MJY

The police certificate was such a pain for my wife to get back when we needed it.  

My wife went into the interview and they told her to get it afterwards, which postpone the process (4-6 weeks I think)

47 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Your timeline is not clear. Have you been approved yet?

It was approved earlier this month, but the official physical card did not come until a few days ago.

Just now, mbssss said:

Yeah, it's not required, we decided to include it since we've shared a bank account since the start of our marriage. Helpful to see what others included, our other evidence is pretty similar to what you listed! 

If you look at one of my other threads a few posters in the thread (made a very detail list) of what they put in.  Initially, I was going to put the bare minimum until i saw that.    

I put zero bank statements.  

This is what I put back in August 2022

Table of Contents

1.  G-1450

2.  I-751

3.  Marriage Certificate (Notarized & Original)

4.  Electric Bill (Joint Account)

5.  Chase Bank Letter stating my spouse is an authorized user for my credit card

6.  Health Insurance Verification Letter (spouse is covered under my plan)

7.  Dental Insurance Verification Letter (spouse is covered under my plan)

8.  Deed 

9.  Mortgage Bill

10.  Final Closing Statement (Mortgage)

11.   Home Insurance Doc

12.  Offer Letter (Spouse)

13.  Benefit Enrollment Doc from Employer

14.  401k Beneficiary Doc

15.  Pension Enrollment/Beneficiary Doc

16.  Tax Returns (joint 2x)

17.  Affidavit

18.  6 pictures

(However, I know a ton of people on this website put significantly more documents than I)

1 hour ago, gogogo786 said:

Wow that was fast. Which service center was your case at?

I forget, I guess I have to check the document again.  

Our processing time was like August 2022 to first week of March 2023.  

I was kind of surprised as well.  Initially, we received a 60 month (or 48 month extension) and 2-3 days we received a notice stating everything was approved and to wait less than 60 days for the actual new card.  

We got the green card first week of this month.   

Luckily everything went smooth .

Thanks all!

We got the green card first week of this month.   

Luckily everything went smooth .

Thanks all!

I just submitted my I-751 docs to USCIS last week and was wondering if there was anyway I can see updates on the case or if I had to just wait until they potential finish many months later....

I ended up finishing my I-751.

Table of Contents

1.  G-1450

2.  I-751

3.  Marriage Certificate (Notarized & Original)

4.  Electric Bill (Joint Account)

5.  Chase Bank Letter stating my spouse is an authorized user for my credit card

6.  Health Insurance Verification Letter (spouse is covered under my plan)

7.  Dental Insurance Verification Letter (spouse is covered under my plan)

8.  Deed 

9.  Mortgage Bill

10.  Final Closing Statement (Mortgage)

11.   Home Insurance Doc

12.  Offer Letter (Spouse)

13.  Benefit Enrollment Doc from Employer

14.  401k Beneficiary Doc

15.  Pension Enrollment/Beneficiary Doc

16.  Tax Returns (joint 2x)

17.  Affidavit

18.  6 pictures

On 8/15/2022 at 4:45 PM, Family said:

 Include the documents and list that name variation as an AKA/alias. No other explanation needed. 
Had it been only on such things as utilities, you could just say unintended misspelling, but Deeds get notarized and recorded and became a more formal public record. 
 

Besides, USCIS runs a comprehensive check that actually “ sees” a lot of info associated with addresses/ utilities , so no reason to withhold. 
 

 

 

 

It's weird cause the deed my lawyer gave me recently had the corrections, but not when I do online lookups.  (I guess it might take some time to update)

Just now, beloved_dingo said:

How bad is the misspelling? Is it somewhat minor like Jonathon Green instead of Jonathan Greene or is it a more major typo?

Her first name was spelled like i.e. "Hanine" but her name is actually "Janine."

I think I am still debating whether to put the documents with the incorrect spelling of my spouse's name.

Water Bill

Property Tax

Deed

Just now, OldUser said:

I would include this info regarding authorized user, that's something. Is your spouse listed as beneficiary on your 401k plan or brokerage accounts? It would be good to add it too. Life insurance mentioning your spouse? Etc.

 

She is on 401k.  I dont have life insurance....

Just now, Rocio0010 said:

Can you still see her name in the statements? 

Nope.  Just mine unfortunately.  

Our deed to our house and water bill both have incorrect spelling on my wife's first name (our lawyer messed up) and we just moved officially (same state and city though).  I'm hesistant to put those 2 because of the incorrect name spelling and the address change I wonder if that would mess up or slow the process..

Just now, OldUser said:

There's two camps on VJ:

1. Submitting just enough strong evidence to get approved

2. Submitting extensive, strong evidence to avoid a chance of RFE

 

It's always a personal choice. I didn't personally come across an attorney or laywer suggesting approach #1.

