Is joined bank account necessary to have?

[kkate7617]

Husband and I just filed I-485. We didn’t include any evidence but 6 pictures, one for each year we have been together. Working on collecting things now but I was wondering if it’s necessary to have joint bank account as proof? We have same address, my mother in law is our landlord, she can write a nice letter saying that we live there and describe our relationship with notaries stamp. We will also have joint tax return as well as joint cc statement. I can bring some letters (mine and his) with same address. All other bills are to his mothers name. We are working on saving money to buy a house. Is it enough? We have been together for so long and it’s really silly the amount of paperwork we need to provide. Also I can’t join his health insurance because I need a green card for it. No loans together either

[Enub4]

It is not necessary but recommended. More important are joint tax returns and with cc information should be enough.

If you look the other way, it is not silly to ask for proof, a lot of people are ready to commit marriage fraud to become LPR.

Weird about health insurance, I was able to put my spouse to mine (work is paying for mine and they deduct an amount for my dependents), without GC and without SSN several years ago. Now that they received an SSN I added the numbers to the health insurance and credit cards.

[Poramin]

Husband and I just filed I-485. We didn’t include any evidence but 6 pictures, one for each year we have been together. Working on collecting things now but I was wondering if it’s necessary to have joint bank account as proof? We have same address, my mother in law is our landlord, she can write a nice letter saying that we live there and describe our relationship with notaries stamp. We will also have joint tax return as well as joint cc statement. I can bring some letters (mine and his) with same address. All other bills are to his mothers name. We are working on saving money to buy a house. Is it enough? We have been together for so long and it’s really silly the amount of paperwork we need to provide. Also I can’t join his health insurance because I need a green card for it. No loans together either

It’s really up to you to decide how much is enough evidence of a real marriage. Personally I think more ‘silly’ stuff is better than not enough (which could lengthen the process for you).

However you decide, please keep in mind that all applications are being heavily scrutinized and those ‘silly’ things won’t seem silly if your application turns into a multi-year ordeal.

[BayAreaCaliAOS]

It’s better to be “silly” and front load them with evidence.
Our IO asked for our joint bank statements, and credit card statements.

[Johnny6751]

Honestly, in my perspective, that's a MUST. Remember, you're convincing the IO that this is a real bona fide, and the finances (if you're a couple) shouldn't be a problem. My partner and I got married January 27th this year and by the 28th we already had our bank accounts merged. As well as our comEd bill and RCN now both are under names, the lease as well, emails from USPS informed delivery showing our combined mail from our previous address because we just moved into a new place , and a bunch more. We're not filing yet tho, probably going to wait a few more months to gather more proof. Good luck to you!

[kkate7617]

It is not necessary but recommended. More important are joint tax returns and with cc information should be enough.

If you look the other way, it is not silly to ask for proof, a lot of people are ready to commit marriage fraud to become LPR.

Weird about health insurance, I was able to put my spouse to mine (work is paying for mine and they deduct an amount for my dependents), without GC and without SSN several years ago. Now that they received an SSN I added the numbers to the health insurance and credit cards.

Well he’s got Florida blue and technically I can join without GC but it would be above $300 just for me per month. If I wait till I get it it’ll be around $100. Big difference

[kkate7617]

Thank you all for your replies! If we get joint bank account together, what else should we get besides what we have which is not a lot? Like I said things like bills and insurances aren’t possible to get. Even though I have mail letters from bank and things like that for same address for the past 3-4 years

[Johnny6751]

Thank you all for your replies! If we get joint bank account together, what else should we get besides what we have which is not a lot? Like I said things like bills and insurances aren’t possible to get. Even though I have mail letters from bank and things like that for same address for the past 3-4 years

Remember, you're convincing the IO this is a real bona-fide.
The officer will take into consideration how long you've lived in the USA. If you're here for several years, how come you don't have a joint bank account already? Most banks will allow you to open one without a SSN.
You need to proof this is a real bona-fide. Here are a few things I'd consider to be important.

-The wedding ring tanned line on your finger. If you're truly married you shouldn't take your ring off, right? The tanned line should be there.

-Electric bills or internet bills should be under both names.

-Car insurance or life insurance should be under both names.

-Costco or gym memberships under both names.

-Joint bank accounts, if you don't have them jointed, be ready to explain the officer very convincingly why you don't have them merged.

-Do you own or rent? If you rent, make sure the lease is under both names. If you have one bedroom, that's fine. If you have 2-3-4 bedrooms, explain why. Make sure to include all the housewhole names.

-Bring pictures of your apartment, explain the officer every single part of your home. I.e, this is our living room, this is our k itchen, this is our bedroom, ECT.

-Bring pictures of trips, friends and/or family gatherings.

-Bring pictures of the wedding. Even if it was a small city hall wedding, bring pics of it.

-Sign up for USPS daily digest informed delivery, print the emails that will show mail coming for your husband and yourself.

-Make sure you have a timeline of events, how you met, how you got married, how did you propose, ect., What did you have for breakfast before coming here, etc.

At the end of the day, it relies on every officer to determine whether your marriage is real or not. Just be confident and try to gather as much documents as you can.

Good luck!