cover letter to explain the situation. We did a similar thing about our living situation (my name's not on the lease and we explained why). I would put the new address on the I-751.

 

2. We used paper clips AND binder clips and then used a rubber band to keep everything together. Our pile was thick enough that we decided to put it in a thin cardboard rectangular "envelope" rather than a manila one. USCIS will ultimately organize in their own way so the only thing that really matters is that everything stays together. Add a cover letter/table of contents on the very top of the pile so they at least have a reference of all packaged documents. The only thing that USCIS asks is that you do not put it in a binder, folder, or anything like that. They will simply toss those things.

 

3. Good call on the tax returns.

 

4. I think we included about 12-15 (4-5 per year since the start of our marriage).

[Dashinka 24,601]

22 minutes ago, Tio said:

Hello, everyone!

 

So, my 90-day window just opened up yesterday, February 7th. Prior to me sending the I-751, I have a few questions/concerns that I would like addressed, please:

 

1. My spouse and I have been living on our current place since 2018. Pretty soon, we will be moving into our own apartment. Considering that my window just opened up, I'm wishing to wait a week or two until we get the apartment so that we can add our joint lease agreement with both of our names. So, my question is: may I send the I-751 even if most of our current documents show the current address instead of the soon-to-be new one? It will take time for us to get updated documents with the new address, such as our state ID, but I think that waiting weeks for those is a waste of time. This means that our current state ID copies will have the current address instead of the soon-to-be new one. Is that fine?I will definitely add the joint lease agreement that shows the exact date of move-in so I am sure they will understand that the address will take a few weeks to update all throughout agencies and whatnot. Will I be OK if I do this? Also, when filling out the application, which address should I put: my current one or the soon-to-be new one?

It is up to you to wait within the 90 day period, but if you have an interview, you will get the chance to add any new information since filing.  Overall, you just need to get the ROC clock started, things will change, but at some point you need to make the decision.

22 minutes ago, Tio said:

 

2. I'm aware that this package may be big considering all the documents/evidence that we have to send to USCIS. How exactly did you guys send yours? Like, did you put everything in a yellow manila envelope? Did you guys one of those small boxes that USPS has? Or what exactly did you guys use? What do you recommend I use to securely send my I-751 package? I want to make sure I do this correctly as there will be a lot of papers, documents, pictures, evidence, etc., and I believe these should be completed secured.

We used a binder clip in one envelope and put it in a document envelope from USPS.

22 minutes ago, Tio said:

 

3. We are also waiting after the 12th of February so that we can send our joint 2020 tax returns. We have 2018/2019 tax returns and will soon have 2020 tax returns to add them to the package as well.

See answer to number 1.

22 minutes ago, Tio said:

 

4. Do you guys have an idea of how many pictures in total should be added? I know that we should add the details on the back of the pictures, but I wish to know how many should be added?

Pictures are generally secondary evidence.  We put in a few examples of vacations and family gatherings we had, maybe 10-12 with 2 or three copied on a page and printed in color.

22 minutes ago, Tio said:

 

These are all the concerns/questions that I currently have right now. I have commenced to gather everything that we have so that everything it's ready when it's time to send it.

 

Thanks, all.

 

 

Good Luck!

[Tio 61]

Thank you!

 

8 minutes ago, mushroomspore said:

1. The new lease is definitely a good piece of evidence so it's worth adding that. You can also add a sentence or two in your cover letter to explain the situation. We did a similar thing about our living situation (my name's not on the lease and we explained why). I would put the new address on the I-751.

 

2. We used paper clips AND binder clips and then used a rubber band to keep everything together. Our pile was thick enough that we decided to put it in a thin cardboard rectangular "envelope" rather than a manila one. USCIS will ultimately organize in their own way so the only thing that really matters is that everything stays together. Add a cover letter/table of contents on the very top of the pile so they at least have a reference of all packaged documents. The only thing that USCIS asks is that you do not put it in a binder, folder, or anything like that. They will simply toss those things.

 

3. Good call on the tax returns.

 

4. I think we included about 12-15 (4-5 per year since the start of our marriage).

1. That's what I thought and that's what I am waiting for! I will definitely add a cover letter/tablet of contents and I will add a sentence or two as to why our IDs still show the old address since it will take weeks for the DMV to send us a new one with the soon-to-be address. Fortunately, both of our names will be on this new lease :).

 

2. This sounds good. I was worried because this wouldn't fix in one of those envelopes so I will be sure to use the thin cardboard one if necessary.

 

3. Yes. I thought so too. I believe the most recent one would definitely help!

 

4. All right. I will add something like 10-20, then.

 

Again, thanks!

[Tio 61]

16 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

It is up to you to wait within the 90 day period, but if you have an interview, you will get the chance to add any new information since filing.  Overall, you just need to get the ROC clock started, things will change, but at some point you need to make the decision.

We used a binder clip in one envelope and put it in a document envelope from USPS.

See answer to number 1.

