Originally posted by UScitizenFilingforspouse
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Links: Evidence of bona fide marriage for I-130/I-485 filing & interview tips
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Original PD: 07/10/2017
RFE PD: 8/23/2017
8/03/2017 - RFE Received
8/23/2017 - Response to RFE
10/12/2017 - EAD Mailed
3/15/2018 - I-485 Status "Case is ready to be scheduled"
9/25/2018 - I-485 "Interview Was Scheduled"
10/31/2018 - Interview Date
10/31/2018 - I-485 Approved on the spot, card has been ordered
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Updated list of resources.
These threads contain everything you need to file all the required evidence of bona fide marriage with your AOS package - as required by the I-130 instructions page 3/12.(See screenshot below). You will find very useful tips on how to stage your evidence for your initial filing and for your interview. Start with #1 and work your way through #16. All experiences I have selected for your review are valuable. All approaches are worth learning from.
Key points:
- The key is to first create a timeline of your relationship from the day you met. Evidence of bona fide marriage refers to your intentions to build a life together. Such evidence is not limited to your time as a married couple. It begins from the day you met or started dating.
- If you marry and file right away, it is key to submit evidence from the day you met to show the longevity of your relationship. You do not want USCIS thinking you met on Monday, married on Tuesday and then filed for your green card on Wednesday.
- List your evidence using full sentences. That is what I recommend. Because I value your time, as well as mine, I am sharing with you now that I will only critique Table of contents that follow that format; i.e., evidence listed using complete sentences.
- In the event that your case is adjudicated after your interview, and you are not present when they review your evidence, the Table of contents will provide full explanations to your Immigration Services Officer. There will not be any doubt of what your evidence is proof of. Remember that USCIS does not have to connect the dots for you.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Link to Financial Power of attorney https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...089#post581089
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Link to Advance Health Care Directive http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/...fm?pageid=3289
You do NOT want this to happen. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/loo...schiavo-death/
*The person you assign as proxy or advocate may also furnish you an affidavit corroborating that you named him/her as advocate on MM/DD/YY, and that they fully understand the terms of the Advance Health care directive.
You can also add more layers to this cabbage by distributing the Advance Health Care Directive to people who should be aware of it, even if they are not designated as advocates. Then those non-advocates may furnish an affidavit stating that on MM/DD/YY, you shared the AHCD with them and that they understand the terms. NOTE that you are not asking them to furnish an affidavit speaking to the bona fide nature of your marriage. However, that is not needed.
You will also have an easier time getting someone to agree to furnish such notarized affidavit if they do not have to speak to the nature of your marriage. It is also possible that people will have no second thoughts on the true nature of your marriage just by seeing the AHCD and they may volunteer to speak to the bona fide nature of your marriage.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Link to Affidavit of residence https://www.rocketlawyer.com/documen...residence.rl#/
AVOID THIS SITUATION.
This is an example of a Table of Contents for I-751 Application to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...nent-Residence
That is the level of evidence they expect ? concrete. The longer you have been married, the more concrete evidence they expect. Start out with your right foot for your Adjustment of Status Petition.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
1. USCIS Field Office: Helena, MT
Thread by 4EVER https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...122#post581122
This table of content embodies ALL the recommendations and creative ways to stage evidence, that everyone has contributed. This is a tried and true method. 4EVER and spouse were approved on the spot.
Very important tip provided by 4EVER: Make it easier for the Officer to navigate your evidence. Fasten your Table of Contents on the left side of the folder, and fasten all the evidence on the right for easier cross-checking. So simple, yet genius.
Find 4EVER?s response to the RFE they received which requested their joint sponsor?s income tax returns. 4EVER and spouse submitted additional evidence of bona fide marriage with this RFE. Find the screenshot here https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...016#post582016 That shows that you may successfully piggy back additional evidence of bona fide marriage with a RFE, IF you have one, of course.
USCIS Field Office: Helena, MT
2. USCIS Field Office: San Bernardino, CA
Thread by Emerald 2020. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...view-scheduled Her table of content is very complete. All elements are there. I strongly recommend using it as a guide.
Interview to be rescheduled.
3. USCIS Field Office: Charleston, SC
Table of Contents by use Passe. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...357#post578357
This is an example to follow. If you read through it, you get the sense that the authors are just talking with you about their marriage. For our interview, I think I will use a mix between the table of Contents put together by Passe?s and Emerald 2020.
Each main evidence on Passe?s table of contents is basically a cabbage. As you read through each main evidence, It?s like you?re peeling layer after layer of evidence.
They were able to show evidence of their relationship since they met in 2012. It might take some digging folks, but it?s possible. You don?t want USCIS thinking you met on Monday, got married on Tuesday and filed for your green card on Wednesday.