 

That's true.  

When I did my wife's cr1 visa I do not remember me sending a lot of evidence...

9 minutes ago, beloved_dingo said:

I think generally overkill is the standard with I-751 😂 However there are plenty of people who get approved with much less. I think the main thing is we are all trying our best to avoid getting an RFE. 100+ pages of evidence for ROC is the norm, from what I have seen here on VJ. Usually a large chunk of the bulk comes from joint bank statements (even if only quarterly are sent, that's still a lot of paper when it covers 2+ years).

 

So really it comes down to "better safe than sorry" but also a helping of "quality over quantity". Personally, I think USCIS would be curious why you're not sending any bank statements, so it wouldn't hurt to at least send an explanation about how your finances as a couple are handled. 

 

Having a child together helps but I would still endeavor to beef up what you are sending a bit. Perhaps with documentation of any travel together, the explanation regarding finances, more documentation of bills (what about phone, internet, water, gas?), car insurance showing both names/both vehicles (if applicable), beneficiary designations on any retirement or savings accounts, copies of ID/Driver's license showing same address, etc. 

17 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Honestly it most likely was an overkill, but the thing was that during the I485 I did not mention my USC stepson (Im the immigrant, hubby is the USC). Therefore I didn't want USCIS to think it was a fraudulent marriage. I did mention my USC stepson on the I751, that's why I included all that evidence.

 

Way more than that. 24 month of bank statements take up a lot of paper.

 

I would still submit the gas bill because it proves that you live together.

 

Great evidence!

 

Make sure you cover the whole period of your marriage. 

What about vehicle insurance? Driver's licenses?

I guess I should draft an explanation.

We split our bank accounts in the beginning and just never made a combined one.   Also, my wife is an authorized user on my credit card, not a Joint holder...

1 hour ago, Rocio0010 said:

Awesome. That’s looking better! Do you by any chance have a joint credit card?

Actually, I don't.

1 hour ago, Rocio0010 said:

This is what I sent (still pending, but maybe you can get some ideas)

USCIS 

Attn: I-751 (Box 21200)

1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S

Suite 100 

Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850

 

ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

RE: I-751 JOINT PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS ON RESIDENCE

Conditional Resident (Petitioner) : xxxx xxxxxxxxx- SSN:xxxxxxxxxxDOB: xxxxxxxxxxx

 

U.S. Citizen Spouse:

xxxx xxxxxxxx SSN: 1- 1656 DOB: xxxxxxxx

 

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please find enclosed  a joint Form I-751 and materials to support removal of conditions on residence for my wife, xxxx xxxxxxx. USCIS granted xxxx xxxxxxxxher conditional permanent residence on April 29, 2020.

The materials, which show a merging of our personal and financial lives since marriage (May 17, 2019), are organized in exhibits A- P and tab dividers for your convenience. 

 

Thank you for your prompt processing of this petition and for what we hope is your favorable response at your earliest opportunity.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

xxxx xxxxxxx                                                                                                                      xxxx xxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

Exhibit A: FORM I-751

Original xxxxxxxxBank Personal Check, in the amount of $680.00 for payment of the I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence + Biometric fee

Enlarged copy of USCIS Form I-551 front and back (Permanent Resident Card)

Original Form I-751 filled and signed by xxxx and xxxx 

Addendum I and II to Form I-751

Copy of form G-1145.

 

Exhibit B: MARRIAGE

Copy of certified marriage certificate between xxxx and xxxx, showing marriage on May 17, 2019 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

 

Exhibit C  COHABITATION

Copy of Owners Title Insurance Policy with original recorded warranty deed for the property located at xxxxxxxx

Copy of American Land Title Association Settlement Statement showing xxxx and xxxx as buyers of the property situated at xxxxxxxx. 

Copy of Veterans United pre- approval letter showing xxxx and xxxx as pre-approved for a home loan. Dated: Jun 18, 2021 Signed by Kris Ball (Loan Officer) 

 

Copies of xxxx xxxxxxx and xxxx xxxxxx current drivers’ licenses showing joint residence at xxxxxxxx

Copies of xxxx xxxxxand xxxxxxxxxx old drivers’ licenses showing joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copy of xxxx Knotts’s updated Argentinian ID listing address at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Spectrum (Internet) monthly statements showing xxxx as responsible for paying gas and electricity in our joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Columbia Gas of Ohio monthly statements showing xxxx as responsible for paying gas in our joint residence atxxxxxxxx

Copy of lease agreement listing us as joint tenants at previous address (xxxxxxxxxx), beginning May 28, 2019 and copies of lease renewals for the same address for subsequent terms until May 31, 2022. 