Pictures are generally secondary evidence.  We put in a few examples of vacations and family gatherings we had, maybe 10-12 with 2 or three copied on a page and printed in color.

Good Luck!

1. Yea, I know it's up to me. I was just wondering because if I am able to add the lease and anything else right now, it'd save me time if I get to go to the interview or even better, it may allow them to consider waiving it. Yea, I will get it started ASAP but I wish to wait for my lease so that I am able to add it with this package. I was wondering about the address question, though.

 

2. I think I will use the thin cardboard one from USPS as well.

 

3.

 

4. I will add anything from 10 to 20.

 

Thanks!

Edited February 8, 2021 by Tio

[tab0712 141]

All the answers above are great. We sent in about 40 pics, just because we don't have an abundance of evidence (we live rent free in one of my dad's properties, haven't been able to take any trips since AOS...) 

I would highly recommend not using USPS. Just with the back log, I would say use UPS for peace of mind 

[Tio 61]

4 minutes ago, tab0712 said:

All the answers above are great. We sent in about 40 pics, just because we don't have an abundance of evidence (we live rent free in one of my dad's properties, haven't been able to take any trips since AOS...) 

I would highly recommend not using USPS. Just with the back log, I would say use UPS for peace of mind 

Ah, okay. Thanks! I will keep that in mind. I did use USPS for my AOS and they received it the next day, but I guess times are different now. I will most definitely try to use UPS, then.

[mushroomspore 3,044]

34 minutes ago, Tio said:

Thank you!

 

1. That's what I thought and that's what I am waiting for! I will definitely add a cover letter/tablet of contents and I will add a sentence or two as to why our IDs still show the old address since it will take weeks for the DMV to send us a new one with the soon-to-be address. Fortunately, both of our names will be on this new lease :).

 

2. This sounds good. I was worried because this wouldn't fix in one of those envelopes so I will be sure to use the thin cardboard one if necessary.

 

3. Yes. I thought so too. I believe the most recent one would definitely help!

 

4. All right. I will add something like 10-20, then.

 

Again, thanks!

Good luck! On point #1, you should be alright. I don't even have a driver's license or a state ID. Long story but basically, I was ready to get a state ID after I failed the driving test (sigh, anxiety is no joke, kids!) but then COVID happened. So I have no ID that even has our address on it. But obviously, all important and legal paperwork I fill out has our address and a lot of that was included in our package. We also have a different property deed together, so that was also included. Really, what matters is that you present a variety of evidence. One piece of evidence or lack of it doesn't necessarily make or break a case. It's really more about the totality of evidence being "thin" or "robust". If you lack something, it's best to try to compensate for it with a different kind of evidence if possible. But otherwise, if you have a variety of paperwork and evidence (insurance policies, ANY proof of living together really, financial co-mingling, children if you have any, time spent together), you're good to go.

 

One last note: yes go with UPS. I had a bad experience with USPS during our AOS and I said, "Never again."

Edited February 8, 2021 by mushroomspore

[Tio 61]

1 hour ago, mushroomspore said:

Good luck! On point #1, you should be alright. I don't even have a driver's license or a state ID. Long story but basically, I was ready to get a state ID after I failed the driving test (sigh, anxiety is no joke, kids!) but then COVID happened. So I have no ID that even has our address on it. But obviously, all important and legal paperwork I fill out has our address and a lot of that was included in our package. We also have a different property deed together, so that was also included. Really, what matters is that you present a variety of evidence. One piece of evidence or lack of it doesn't necessarily make or break a case. It's really more about the totality of evidence being "thin" or "robust". If you lack something, it's best to try to compensate for it with a different kind of evidence if possible. But otherwise, if you have a variety of paperwork and evidence (insurance policies, ANY proof of living together really, financial co-mingling, children if you have any, time spent together), you're good to go.

 

One last note: yes go with UPS. I had a bad experience with USPS during our AOS and I said, "Never again."

Ah, we definitely have enough evidence. My main concern was that we currently have the address where we live now and we are moving soon, in about a week or two. As you may know, updating addresses and getting those documents back to us takes time, possibly weeks or longer, considering the pandemic. So, that's why I decided to ask if it were OK with us sending what we have with the current address and the new lease, which will be the ONLY proof of our new address. I mean, it's the BEST proof as the lease will be under our names. I thought that the difference in addresses may show a problem, but I do not believe so. I'm assuming USCIS will take note that if we just recently have moved, it takes time to update/change the address wherever we had the old one.

 

Just for reference, this is what we currently have:

 

1. Amazon Membership showing both of our names.

2. Bjs Membership showing both of our names.

3. Costco Membership showing both of our names.

4. Health insurance showing both of our names.

5. Car insurance showing both of our names.

6. T-Mobile account showing both of our names.

7. Bank statements from our joint account.

8. Tax returns from 2018, 2019 and soon 2020.

9. The new lease agreement with both of our names that will be provided to us within a week or two.

10. Obviously, pictures from our time together: vacation, family gatherings, alone time, etc.

 

As for the financial co-mingling, we do not pay rent where we live and that's stated on my current lease...so the only thing that we pay for is for our T-Mobile bill....and even then, I have credits with them most of the time so we really do not pay lol. Now, we do not pay the T-Mobile bill with our joint account. We pay it with our credit cards due to the fact that we get some percentage back. 

