Guiri

Hi,

I've read a few other posts here like this one http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=689117 about what to add to the i-130 as proof of an ongoing relationship. In our case, the relationship has existed through multiple VWP stays and webcams! We don't really have any official proof of co-mingling of money/residence as it's not been possible or necessary.

We're thinking my fiance's father could write an affidavit, but do you have any suggestions on what else we can offer as proof?

Thanks in advance.

meauxna

You don't need to prove an "ongoing marriage", you need 'documentation that may evidence the bona fides of your marriage'.
They are different things.

Guiri

Do go on...

jeffreyhy

The marital relationship may be ongoing, but if it's ongoing for the purpose of getting the alien into the USA as a Permanent Resident it's not bona fide.

You have to show that the reason for being married to this person is something other than giving her a means to immigrate.

Regards, JEff

Noorah101

Hopefully you mean "spouse" here.

It's difficult for newlyweds to have proof of co-mingling of their lives together, since their life together is so new. A couple of sworn affidavits from people who know you as a married couple will probably be enough, for now.

Rene

Guiri

Is this the only type of proof we can offer?

And on a more general note, how important is this part of the petition? We hope to file the petition very soon after our marriage. Will the duration of the marriage be a factor?

Noorah101

No, you can offer anything else you have that shows your joint life together. I'm not sure what you have, so it's hard to tell you what to include.

Well, the I-130 is very important because it establishes the fact that you're married and that the marriage is bona-fide (not for immigration purposes only). As I mentioned many newlyweds have nothing joint, so affidavits are all they have.

Duration of marriage is not a factor.

Rene

Guiri

Do any examples of what other people have offfered come to mind? We need some inspiration here!

Noorah101

Stuff like: joint banking, joint utility bills, joint lease or mortgage, joint insurance, joint memberships, that type of thing. But again, if you just got married and not living together as a married couple yet, you won't have all that.

Rene

meauxna

Uh, that other thread?

Newlyweds living in two countries often have to rely on affidavits from people who know the couple. The US citizen can add the new spouse to insurance, banking, utilities, social and other sorts of accounts.. all the stuff you will probably do when you're living together.
Show that you are a bona fide married couple, not doing this just for the immigration benefit.

It doesn't have to be much.

Guiri

Is that really possible though for someone who's not a legal resident (yet)? Would we need a joint bank account at least?

Noorah101

Yes, it's possible.

You don't NEED one, but if you want to get one together, you can.

Rene