wedding photos for CR-1?

[marends]

My Chinese fiancee Tracy and I will get married soon in China. We want to know if wedding photos (friends and family, red table cloths, etc) are absolutely necessary when submitting the CR-1 petition. Her immediate family completely disapproves of her moving to America, and we're not sure whether there will be a big wedding celebration. Is it okay if we simply have the marriage certificate? Be advised that I've traveled to see her in China 9 times over the past 2 1/2 years. We already applied, and she was APPROVED, for a K-1 fiancee visa back in June 2007. Unfortunately, because of her family problems, she couldn't come on the K-1. That visa expired on 12/31/07. She requested an extension, and GUZ approved a 6-month extension to June 2008. Unfortunately, her brother DESTROYED her U.S. visa and passport in June, just before she was ready to come. We contacted GUZ and told them the situation and asked for another extension and visa reissuance. They told us to put the request in writing. We submitted this 2nd extension request to GUZ in July 2008. GUZ denied it in August 2008. They said they would grant only one extension, and they suggested we apply for a new visa.

 

So now, Tracy and I are ready to just get married in China and do a CR-1. We have abundant proof of the relationship dating back to April 2006, including proof of 9 trips (the most recent 3 weeks ago), photos, telephone bills, emails, letters, etc.........and soon a marriage certificate.

 

Is this enough to begin the process for a CR-1? I very much hope wedding photos aren't going to be absolutely necessary.

[Sebastian]

There's a whole pile o stuff here on CFL that deals specifically with 'front loading'. Whilst photos are good to have to prove up the bonafide relationship, it's not really listed as a requirement , just is listed as a possibility.

 

With that said, you go on to mention 'wedding photos'. Oh My. There are two types of wedding photos, IMO.

 

1. The type you get done at a WEDDING STUDIO - it takes a full day, there are many costume changes and makeup work. Photos available about 2 to 9 days after the photo shoot.

 

2. Photos taken AT the Wedding Party. These are more candid.

 

If her family is a big problem, then go for type #1. She's gonna cherish these photos anyway, as the makeup artists and costumers will make her look like a princess. NB - If you are a larger fella, bring yer own black tuxedo, white shirt, black socks and shoes.

 

With your pile of 'other evidence' to date, I would make a speculation and state that 'wedding photos' may not be essential for your I-130 application.

Edited December 3, 2008 by Darnell (see edit history)

[marends]

There's a whole pile o stuff here on CFL that deals specifically with 'front loading'. Whilst photos are good to have to prove up the bonafide relationship, it's not really listed as a requirement , just is listed as a possibility.

 

With that said, you go on to mention 'wedding photos'. Oh My. There are two types of wedding photos, IMO.

 

1. The type you get done at a WEDDING STUDIO - it takes a full day, there are many costume changes and makeup work. Photos available about 2 to 9 days after the photo shoot.

 

2. Photos taken AT the Wedding Party. These are more candid.

 

If her family is a big problem, then go for type #1. She's gonna cherish these photos anyway, as the makeup artists and costumers will make her look like a princess. NB - If you are a larger fella, bring yer own black tuxedo, white shirt, black socks and shoes.

 

With your pile of 'other evidence' to date, I would make a speculation and state that 'wedding photos' may not be essential for your I-130 application.

 

Thank you very much for the reply. The photo-studio wedding photos are a good idea (I hadn't thought of that). At a minimum, we'll also have probably a small celebration with some of Tracy's extended family (cousins) and friends.......just not a full-blown traditional Chinese wedding/banquet (at least not right now). I suspect that her immediate family will change their view eventually. I just don't want it to hold us up on submitting the I-130 application.