Copy of xxxx xxxxx old argentinian ID listing address at xxxxxxxxxx

Copy of Horace Mann Insurance Company new business declaration listing us as jointly covered under renters’ insurance policy number xxxxxxx  for our residence at xxxxxxxxxxxx. Effective date: 02/02/2021. Expiration date: 02/02/2022.

Copy of appointment reminder from veterinary addressed to both of us.

 

Exhibit D TAX RETURNS- STATE TAXES- PROPERTY TAXES

Copies of joint IRS tax returns for 2020 and 2021.

Copy of 2021 and 2022  Monongalia County Personal Property Return filed jointly.

 

2020 and 2021 joint West Virginia Tax receipts.

  

 

Exhibit E: FINANCIAL COMMINGLING

Copies of quarterly bank statements of our joint checking account (with United Bank) since inception of the accounts on 04/19/2019 to closing of the account on xx/xx/xxxx,, showing various financial co-mingling such as Veteran United payments, rent payments, car loan payments, insurance payments, grocery shopping etc.

Copy of Chase Deposit Account Balance summary showing us as joint owners of the Chase Premier Plus Checking Account ending in 6235. Dated 10/30/2021.

 

Exhibit F: JOINT MORTGAGE STATEMENTS, UTILITIES, AND VET BILLS.

Veterans United joint mortgage statements from August 2021 to January /2022

Copies of the city of Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying water in our joint residence xxxxxxxxx 

Copies of AEP (Electric Company) monthly statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying the electric bill in our joint residence at xxxxxxxxx

Copies of Local Waste Services monthly statements showing us as jointly responsible for paying the trash pick up in our joint residence at xxxxxxxx

Copies veterinary bills showing us as jointly responsible for paying the veterinary bill

Copy of note from landlord in Morgantown stating he was responsible for paying the utilities on the property rented at xxxxxxxxx  for the time period we lived there.

 

Exhibit G:  JOINT HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE OVER THE YEARS.

Copy of xxxx’s current life insurance underwritten by Principal Life Insurance company listing xxxx as beneficiary of this insurance. 

Copy of current  dental/ vision insurance (with Principal), via xxxx’s current employer, showing us both covered under the same insurance plan. Effective date: 08/09/2021.

Copy of current United Health Care insurance, via xxxx’s current employer, showing us both covered under the same insurance plan.

Public Employees Insurance Agency certification letter showing xxxx as policy holder and xxxx as covered by this insurance. 

Copy of xxxx’s life insurance underwritten by United Omaha Life Insurance Company designating spouse xxxx as beneficiary.

Copy of previous health insurance cards (Independence), via xxxx former employer (xxxxx), showing us both covered under the same (former) insurance plan.

 

EXHIBIT H: Special Permissions

One Point of Care (OPOC.US) authorization for use and disclosure of private health information, providing authorization on behalf of xxxx to disclose private health information and listing xxxx as spouse.

 

 

 

Exhibit H:  JOINT RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Copy of xxxx  Individual Retirement Account from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIIA) beneficiary designation letter? listing xxxx as beneficiary of the account.

Copy of West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board Pre- Retirement Beneficiary Designation showing xxxx as member, and xxxx as beneficiary of the account. 

 

Exhibit I:  JOINT VEHICLE AND HOME INSURANCE.

Copy of xxxx ’s xxxxxxx Vehicle Insurance Card showing xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxxx . Effective date: 08/18/2021. Expiration date: 02/18/2022.

Copy of xxxx’s Vehicle Insurance Card showing xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxx . Effective date: 08/20/2021. Expiration date: 08/20/2022/ 

Copy of Progressive Home Advantage Insurance policy statement listing our joint residence at xxxxxx . Policy number: xxxxx. Covered from July 23, 2021 to July 23, 2022. 

Copy of AAA (American Automobile Association) joint statement with a payment date of 11/16/2021.

Copy of xxxx xxxx Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number:xxxxxx. Covered from February 10, 2020  to July 9,2020.

Copy of xxxx xxxx State Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxxx. Covered from July 09, 2020  to January 09,2021.

Copy of xxxx xxxxxx State Farm Vehicle Insurance Card and Renewal Policies showing xxxx xxxxx as covered by this insurance. Policy number: xxxxxx. Covered from January 09, 2021  to July 9,2021.

 

Exhibit K: JOINT MEMBERSHIPS

Copies of Sam’s membership listing xxxx xxxxx as a complimentary member of the account.

 

Exhibit L: TRIPS TAKEN TOGETHER

Flight reservations for our (postponed due to COVID) trip to Argentina in July 2020.

 

EXHIBIT M: EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:

West Virginia University Outpatient Face Sheet for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

Family Vision Clinic patient sheet  for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

Paylocity profile for xxxx, listing husband xxxx as emergency contact.

Orthopedic ONE Patient Information sheet  for patient xxxx listing, xxxx, as emergency contact.

