Links: Evidence of bona fide marriage for I-130/I-485 filing & interview tips

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

I used a program called iMazing to download my iPhone text message data and convert it into an Acrobat PDF file which you can choose to print out in batches while waiting for your interview schedule to be set by USCIS, this is what I have done in batches of 100 pages per week since my last backup.
My text exchanges with my husband from the first time we met 2 years ago until the end of October this year populated 1,692 pages of letter size paper. I believe that should be a substantial evidence of relationship in addition to the standard content many have used in their Green Card interviews.
iMazing can be purchased through StackSocial.com - i dont remember how much i paid for it maybe around $15.00 - but it is sure worth the value when you can present such evidence of communication over a lengthy period of time.
Hope this helps y'all.

Cheers

Thank you Gaps0214 & ChicagoVB for sharing these resources!

[WaitedLongEnough]

Great tips on getting text messages into PDF

I had no ideas the tips mentioned was a thing. Very powerful, I am adding this to my notes for future reference 😉

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

I used a program called iMazing to download my iPhone text message data and convert it into an Acrobat PDF file which you can choose to print out in batches while waiting for your interview schedule to be set by USCIS, this is what I have done in batches of 100 pages per week since my last backup.
My text exchanges with my husband from the first time we met 2 years ago until the end of October this year populated 1,692 pages of letter size paper. I believe that should be a substantial evidence of relationship in addition to the standard content many have used in their Green Card interviews.
iMazing can be purchased through StackSocial.com - i dont remember how much i paid for it maybe around $15.00 - but it is sure worth the value when you can present such evidence of communication over a lengthy period of time.
Hope this helps y'all.

Cheers

I meant to say - 1,692??? That?s amazing! And you know what? That?s indisputable evidence. Like I tell everyone - it?s YOUR green card. If printing all of your text messages gives you peace of mind, then so be it!

[aggiedubs]

Excellent resource recommendations, y'all! Thank you!

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

I had no ideas the tips mentioned was a thing. Very powerful, I am adding this to my notes for future reference 😉

Thank you for pointing that out. I did mention iExplorer on my TOC, but now I am realizing that may not be conspicuous enough. So I am adding those 3 resources to the list of resources.
You can't **** 1,692 pages of text messages. We sent 400 - I think. It's not a mortgage deed BUT you can't **** 1,692 pages. It's all I am saying. So if that's ALL the evidence someone has, then they should still be able to show that as concrete evidence of bona fide marriage.

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Reposting updated list of resources. Added iExplorer & iMazing links to download SMS

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
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Advance Health Care Directive

You do NOT want this to happen.
*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.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
Affidavit of residence
AVOID THIS SITUATION.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243388-Removal-of-conditions-through-extreme-hardship-(I-751)/page3

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.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
To download your text messages you may use:
iExplorer (iPhone)
iMazing (iPhone)
For Android, you can do SMS + back up. You may google that.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239845-January-2018-Filer-and-Interview-DONE!/page2?highlight=herewecome

9. USCIS Field Office: Oklahoma City, OK

Approved on the spot. Great advice provided. Adjusted from H1B visa.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/241135-6-19-18-OKC-AOS-FB-Interview-Approved-On-Spot-Marriage

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239692-Interview-documents?p=567570#post567570

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239051-Interview-coming-up-what-to-expect/page2

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239860-Interview-today-and-approved-on-the-spot

12. Thread by Godobo. This worked out beautifully. Great Table of Contents.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243331-Interview-done-and-approval-letter-received-4-days-after-Lawrence-Boston-&#128591-&#127996?p=581033#post581033

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/experience/337487-Interview-Lawrence-MA.html#comments

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243716-Boston-AOS-Journey-Application-to-Interview-Experience?p=582733#post582733

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.

[RIMB]

This is great. So much more thorough than what my lawyer provided. Thank you so much for organizing it.

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Reposting list so that folks find this post right away!

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243388-Removal-of-conditions-through-extreme-hardship-(I-751)/page3

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.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
To download your text messages you may use:
iExplorer https://macroplant.com/iexplorer (iPhone)
iMazing https://imazing.com/ (iPhone)
For Android, you can do SMS + back up. You may google that.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** *
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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239845-January-2018-Filer-and-Interview-DONE!/page2?highlight=herewecome

9. USCIS Field Office: Oklahoma City, OK
Approved on the spot. Great advice provided. Adjusted from H1B visa.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/241135-6-19-18-OKC-AOS-FB-Interview-Approved-On-Spot-Marriage

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239692-Interview-documents?p=567570#post567570

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239051-Interview-coming-up-what-to-expect/page2

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239860-Interview-today-and-approved-on-the-spot

12. Thread by Godobo. This worked out beautifully. Great Table of Contents.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243331-Interview-done-and-approval-letter-received-4-days-after-Lawrence-Boston-&#128591-&#127996?p=581033#post581033

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/experience/337487-Interview-Lawrence-MA.html#comments

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243716-Boston-AOS-Journey-Application-to-Interview-Experience?p=582733#post582733

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.

[aggiedubs]

Hello USCFFS

Did my PM get to you? I don't see anything in my sent box.

Sorry for replying on this thread in regards to a PM. It was long so I don't want to write again if I don't have to.

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Did my PM get to you? I don't see anything in my sent box.