[mikeleighb]

My Chinese fiancee Tracy and I will get married soon in China. We want to know if wedding photos (friends and family, red table cloths, etc) are absolutely necessary when submitting the CR-1 petition. Her immediate family completely disapproves of her moving to America, and we're not sure whether there will be a big wedding celebration. Is it okay if we simply have the marriage certificate? Be advised that I've traveled to see her in China 9 times over the past 2 1/2 years. We already applied, and she was APPROVED, for a K-1 fiancee visa back in June 2007. Unfortunately, because of her family problems, she couldn't come on the K-1. That visa expired on 12/31/07. She requested an extension, and GUZ approved a 6-month extension to June 2008. Unfortunately, her brother DESTROYED her U.S. visa and passport in June, just before she was ready to come. We contacted GUZ and told them the situation and asked for another extension and visa reissuance. They told us to put the request in writing. We submitted this 2nd extension request to GUZ in July 2008. GUZ denied it in August 2008. They said they would grant only one extension, and they suggested we apply for a new visa.

 

So now, Tracy and I are ready to just get married in China and do a CR-1. We have abundant proof of the relationship dating back to April 2006, including proof of 9 trips (the most recent 3 weeks ago), photos, telephone bills, emails, letters, etc.........and soon a marriage certificate.

 

Is this enough to begin the process for a CR-1? I very much hope wedding photos aren't going to be absolutely necessary.

 

 

just wanted to let you know that (unbeknownst to my wife) i didn't submit any photos with our cr1 package. we got our approval with no problem. of course she intends to bring many photos with her to the interview. wedding photos and photos of us together on our trips. i wouldn't worry about it too much. my wife worries much more than me, but if you read the directions and provide exactly what they ask for, you have no reason to be denied

[marends]

My Chinese fiancee Tracy and I will get married soon in China. We want to know if wedding photos (friends and family, red table cloths, etc) are absolutely necessary when submitting the CR-1 petition. Her immediate family completely disapproves of her moving to America, and we're not sure whether there will be a big wedding celebration. Is it okay if we simply have the marriage certificate? Be advised that I've traveled to see her in China 9 times over the past 2 1/2 years. We already applied, and she was APPROVED, for a K-1 fiancee visa back in June 2007. Unfortunately, because of her family problems, she couldn't come on the K-1. That visa expired on 12/31/07. She requested an extension, and GUZ approved a 6-month extension to June 2008. Unfortunately, her brother DESTROYED her U.S. visa and passport in June, just before she was ready to come. We contacted GUZ and told them the situation and asked for another extension and visa reissuance. They told us to put the request in writing. We submitted this 2nd extension request to GUZ in July 2008. GUZ denied it in August 2008. They said they would grant only one extension, and they suggested we apply for a new visa.

 

So now, Tracy and I are ready to just get married in China and do a CR-1. We have abundant proof of the relationship dating back to April 2006, including proof of 9 trips (the most recent 3 weeks ago), photos, telephone bills, emails, letters, etc.........and soon a marriage certificate.

 

Is this enough to begin the process for a CR-1? I very much hope wedding photos aren't going to be absolutely necessary.

 

 

just wanted to let you know that (unbeknownst to my wife) i didn't submit any photos with our cr1 package. we got our approval with no problem. of course she intends to bring many photos with her to the interview. wedding photos and photos of us together on our trips. i wouldn't worry about it too much. my wife worries much more than me, but if you read the directions and provide exactly what they ask for, you have no reason to be denied

 

Thanks very much mikeleighb. It seems to be the consensus that wedding photos aren't mandatory, but we'll still try to submit some if we can. I'm just glad that submission of the I-130 doesn't have to wait.

[credzba]

just wanted to let you know that (unbeknownst to my wife) i didn't submit any photos with our cr1 package. we got our approval with no problem. of course she intends to bring many photos with her to the interview. wedding photos and photos of us together on our trips. i wouldn't worry about it too much. my wife worries much more than me, but if you read the directions and provide exactly what they ask for, you have no reason to be denied

 

We also went IR/1, did not submit photos with the original application.

I sent her with many photos for the interview but those were not ask for either.

We did not have the big fancy Chinese wedding ceremony, because my wife was embarrassed we were too old.

We had studio wedding photos made, but not until after the interview.

 

My wife passed without any trouble at all.

 

The photos of you two together, with friends and family, is what counts, if they ask for them at all.