4. USCIS Field Office: Anchorage, AK
This approach is worth taking a close look at. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...958#post578958
And the Table of Contents is here. Just scroll down to find Tamarack?s entry. This is a good thread. Houston2016 gave very good advice, as well. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...-the-Interview
USCIS Field Office ? Anchorage, AK
5. USCIS Field Office: Kansas City, MO
Thread by Tezza. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...Complete/page2
04-10-18 - Priority date
07-10-18 ? Interview ? Approved on the spot
This case is remarkable because their interview was scheduled within 2 to 3 months.
Tezza did not have a lease, and presented several notarized affidavits of residence to prove that they lived with his wife?s parents. He also presented an Advanced health care directive. I highly recommend this document. USCIS takes it very seriously.
Bottom line is that they maximized the evidence they had available. They focused on evidence dating back to when they first met until the adjustment of status interview. (It?s sort of the way you would present evidence for a k-1 fiance visa)
6. Thread by Scifan https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...656#post564656
USCitizenFilingForSpouse's Table of Contents. Good discussions. Plenty of ideas to choose from to get creative.
7. Thread by jzgr24. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...ocuments/page4
USCIS Field Office: Cleveland, OH
Approval on the spot. Marriage based AOS. B1/B2 visa. Interview scheduled promptly. Cleveland, OH., field office. Jzgr24 has impressive organization skills. Realized they had more evidence than they thought and put it all together in a matter of days. Insane.
Here you can find the Mega Table of Contents I used as a guide. *Must see.
8. USCIS Field Office: Chicago, IL
Thread by Herewecome & spouse. Approved on the spot. Amazing job with their Table of contents. They nailed this interview with an industrial grade nail gun. That's the best I can put it.
01-29-18 - PD
05-07-18 - Interview date
Concerns/Special circumstances: Did not include ALL evidence of bona fide marriage with AOS applications at the time of filing.
9. USCIS Field Office: Oklahoma City, OK
Approved on the spot. Great advice provided. Adjusted from H1B visa.
10. Thread by Hotaru-Grace. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...010#post576010
There is great advice here. Make it easy for the Immigration Services Officer to approve you. There is no such thing as overpreparing.
11. USCIS Field Office: Raleigh, NC
This thread was started by Mr.Diaz., who got approved 5 minutes after leaving the interview. DACA recipient. Marriage based AOS.
General tips from test driving the route to the field office to a primer on Table of contents.
12. Thread by Godobo. This worked out beautifully. Great Table of Contents.
13. USCIS Field Office: Boston, MA
Thread by User_02_2018. Very detailed experience. There is no such thing as being over-prepared. Left no stone unturned.
14. USCIS Field Office: Boston, MA
Thread by Krittika Govil. Straightforward case but superb preparation. Approved on the spot. If you have not filed for AOS yet, this is a great thread for you to read. Krittika Govil provided a detailed timeline of her experience since her priority date. You will also find examples of Cover Letters for your I-130, I-485, I-765 & I-131 petitions.
15. USCIS Field Office: Chicago, IL
Thread by chicago1978. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...with-Interview
Case is pending as of 05/13/18. I expect a positive outcome here. This is a true marriage. Hands down. *Short engagement.
15. Thread by Helpmylife - Notice of Intent to Deny. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...-to-Deny/page2
Case is pending as of 05/13/18.
Includes objective discussion on USCIS expectations. Your job vs. the ISO's job.
*Edit 07-11-18, just a few days ago, helpmylife informed the forum that the 10 year green card had been approved.
There is a lot to learn from helpmylife?s experience. Like I told him, it would all be fine, and it?s all fine now, but after having been in his shoes, I strongly recommend not leaving anything to chance.
16. USCIS Field Office: Atlanta, GA
Link to Kaylip?s Table of Contents. You will have to scroll down to find it. It?s within this thread but on an earlier page. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...iew-tips/page4
This case is a good example of how to present your evidence if you do not commingle your finances. USCIS does prefer commingling. Kaylip did not commingle, and that IS FINE. You just have to get creative. And they did.
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Originally posted by UScitizenFilingforspouse View PostThese threads contain everything you need to file all the required evidence of bona fide marriage with your AOS package......
My interview was not approved on spot (I posted my experience and my checklist in another thread) in written form, but I received positive feedback and a "congratulations" from my immigration officer.
The officer took almost all the docs I prepared -- as my lawyer only submitted our joint checking account and copy of our drivers license showing same address when I concurrently filing the 4 forms, I guess he would like to see a lot more -- and your suggestion of "telling a story with all dots connected" should be very helpful if he wants to review the docs.
I sincerely appreciate your kindness of sharing this very helpful collection!!