 

Exhibit N: PICTURES

Copies of photos of us together at various events with family and friends throughout the years

Copy of wedding pics.

Include some of everyday pics already sent with AOS.

 

Exhibit O: 

Copies of greeting cards, letters and packages from family and friends addressed to us throughout the years

Wow, very extensive.  I wonder if this was overkill or the standard.   

At the moment, I plan on just doing.

1. Joint Tax Returns (2x)

2. Mortgage documents (joint)

3.  Electric Utility Bill (Gas is only under my name still and will change later this month to both, but I want to submit next week)

4.  Health/Dental Insurance Verification Letter through the Insurance Company

5.  My son's birth certificate (2022)

6.  Pictures from various events (weddings/holidays/friends)

BTW, did you submit them 100 pages?

Just now, Rocio0010 said:

Well, the way it’s worded is weird. It sounded like that’s ALL you’re going to present! 
Still, mortgage+ utility bills+ affidavits is not enough, Especially if you don’t share an account. What about the documents I listed? Do you have any of that?

Both mortgage and utility bills have both our names on the bills.  My wife is covered under my insurance (or at least was up July 2022) and we have joint returns for 2020 and 2021...

Our child was born this year, so we have the birth certificate as well.....

Just now, Rocio0010 said:

Because you have ZERO evidence of a relationship with just an affidavit. Affidavits are the weakest form of evidence, because anybody can write something to help you, without your relationship being true. 
Im not going to lie or sugar coat it: not having a joint account CAN and most likely WILL be problematic. However, it is still doable if you have some other valuable evidence, such as:

 

-Joint lease or mortgage,

-Joint tax returns for all the years you’ve been married

-Joint health/ vehicle insurance

-Joint utility bills.

- If you have joint children, their BC or school records showing both you and spouse’s names.

It is also important that you prove that you’re living together. For example, a DL or a State ID for both of you that shows the same address will help. Also some mail addressed to both of you.

 

Do you have any of the above mentioned?

 

I never said I have zero evidence.  

I asked if an affidavit from a family member would be sufficient for the affidavit itself.....

I have mortgage and utility bills with my spouse.  

45 minutes ago, Family said:

If after your “review of doc recommendation “ you are not experiencing panic attacks, I commend you. Your filing is an invitation for FDNS Fraud Unit . Get Lawyered Up soon

Why would i need to lawyer up?

41 minutes ago, bradoony said:

Yes, Family member will be a great option. 

What other documents you can provide that are shared since you do not have any joint bank account? 

Mortgage and Utility Bill

22 minutes ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

Affidavits are very weak evidence.  Anyone can sign them.

 

Better evidence are things like leases, mortgages, joint ownership, and anything that shows you are living together as a couple.

 

Thanks.  I have to find everything and anything I guess that supports it.

Hello,

I review the document recommendation for I-751 removal of conditions form and was wondering for the affidavit, would a family member (i.e. parents) would suffice.  

Also, I wonder since we do not share a joint bank account if that would be a problem.

18 hours ago, Misscloud said:

marriage is marriage. it still valid marriage certificate. ur marriage certificate is enough because she did get her GC right?

if she take ur last name, that's normal practice.

unless she change to completely different name that unrelated to you.

 

eg ur name : JOHN SMITH

her maiden name : DONATELA VERSACE

and she wants her new name : DONATELA HERMES, yeah that wont fly LOL

if her new name : DONATELA SMITH

u are fine, no need cover letter

Thanks a lot Misscloud for the info!

Just now, Misscloud said:

it will suffice because on that marriage certificate has ur last name. certain states has different format of marriage certificate so sometimes there's no option on that marriage certificate for her to have her "new" name. 

 

i didnt assume. i know she hasnt changer her name yet. but marriage certificate is legal document that she can use to change her last name to ur last name

Also,

We do not actually have a marriage certificate via the states though (We have it internationally, but we had it translated and stamp by a notary)

Another thing, I read somewhere you had to write a cover letter as well explaining the name change, etc.

Just now, Misscloud said:

have u submitted the i-751 or not?

if u havent, u can use your marriage certificate as the proof for name change. 

so when u fill up the form, use her first name + UR LAST NAME

 

once she received her 10 year GC with new name, she can continue with Social Security + DMV

Thanks for the info Misscloud.

I did not submit the i-751 yet (I will this month since it will be day D-90 soon).  My marriage certificate has her original last name though, will that still suffice or did you assume that she changed her name when we were married so USCIS can just see from the marriage certificate that her name was First Name (Hers) Last name (Mine)

Hello,

When we submit I-751 and my spouse wants to change her last name into my last name, is there any additional work that needs to be done?  I was told by Social Security and DMV I couldn't make the changes to her last name until the Green Card was changed first.   

Thanks!