Third party letter for the second AOS interview (merged)

[Yu1988 3]

My spouse came to the U.S. on K1 visa. We had the initial AOS interview and just received notice for the second interview. We didn't receive any REF and the interview officer told us he had all the documents he needs from us at the first interview. I am panic why we need a second interview? what could be the reason? The interview notice is almost identical to the first one, so I couldn't find any clue.  

I consulted a lawyer today and he said it could just be a re-interview and told us to bring more marriage supporting documents to the interview. The more, the better. He particular mentioned the letters from friends and family. I didn't prepare the third-party letters for I485 application because I thought it is only for I-130 or visa purpose. Anyone had prepared third-party letters for AOS interview? what should be included in the letter? does it need to be notarized? anyone has a good template?

Other than that, what other documents should we bring to the interview? I have statements of one joint bank account, 3 sets of same number credit cards, utilities (electricity, gas, and water) bills with both names on it, Health, home, and car insurance with both name on it, my IRA accounts shown beneficiary, and photos of us (wedding, before and after my spouse came to the U.S). We brought them to the first interview, and we will bring more photos, statements, and bills this time.

[OldUser 6,860]

@Yu1988 your evidence seems solid. Make sure not to have any gaps in evidence (e.g. bring all bank statements from all months since you opened joined account).

State IDs or Driver Licenses with the same address is good to have. Make sure to have certified copy of marriage certificate. Get affidavits as mentioned.

 

Also, make sure to remember all key information about each other. Rehearse answering with your spouse, it's important! Dates you met, married, births, names of relatives, favorite colors etc etc.

 

Since it's your second interview, it may be stokes interview when you are separated. It would be super beneficial to have your attorney (or somebody from the law firm) with you at the interview. Have them prepare you for it. Go over the case together, review all submitted forms, identify weaknesses or rinkles in your case and be able to explain things clearly. Usually lawyer's presence keeps IO in check.

 

I am a little worried your attorney is all laid back about the second interview. It happens, but usually it's not a positive thing. 

 

You have a right to seek help and get represented by a different attorney at the interview if needed.

 

In summary: prepare well, have all docs ready, get attorney for the interview if you can afford it.

Edited October 14, 2022 by OldUser

[OldUser 6,860]

Also, if you currently do not have a copy of everything filed, asked your attorney to provide it. This is for your preparation and in case if you decide to hire somebody else to join you at the interview.

 

Make sure your spouse is also very serious about it.

 

Lastly, make sure to be polite, but confident in your interview. Wear formal clothes. Say the minimum, only what you're asked and nothing else. Where possible to answer "yes" or "no" say it instead of long answers.

 

Good luck to you!

[Mike E 11,740]

57 minutes ago, Yu1988 said:

what should be included in the letter?

Name of reference, place of birth, citizenship, address, phone number, email address, employer, citizenship, how the reference knows the couple, examples of visual evidence the reference has that the couple lives together in marital union. 

57 minutes ago, Yu1988 said:

does it need to be notarized?

No.  

[OldUser 6,860]

1 hour ago, Yu1988 said:

Anyone had prepared third-party letters for AOS interview? what should be included in the letter? does it need to be notarized? anyone has a good template?

I know it's difficult, but copy of ID of the person who wrote affidavit is helpful. Google examples. @Mike E made good points about the content. 

[Yu1988 3]

22 minutes ago, OldUser said:

@Yu1988 your evidence seems solid. Make sure not to have any gaps in evidence (e.g. bring all bank statements from all months since you opened joined account).

State IDs or Driver Licenses with the same address is good to have. Make sure to have certified copy of marriage certificate. Get affidavits as mentioned.

 

Also, make sure to remember all key information about each other. Rehearse answering with your spouse, it's important! Dates you met, married, births, names of relatives, favorite colors etc etc.

 

Since it's your second interview, it may be stokes interview when you are separated. It would be super beneficial to have your attorney (or somebody from the law firm) with you at the interview. Have them prepare you for it. Go over the case together, review all submitted forms, identify weaknesses or rinkles in your case and be able to explain things clearly. Usually lawyer's presence keeps IO in check.

 

I am a little worried your attorney is all laid back about the second interview. It happens, but usually it's not a positive thing. 

 

You have a right to seek help and get represented by a different attorney at the interview if needed.

 

In summary: prepare well, have all docs ready, get attorney for the interview if you can afford it.

Thanks for your advice!

My spouse doesn't have Driver license or State ID. I called California DMV, and it requires either EAD, green card, or unexpired foreign passport and I-94. We married in California, so we have original copy of marriage certificate. we brought and will bring it with us. 

We answered those key information last time with no error. the officer asked all except favorite colors.

Attorney is so expensive in CA. Private lawyers charge $250 for initial 30 minutes consultation and not guarantee taking the case. The lawyer I spoke is from a nonprofit org and he looked all my application documents. I-129F, K1 visa, I485, and AOS interview. But this lawyer cannot represent us.

 

Can you explain a little more about "You have a right to seek help and get represented by a different attorney at the interview if needed."

 

Thanks!

