Documentation to send with I-751
 

Hey everyone.

Another question, different topic.

I plan on sending bank statements, tax returns, insurance policies with both our names on it to support I-751. When you went through this process, did you send the entire document? We are a bit reluctant to show them our entire transaction history, tax returns, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with them, we just want to tighten up on privacy.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Bank statements, just the cover page showing both names in the account.

Entire copy of tax return, or better yet, an IRS transcript which has fewer pages.

Rene

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Thanks Rene. You're the best.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

We chose a few statements from throughout the time period since CPR was granted until the filing of the I751. Also included some photos with description of what they were and when they were taken. Used tax transcripts. Hey the feds know what you have earned so forget privacy on that issue. Also included photocopies of jointly held credit cards with the numbers blacked out. A copy of our rental agreement with both our names on it. Going back through our files we also included some things that were used to show our commingled life together that was submitted for his AOS. Had our respective employers give us letters stating who was emergency contact, held joint healthcare and beneficiary of life insurance and 401K plans.

It was a neatly compiled assortment of proof of our lives together and he was granted removal of conditions without a problem. Back then we did have to go for an interview. Today many removals are being done without an interview.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

I documented my I-751 Journey to help others in a similar position, complete with documents, links, and lists...including the list of evidence I submitted.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/marriage-based-visas-35/my-i-751-journey-story-documents-links-859126/

Hopefully this is of some help.

Rich.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

We filed our I-751 last October. I would order the IRS tax transcripts, it's much easier and they come quickly. I just ordered our 2015 transcript and it arrived in 4 days.

All the evidence you send must cover the entire period from marriage to now, not just the period you've had your Greencard per the I-751 instructions.

You need to send entire bank statements not just the first page, USCIS is very hot on this as of late. Elsewhere I've seen several reports of people getting RFEs for this very reason.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

No, you don't. In fact, you don't need to send bank statements at all.

Ian

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

No. That might have been the case years ago when you filed, it's certainly not the case now and is a guaranteed RFE.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Yes. Bank statements have never been a requirement. Period.


I never had to file an I-751.


Guaranteed? I seriously doubt that.

Ian

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Exactly - you only have 3rd party experience in the process.

Elsewhere there are countless recent reports of RFEs being issued for lack of bank statements, not enough bank statement, incomplete bank statements. Clearly they are rather important to USCIS.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Where?

I agree with Ian. Bank statements are just one way of showing a joint life together. Many couples do not have joint banking. Even if they receive an RFE, they just have to respond by saying they don't have joint accounts.

Rene

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

I've never played college basketball either, but I know the rules. You've made a gross assumption and generalization that the only worthwhile knowledge is first-hand knowledge. How many immigration lawyers have actually been through the US immigration experience? Answer = not many! That doesn't seem to affect what they know!


Really? Countless? How many people who don't include them never got an RFE? Answer = you have absolutely no idea. You're just making yet another assumption based on people commenting that they needed them. People who don't have issues, usually don't post - so your skewed bias is evident.


They are not now, nor have they ever been a requirement. Your alarmist hype notwithstanding, you can't simply make up stuff and report it as fact.

Ian

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Over on Visajourney - they have a huge forum dedicated to removal of conditions with monthly trackers where people post their timelines and report RFEs along with the reasons why they were issued.

Since I'm currently going through this process, I carefully researched what USCIS was looking for before I mailed my package - it seems ridiculous for people with no personal experience in the process to argue the matter. I would not have included full bank statements had others not reported this is something USCIS looks for. I'm trying to help the OP not hinder them...

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

That's fine, you are entitled to your opinion :) I'm trying to give the OP helpful information on what USCIS adjudicators *expect* to see in an I-751 package as of late. Why chance an RFE when you can just include these simple elements in the initial filing. The I-751 processing period is ridiculously long as it is without extending it with RFEs.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

I understand what you're saying. But the good news is that no matter how long it takes to adjudicate the I-751, even with RFEs, you still remain a US PR throughout....and can still file the N-400 towards citizenship when eligible.

Rene

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Enough said.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Indeed. It's a great resource for I-751 filers. :focus:

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Your opinion; unfortunately, not one that is shared by many here.

From the I-751 instructions:

"Evidence of the Relationship
Submit copies of documents indicating that the marriage upon which you were granted conditional status was entered in “good faith” and was not for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws. Submit copies of as many documents as you can to establish this fact, to demonstrate the circumstances of the relationship from the date of the marriage to the present date, and to demonstrate any circumstances surrounding the end of the relationship, if it has ended. The documents should include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
1. Birth certificates of children born during the time of this marriage, if any;
2. Lease or mortgage contracts showing joint occupancy and/or ownership of your communal residence;
3. Financial records showing joint ownership of assets and joint responsibility for liabilities, such as joint savings and checking accounts with transaction history, complete joint Federal and State tax returns, insurance policies that show the other spouse as the beneficiary, joint utility bills, or joint installment or other loans. If applicable, submit copies of military Leave and Earnings Statements showing receipt of Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) with family members and/or Form DD-1172 for military family member identification cards;
4. Other documents that you consider relevant to establish that your marriage was not entered for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws; and

and
Form I-751 Instructions 11/23/15 N Page 6 of 10

1. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of you since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your marriage and relationship. (Such persons may be required to testify before an immigration officer as to the information contained in the affidavit.) The original affidavit must be submitted and also contain the following information regarding the person making the affidavit: his or her full name and address; date and place of birth; relationship to you or your spouse, if any; and full information and complete details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge. Affidavits must be supported by other types of evidence listed above. "

There is no interpretation showing that the transaction history means complete bank statements for the two year period. It can be done with front pages of bank statements only (if the account is joint) with perhaps an inclusion of direct deposit statements showing the deposit of both persons' paychecks. You can, if you want, include a few miscellaneous cancelled checks. This has not changed since we filed our I-751 and those are the things we included. We never had joint savings accounts, joint loans or liabilities or joint assets.

Perhaps those who were given RFE's didn't include the items I mentioned that showed that the accounts were active and that monies were supplied to it by both persons.

BTW my prior post was ON TOPIC.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Perhaps you should read the instruction again more slowly...it clearly says bank statements should be included with the transaction history. Not just the first page or partial transaction history.

It does clearly state on the instructions:
Submit copies of as many documents as you can to establish this fact, to demonstrate the circumstances of the relationship from the date of the marriage to the present date.
So bank statements with transaction history covering the period from date of marriage until present time. Simple really, it's your interpretation that is incorrect/outdated.

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

Should be... not must be. There's a difference - and words have meaning.


With respect, it appears that you don't understand the English language as written by the US government.

Ian

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

With respect, you don't have any direct experience in the process. :)

Re: Documentation to send with I-751
 

I do have direct experience, and the fact is that bank statements are only one way of proving joint life together. USCIS does not require them; it's only a suggestion as one of the pieces of evidence you can include.

I'm sure the OP has enough information now. Thread closed.

Rene
Moderator