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Originally posted by smilingsoul View PostThank you very much for collecting, organizing, and sharing the successful and unsuccessful cases!
My interview was not approved on spot (I posted my experience and my checklist in another thread) in written form, but I received positive feedback and a "congratulations" from my immigration officer.
The officer took almost all the docs I prepared -- as my lawyer only submitted our joint checking account and copy of our drivers license showing same address when I concurrently filing the 4 forms, I guess he would like to see a lot more -- and your suggestion of "telling a story with all dots connected" should be very helpful if he wants to review the docs.
I sincerely appreciate your kindness of sharing this very helpful collection!!
All the best,
USCFFS
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Bumping
Bumping this thread because the levels of madness and digging I just went through to find this thread was unreal someone probably want to see this thread tooC9 Spouse of USC
NYC Filer
04/13/18 - PD
05/04/18 - Bio notice
05/23/18 - Bio completed
09/18/18 - RFIE mailed
09/22/18 - RFIE Rcv'd
10/09/18 - Responded to RFIE
10/10/18 - USCIS Received RFIE
10/12/18 - Text & email Update from dhs rcv'd response to RFIE
10/12/18 - Submitted a SR form I-765
10/25/18 - Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview
11/14/18 - Submitted 2nd SR for form I-765
11/26/18 - NOA for I765
11/30/18 - Rcv'd SS card
12/06/18 - Rcv'd EAD
Comment
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Reposting most recent list of resources.
These threads contain everything you need to file all the required evidence of bona fide marriage with your AOS package - as required by the I-130 instructions page 3/12.(See screenshot below). You will find very useful tips on how to stage your evidence for your initial filing and for your interview. Start with #1 and work your way through #16. All experiences I have selected for your review are valuable. All approaches are worth learning from.
Key points:
- The key is to first create a timeline of your relationship from the day you met. Evidence of bona fide marriage refers to your intentions to build a life together. Such evidence is not limited to your time as a married couple. It begins from the day you met or started dating.
- If you marry and file right away, it is key to submit evidence from the day you met to show the longevity of your relationship. You do not want USCIS thinking you met on Monday, married on Tuesday and then filed for your green card on Wednesday.
- List your evidence using full sentences that explain what your evidence is proof of.
- In the event that your case is adjudicated after your interview, and you are not present when they review your evidence, the Table of contents will provide full explanations to your Immigration Services Officer. There will not be any doubt of what your evidence is proof of. Remember that USCIS does not have to connect the dots for you.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Link to Financial Power of attorney https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...089#post581089
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Link to Advance Health Care Directive http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/...fm?pageid=3289
You do NOT want this to happen. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/loo...schiavo-death/
*The person you assign as proxy or advocate may also furnish you an affidavit corroborating that you named him/her as advocate on MM/DD/YY, and that they fully understand the terms of the Advance Health care directive.
You can also add more layers to this cabbage by distributing the Advance Health Care Directive to people who should be aware of it, even if they are not designated as advocates. Then those non-advocates may furnish an affidavit stating that on MM/DD/YY, you shared the AHCD with them and that they understand the terms. NOTE that you are not asking them to furnish an affidavit speaking to the bona fide nature of your marriage. However, that is not needed.
You will also have an easier time getting someone to agree to furnish such notarized affidavit if they do not have to speak to the nature of your marriage. It is also possible that people will have no second thoughts on the true nature of your marriage just by seeing the AHCD and they may volunteer to speak to the bona fide nature of your marriage.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Link to Affidavit of residence https://www.rocketlawyer.com/documen...residence.rl#/
AVOID THIS SITUATION.
This is an example of a Table of Contents for I-751 Application to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...nent-Residence
That is the level of evidence they expect ? concrete. The longer you have been married, the more concrete evidence they expect. Start out with your right foot for your Adjustment of Status Petition.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
1. USCIS Field Office: Helena, MT
Thread by 4EVER https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...122#post581122
This table of content embodies ALL the recommendations and creative ways to stage evidence, that everyone has contributed. This is a tried and true method. 4EVER and spouse were approved on the spot.
Very important tip provided by 4EVER: Make it easier for the Officer to navigate your evidence. Fasten your Table of Contents on the left side of the folder, and fasten all the evidence on the right for easier cross-checking. So simple, yet genius.
Find 4EVER?s response to the RFE they received which requested their joint sponsor?s income tax returns. 4EVER and spouse submitted additional evidence of bona fide marriage with this RFE. Find the screenshot here https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...016#post582016
That shows that you may successfully piggy back additional evidence of bona fide marriage with a RFE, IF you have one, of course.
USCIS Field Office: Helena, MT
2. USCIS Field Office: San Bernardino, CA
Thread by Emerald 2020. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...view-scheduled Her table of content is very complete. All elements are there. I strongly recommend using it as a guide.
Interview to be rescheduled.
3. USCIS Field Office: Charleston, SC
Table of Contents by use Passe. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...357#post578357
This is an example to follow. If you read through it, you get the sense that the authors are just talking with you about their marriage. For our interview, I think I will use a mix between the table of Contents put together by Passe?s and Emerald 2020.
Each main evidence on this Table of Contents is basically a cabbage. As you read through each main evidence, it feels like you are peeling layer after layer of evidence.
They were able to show evidence of their relationship since they met in 2012. It might take some digging folks, but it?s possible. You don?t want USCIS thinking you met on Monday, got married on Tuesday and filed for your green card on Wednesday.
4. USCIS Field Office: Anchorage, AK
This approach is worth taking a close look at. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...958#post578958
And the Table of Contents is here. Just scroll down to find Tamarack?s entry. This is a good thread. Houston2016 gave very good advice, as well. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...-the-Interview
USCIS Field Office ? Anchorage, AK
5. USCIS Field Office: Kansas City, MO
Thread by Tezza. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...Complete/page2
04-10-18 - Priority date
07-10-18 ? Interview ? Approved on the spot
This case is remarkable because their interview was scheduled within 2 to 3 months.
Tezza did not have a lease, and presented several notarized affidavits of residence to prove that they lived with his wife?s parents. He also presented an Advanced health care directive. I highly recommend this document. USCIS takes it very seriously.
Bottom line is that they maximized the evidence they had available. They focused on evidence dating back to when they first met until the adjustment of status interview. (It?s sort of the way you would present evidence for a k-1 fiance visa)
6. Thread by Scifan https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...656#post564656
USCitizenFilingForSpouse's Table of Contents. Good discussions. Plenty of ideas to choose from to get creative.
7. Thread by jzgr24. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...ocuments/page4
USCIS Field Office: Cleveland, OH
Approval on the spot. Marriage based AOS. B1/B2 visa. Interview scheduled promptly. Cleveland, OH., field office. Jzgr24 has impressive organization skills. Realized they had more evidence than they thought and put it all together in a matter of days. Insane.
Here you can find the Mega Table of Contents I used as a guide. *Must see.
8. USCIS Field Office: Chicago, IL
Thread by Herewecome & spouse. Approved on the spot. Amazing job with their Table of contents. They nailed this interview with an industrial grade nail gun. That's the best I can put it.
01-29-18 - PD
05-07-18 - Interview date
Concerns/Special circumstances: Did not include ALL evidence of bona fide marriage with AOS applications at the time of filing.
9. USCIS Field Office: Oklahoma City, OK
Approved on the spot. Great advice provided. Adjusted from H1B visa.
10. Thread by Hotaru-Grace. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...010#post576010
There is great advice here. Make it easy for the Immigration Services Officer to approve you. There is no such thing as overpreparing.
11. USCIS Field Office: Raleigh, NC
This thread was started by Mr.Diaz., who got approved 5 minutes after leaving the interview. DACA recipient. Marriage based AOS.
General tips from test driving the route to the field office to a primer on Table of contents.
12. Thread by Godobo. This worked out beautifully. Great Table of Contents.
13. USCIS Field Office: Boston, MA
Thread by User_02_2018. Very detailed experience. There is no such thing as being over-prepared. Left no stone unturned.
14. USCIS Field Office: Boston, MA
Thread by Krittika Govil. Straightforward case but superb preparation. Approved on the spot. If you have not filed for AOS yet, this is a great thread for you to read. Krittika Govil provided a detailed timeline of her experience since her priority date. You will also find examples of Cover Letters for your I-130, I-485, I-765 & I-131 petitions.
15. USCIS Field Office: Chicago, IL
Thread by chicago1978. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...with-Interview
Case is pending as of 05/13/18. I expect a positive outcome here. This is a true marriage. Hands down. *Short engagement.
15. Thread by Helpmylife - Notice of Intent to Deny. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...-to-Deny/page2
Case is pending as of 05/13/18.
Includes objective discussion on USCIS expectations. Your job vs. the ISO's job.
*Edit 07-11-18, just a few days ago, helpmylife informed the forum that the 10 year green card had been approved.
There is a lot to learn from helpmylife?s experience. Like I told him, it would all be fine, and it?s all fine now, but after having been in his shoes, I strongly recommend not leaving anything to chance.
16. USCIS Field Office: Atlanta, GA
Link to Kaylip?s Table of Contents. You will have to scroll down to find it. It?s within this thread but on an earlier page. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...iew-tips/page4
This case is a good example of how to present your evidence if you do not commingle your finances. USCIS does prefer commingling. Kaylip did not commingle, and that IS FINE. You just have to get creative. And they did.
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