Sorry for replying on this thread in regards to a PM. It was long so I don't want to write again if I don't have to.

No worries! I repost the list periodically anyway, and I have to add ALMTthere's TOC to the list of links/resources. I got your message and will respond shortly.

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Bumping this to the front page!

[tokyofroodle]

Well after reading through all of these stories. I think I’m going to prepare for the interview but at the same time prepare to leave my kids (from my ex boyfriend) and move to Japan.

We don’t have nearly enough paperwork to make up all of the virus files and folders all of these people have.
I’m in my 20s, I don’t have life insurance, health insurance, 401k, blah blah blah.
We have a joint checking account, lease, and he’s on my car insurance, which shows my dad’s address because it’s cheaper there. Can’t do a credit card because he doesn’t have a green card, they barely let me get him on the bank account. Most of that still has my maiden name because it’s such a hassle to change it to my married name.

Oh well I never wanted to stay in America in the first place. I just didn’t want my kids to forget about me.

[WaitedLongEnough]

Well after reading through all of these stories. I think I’m going to prepare for the interview but at the same time prepare to leave my kids (from my ex boyfriend) and move to Japan.

We don’t have nearly enough paperwork to make up all of the virus files and folders all of these people have.
I’m in my 20s, I don’t have life insurance, health insurance, 401k, blah blah blah.
We have a joint checking account, lease, and he’s on my car insurance, which shows my dad’s address because it’s cheaper there. Can’t do a credit card because he doesn’t have a green card, they barely let me get him on the bank account. Most of that still has my maiden name because it’s such a hassle to change it to my married name.

Oh well I never wanted to stay in America in the first place. I just didn’t want my kids to forget about me.

Don’t be discouraged! I don’t have car insurance (we both get on the NYC subway) , I don’t have life insurance, 401K plan and health derivatives, I still can provide bonafide marriage through documents listing my husband on my daughters school blue card , rent lease , joint bills , bank account and credit cards account , family events , emails to and from our landlord, text messages , social media post , FB messanger chat , etc . Don’t worry , if you’re marriage is bonafide.
All the best !

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Well after reading through all of these stories. I think I’m going to prepare for the interview but at the same time prepare to leave my kids (from my ex boyfriend) and move to Japan.

We don’t have nearly enough paperwork to make up all of the virus files and folders all of these people have.
I’m in my 20s, I don’t have life insurance, health insurance, 401k, blah blah blah.
We have a joint checking account, lease, and he’s on my car insurance, which shows my dad’s address because it’s cheaper there. Can’t do a credit card because he doesn’t have a green card, they barely let me get him on the bank account. Most of that still has my maiden name because it’s such a hassle to change it to my married name.

Oh well I never wanted to stay in America in the first place. I just didn’t want my kids to forget about me.

I second your motion. All you have to do is get creative. That's it. No one is asking you to have a mortgage together. It just takes being creative if you do not have things like health insurance, life insurance and a 401k.

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Updated list of resources! Added TOCs by ALMThere, gjv, and gradstudent 2018!

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.

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Link to Financial Power of attorney https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...089#post581089
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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.
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Link to Affidavit of residence https://www.rocketlawyer.com/documen...residence.rl#/
AVOID THIS SITUATION.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243388-Removal-of-conditions-through-extreme-hardship-(I-751)/page3

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.
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To download your text messages you may use:
iExplorer https://macroplant.com/iexplorer (iPhone)
iMazing https://imazing.com/ (iPhone)
For Android, you can do SMS + back up. You may google that.
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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. USCIS Field Office: Cleveland, OH

Thread by jzgr24. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...ocuments/page4

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239845-January-2018-Filer-and-Interview-DONE!/page2?highlight=herewecome

9. USCIS Field Office: Oklahoma City, OK

Approved on the spot. Great advice provided. Adjusted from H1B visa.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/241135-6-19-18-OKC-AOS-FB-Interview-Approved-On-Spot-Marriage

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239692-Interview-documents?p=567570#post567570

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239051-Interview-coming-up-what-to-expect/page2

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/239860-Interview-today-and-approved-on-the-spot

12. Thread by Godobo. This worked out beautifully. Great Table of Contents.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243331-Interview-done-and-approval-letter-received-4-days-after-Lawrence-Boston-&#128591-&#127996?p=581033#post581033

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/experience/337487-Interview-Lawrence-MA.html#comments

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.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/243716-Boston-AOS-Journey-Application-to-Interview-Experience?p=582733#post582733

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.

17. USCIS Field Office: Charlotte, NC

Thread by ALMThere. This is a great example of how to stage your evidence. Great job with the table of contents. It is thorough, concise and written very clearly.

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/245208-Interview-experience-Charlotte-field-office?highlight=ALMThere

18. USCIS Field Office: Fairfax, VA

Post by gjv. This TOC is very well organized. This is example of “preparation meets opportunity”. They described each piece of evidence and included dates everywhere they could. It is a MUST SEE!

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/241016-June-2018-filers?p=590375#post590375

19. USCIS Field Office: Jacksonville, FL

Green card approved within 73 days of priority date!
Thread by gradstudent2018 – Overall, they did a really good job putting together their evidence of bona fide marriage. Take a look!

https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/245463-My-AOS-Interview-(Jacksonville-FL)?p=590425#post590425