[Yu1988 3]

29 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Also, if you currently do not have a copy of everything filed, asked your attorney to provide it. This is for your preparation and in case if you decide to hire somebody else to join you at the interview.

 

Make sure your spouse is also very serious about it.

 

Lastly, make sure to be polite, but confident in your interview. Wear formal clothes. Say the minimum, only what you're asked and nothing else. Where possible to answer "yes" or "no" say it instead of long answers.

 

Good luck to you!

He was not my attorney. I have a copy of everything myself. 

 

My spouse and I are both very serious about it. I am too serious and become very anxious. We were polite and confident in the last interview. But Now I feel nervous just think about the second interview. We wear business casual at interview. And yes, we gave short answers. 

[Yu1988 3]

29 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Name of reference, place of birth, citizenship, address, phone number, email address, employer, citizenship, how the reference knows the couple, examples of visual evidence the reference has that the couple lives together in marital union. 

No.  

Thanks.  Could you send me a template if you have?

[Yu1988 3]

33 minutes ago, OldUser said:

I know it's difficult, but copy of ID of the person who wrote affidavit is helpful. Google examples. @Mike E made good points about the content. 

I googled. The samples are either for I-130 or for visa purpose and written by friends in the foreign countries.

[Mike E 11,740]

15 hours ago, Yu1988 said:

Thanks.  Could you send me a template if you have?

Here is a letter derived from a letter that was never submitted:

 

To whom this may concern,

 

My name is John Q Public and I live at 123  Elm Ave, Fairfield, XX YYYYY.

 

I am a US citizen.

 

I was born on 1980-01-01 in Fairfield, XX.

 

I am a director of engineering at Acme Tool and Die in Fairfield, XX.

 

I have known Sandeep Srinivasan since 2010 when we both worked at Acme.

 

I have known Sita Kulkarni since 2022 when she came to the USA to marry Sandeep.

 

Based on the following observations I believe Sandeep and Susan to be in a bona fide relationship:

* I met Sita for the first time on January 13, 2022, two weeks after she arrived. The occasion was a late dinner at a restaurant in Fairfield, XX.

* Two days later on January 15, I attended their marriage ceremony at the Fairfield City Hall.  

* On January 17, 2022, my wife Jane S Pubic and I attended Sita and Sandeep's wedding reception held at the Sheraton Hotel, Fairfield

* Since then, I’ve met socially with Sita and Sandeep at a music concert, for lunch, and a birthday party of a mutual friend.

 

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.  My email address and cell phone are jqp@example.com and (505) 505-1234

 

I declare under the penalty of perjury under the law of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.

 

Signed on 2022-10-14 in Fairfield, XX.

 

 

___________________________

Signature

[Yu1988 3]

10 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Here is a letter derived from a letter that was never submitted:

 

To whom this may concern,

 

My name is John Q Public and I live at 123  Elm Ave, Fairfield, XX YYYYY.

 

I am a US citizen.

 

I was born on 1980-01-01 in Fairfield, XX.

 

I am a director of engineering at Acme Tool and Die in Fairfield, XX.

 

I have known Sandeep Srinivasan since 2010 when we both worked at Acme.

 

I have known Sita Kulkarni since 2022 when she came to the USA to marry Sandeep.

 

Based on the following observations I believe Sandeep and Susan to be in a bona fide relationship:

* I met Sita for the first time on January 13, 2022, two weeks after she arrived. The occasion was a late dinner at a restaurant in Fairfield, XX.

* Two days later on January 15, I attended their marriage ceremony at the Fairfield City Hall.  

* On January 17, 2022, my wife Jane S Pubic and I attended Sita and Sandeep's wedding reception held at the Sheraton Hotel, Fairfield

* Since then, I’ve met socially with Sita and Sandeep at a music concert, for lunch, and a birthday party of a mutual friend.

 

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.  My email address and cell phone are jqp@example.com and (505) 505-1234

 

I declare under the penalty of perjury under the law of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.

 

Signed on 2022-10-14 in Fairfield, XX.

 

 

___________________________

Signature

Thank you!

[Yu1988 3]

My spouse came to the U.S. on K1 visa. We had the initial AOS interview eight months ago and received notice for the second interview a couple weeks ago. We are so stressed. 
I consulted a lawyer and he told us to prepare as many as supporting documents as possible, and better to mail copies of everything to the local USCIS office before the interview and also bring everything to the interview. I was busy preparing and now I am wondering how should I mail these unsolicited documents? Anyone has the experience? We didn’t receive RFE, what title should I write in the cover letter? How to tell the officer what are the enclosed documents for?
Thanks!
 

[Mike E 11,740]

Put the case number in the subject of the letter 

[Crazy Cat 41,979]

33 minutes ago, Yu1988 said:

what title should I write in the cover letter? How to tell the officer what are the enclosed documents for?

Supplemental evidence.

[Yu1988 3]

1 hour ago, Mike E said:

Put the case number in the subject of the letter 

I have applicant name, A#, and recipe number under the subject line "RE: ...". I am not sure what to write in that line after RE: