Included in three blue pages was an extensive list of what could qualify as evidence. The letter asked us to provide new information not previously submitted. However, the letter gave no indication why or if the evidence we previously sent was invalid. We were given until the end of May to submit further paperwork.

We reviewed the original I-751 packet and decided we could provide much more evidence of our ongoing (and valid) marriage. Here’s what’s included in the new packet:

• 2008 tax return, jointly filed, married
• Updated bank statement showing the account is held in both of our names, itemized deposits which include our 2008 tax refund from the Treasury, and direct deposits from both of our employers
• Updated verification of car insurance; 1 car, 1 policy, two drivers
• A printout of my employer benefits which indicate Kristien is the 100% beneficiary of my life insurance policy, and the dependent on my health plans
• Several medical invoices showing the joint health benefits are active
• Printouts of both of our pay stubs, which indicate direct deposit to the above mentioned bank account, and deductions for health benefits
• Furniture invoice showing both our names and our address together
• Veterinary invoice showing both our names and our address together
• Signed wills for both of us, with two confirming witnesses, and a notarized affidavit, both which indicate we are the primary inheritors of the other’s possessions
• Sworn affidavits from two of our neighbors which state that our marriage is, in fact, a real relationship.

I hope this is sufficient proof. Either way, the government will provide a response within 60 days of receiving the evidence. We sent the notice on April 25, 2009, just a week after receiving the request. The wills were something we had already planned but just needed to have witnessed and notarized. It seemed like a good step towards proving our commitment to each other.

After one year of silence it’s good to know the wheels are still turning. Let’s hope they’re moving in our favor.

The required form information is minimal: name, address, where we got married, a copy of her green card, and our signatures. There are other fields but the most important part is the evidence that proves your marriage is valid. We attached several pieces of information that would prove the marriage is not just for show.

• Bank statement showing the account is held in both of our names
• 2006 and 2007 tax returns, both filed jointly married
• Confirmation of our jointly-accessible safe deposit box
• Verification of car insurance; 1 car, 1 policy, two drivers
• Sworn affidavits from my parents that our marriage is, in fact, a real relationship.

We sent the forms, evidence, and $545 check via USPS certified mail. The check includes the cost of the form processing and a biometrics appointment, which is scheduled later.

This is one of those e-forms you may have seen on the USCIS web site. The I-131 has a $170 fee. This isn’t cheap but waiting for the I-485 to process to completion isn’t viable with our current plans.

Even though the form is e-filed, supporting documents are required. You’ll also have to send:

• Confirmation Receipt of E-filing form I-131
• 2 passport photos
• Copy of I-797, Notice of Action
• Copy of I-797, Notice of Action, ASC Appointment Notice
• Copy of driver’s license
• Copy of passport information page

It’s nice to have the driver’s license because it serves as another layer of identification for government forms. The burden for this document wasn’t bad. The online aspect expedites delivery but it also generates the actual I-131 as a PDF for your own records.

• Personal check ($395) for I-485 and biometric services
• Form I-485
• Copy of birth certificate (front and back)
• Translation of birth certificate
• Copy of K-1 passport with non-immigrant visa
• Two passport style photos (in bag attached to form G-325A)
• Copy of medical exam with vaccination record
• Form G-325A
• Copy of Form I-94 (front and back)
• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
• Most recent pay stub
• Signed verification from employer
• Tax returns for the years 2003 – 2005 with W-2s
• Copy of Form I-797 NOA 2 (approval of I-129F Petition)
• Copy of marriage certificate (dated March 1, 2006)

All forms now reflect Kristien’s new married name.

The 485 has very specific instructions. I found conflicting information on where to submit the form but it ultimately went to Chicago. In one instance I found a government web page that said to submit to the Local USCIS office. Fortunately, the page was dated and was older than the form’s information. Also, the form is electronically fillable, which saves a lot of time.

The translation of the birth certificate need not be professionally done. Simply attach a signed statement attesting that the person submitting is fluent or competent in the English language.

The I-864 is not fillable from the USCIS web site. I went to Visa Journey and found a fillable version and compared the two. They were exactly the same. This is one form that caused a lot of work. The reason is because I needed the three most recent tax years for supporting documentation. That means 2005 taxes had to be completed. Another delay was getting the Notary stamp and signature.

For something including this much information take it directly to the post office, send it certified mail with a delivery receipt. The peace of mind is well worth it.

The standard procedure for a name change (post-wedding) is to complete a form SS-5. You then bring the form and a certified copy of the marriage license to a local Social Security Administration office.

We waited roughly 40 minutes until our number was called. The clerk typed the information and said it would only be a week or two before the card is delivered. That’s pretty good for the government.

On Thursday, Kristien and I went to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts office. To obtain a marriage license you must apply in person and complete two simple forms. The license itself is $93.50, there’s no blood test, and we have a three-day waiting period. One of the forms is to confirm the bride and groom have both read a pamphlet about marriage. It’s nine pages of boring details. What’s ironic is that only two pages deal with marriage, the remaining seven explain various scenarios all relevant to divorce. Oh, and if you’re willing to endure a four hour marriage workshop, the license fee is reduced by (gasp) $30! No, thanks. I can just see the Q&A session spiraling into a discussion about credit card debt.

The next accomplishment was to get a photographer under contract. I guess they’re not very busy on Wednesdays. No schedule conflicts are good and weekday pricing is even better.

We ordered a cake from Publix which is conveniently located near the Don Cesar’s. The delivery fee was a little high: $30 within a 10-mile radius, $40 if greater than 10. The selection is good and the service is even better. I guess people who decorate cakes have a high level of job satisfaction. I suppose artistic freedom = job satisfaction. Unless you’re an unemployed artist, that is.

Before driving to the office, Kristien first completed an SS-5 application form. She brought her passport as identification, which also has the required I-94 (given at the port of entry) and her K-1 visa, which is also attached to her passport. After verifying the information the clerk typed, Kristien signed a form and we were finished.

The clerk stated that we waited the recommended 10 days before applying but the process still might take 30-60 days.

A total of 74 days have passed since I mailed the I-129F petition packet.

1. Form DS-230 I, Biographic Data, Part I
2. Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application (2 each)
3. Form DS-156(K) Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application
4. Form DS-167, Public Charge Evidence
5. Medical Examination Instructions

Because the United States government does not want Kristien to be an economic burden, I need to submit proof that I can support her. It’s time for more paperwork: Form I-134. More will follow on that subject.

Now back to the letter she received. Kristien sent me a scanned image and I was taken aback. The date is not typed, her name “Ms. Coninx” is hand written and there are check marks and scribbles on the directions. It’s the complete opposite of the forms I recieved from the USCIS and NVC–they all were clearly typed, uniquely identified, and printed on some form of security paper. Regardless, it arrived and we are both pleased.

A total of 58 days have passed since I mailed the petition packet.