 

Of course, all of that will change soon now that we will pay rent, electricity, gas, cable, internet, etc. so we will definitely have more things to pay for and we will then be able to officially split those bills lol.

 

Is that enough? I'm sure I may have other things but I'm at work so I don't have access to them. Also, I did attend an interview for my AOS so here's hoping that the second one is waived. Fingers crossed!

Thanks all for your help!

[mushroomspore 3,044]

Just now, Tio said:

Ah, we definitely have enough evidence. My main concern was that we currently have the address where we live now and we are moving soon, in about a week or two. As you may know, updating addresses and getting those documents back to us takes time, possibly weeks or longer, considering the pandemic. So, that's why I decided to ask if it were OK with us sending what we have with the current address and the new lease, which will be the ONLY proof of our new address. I mean, it's the BEST proof as the lease will be under our names. I thought that the difference in addresses may show a problem, but I do not believe so. I'm assuming USCIS will take note that if we just recently have moved, it takes time to update/change the address wherever we had the old one.

 

Just for reference, this is what we currently have:

 

1. Amazon Membership showing both of our names.

2. Bjs Membership showing both of our names.

3. Costco Membership showing both of our names.

4. Health insurance showing both of our names.

5. Car insurance showing both of our names.

6. T-Mobile account showing both of our names.

7. Bank statements from our joint account.

8. Tax returns from 2018, 2019 and soon 2020.

9. The new lease agreement with both of our names that will be provided to us within a week or two.

10. Obviously, pictures from our time together: vacation, family gatherings, alone time, etc.

 

As for the financial co-mingling, we do not pay rent where we live and that's stated on my current lease...so the only thing that we pay for is for our T-Mobile bill....and even then, I have credits with them most of the time so we really do not pay lol. Now, we do not pay the T-Mobile bill with our joint account. We pay it with our credit cards due to the fact that we get some percentage back. 

 

Of course, all of that will change soon now that we will pay rent, electricity, gas, cable, internet, etc. so we will definitely have more things to pay for and we will then be able to officially split those bills lol.

 

Is that enough? I'm sure I may have other things but I'm at work so I don't have access to them. Also, I did attend an interview for my AOS so here's hoping that the second one is waived. Fingers crossed!

Thanks all for your help!

I think your evidence is good. It's similar to what we sent. Plus, you can always continue to collect evidence and if they send an RFE or schedule an interview, that's your chance to present it. I don't have actual stats, but I'm guessing that they are waiving more RoC interviews than usual due to COVID. 

[Tio 61]

4 minutes ago, mushroomspore said:

I think your evidence is good. It's similar to what we sent. Plus, you can always continue to collect evidence and if they send an RFE or schedule an interview, that's your chance to present it. I don't have actual stats, but I'm guessing that they are waiving more RoC interviews than usual due to COVID. 

This is what I am hoping for!  I know that if you have already attended an interview, it's up to their discretion to waive the second one, depending on a few factors. I sure hope that we fall under that!

 

Thanks for all your help!

 

I have one more question: are we allow to explain certain documents using something like sticky notes?

[mushroomspore 3,044]

2 minutes ago, Tio said:

This is what I am hoping for!  I know that if you have already attended an interview, it's up to their discretion to waive the second one, depending on a few factors. I sure hope that we fall under that!

 

Thanks for all your help!

 

I have one more question: are we allow to explain certain documents using something like sticky notes?

Hmm, if you need to include an explanation about a specific document, I would simply type and print it out and clip it to the document itself. I have used sticky notes before but only to point out specific details like dates. For anything requiring a longer explanation, I made a whole new document for that.

[Tio 61]

1 minute ago, mushroomspore said:

Hmm, if you need to include an explanation about a specific document, I would simply type and print it out and clip it to the document itself. I have used sticky notes before but only to point out specific details like dates. For anything requiring a longer explanation, I made a whole new document for that.

Sounds will. I will definitely take this into account when I need to further explain a document.

 

Thanks again ^_^!

[mushroomspore 3,044]

1 minute ago, Tio said:

Sounds will. I will definitely take this into account when I need to further explain a document.

 

Thanks again ^_^!

No problem and good luck! Hopefully you won't have to wait an ungodly amount of time to hear about biometrics now that we're kinda-sorta-ish coming out of this COVID mess.

[Tio 61]

24 minutes ago, mushroomspore said:

No problem and good luck! Hopefully you won't have to wait an ungodly amount of time to hear about biometrics now that we're kinda-sorta-ish coming out of this COVID mess.

I know! I hope that they utilize the ones that they have on file!