materials about family based I-485 interview?

[may2009tx]

I am going to have a family based I-485 interview in the next week. USCIS local office sent me a interview notice with a long check list. In the same time, they states:"if you have not submitted the documents in the check list, please bring them to the interview. There is no need to submit duplicates documents submitted with the application".

I have some questions about the materials:

1. They request two color photographs for petitioner and beneficiary.
---We sent USCIS 2 color photographs for petitioner and 8 for beneficiary in our application package. Do we have to bring two more for each of us for the interview?

2. Please submit copies of tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, and 2005.
--- We only sent joint tax return and W2s for 2008 when we handed in the application package. Since last year, they only required past one year's tax return for the application package. There is no way for my USC wife to find her tax return for 2006 and 2005. If we do not bring all these copies of tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, and 2005, is it ok?

If you just came back from the interview, please give me some suggestions. Thank you in advance!

 

[Singh4US]

I am going to have a family based I-485 interview in the next week. USCIS local office sent me a interview notice with a long check list. In the same time, they states:"if you have not submitted the documents in the check list, please bring them to the interview. There is no need to submit duplicates documents submitted with the application".

I have some questions about the materials:

1. They request two color photographs for petitioner and beneficiary.
---We sent USCIS 2 color photographs for petitioner and 8 for beneficiary in our application package. Do we have to bring two more for each of us for the interview?

2. Please submit copies of tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, and 2005.
--- We only sent joint tax return and W2s for 2008 when we handed in the application package. Since last year, they only required past one year's tax return for the application package. There is no way for my USC wife to find her tax return for 2006 and 2005. If we do not bring all these copies of tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, and 2005, is it ok?

If you just came back from the interview, please give me some suggestions. Thank you in advance!

A1. Yes, as requested.

A2. Go to your local IRS office and make a request for Tax Return Transcript (free). Do not send request by mail as you need the Tax Return Transcript now for your interview. Complete the 4506-T found in the link below.

"Most needs for tax return information can be met with a computer print-out of your return information called a "transcript". A transcript may be an acceptable substitute for an exact copy of a return by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and lending agencies for student loans and mortgages. A tax return transcript shows most line items from your tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules."

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=110571,00.html

Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf

Locate your local IRS Office here:

http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html

 

[BornintheRSA]

You don't need to take extra photos. You submitted the correct amount.

You don't HAVE to submit those tax returns. It's optional. You do HAVE to have 2008 and that's all.

Concentrate on taking the things that prove your marriage. Like photos, joint bank account etc. This is the main reason for the interview.

Take originals of everything you submitted and copies. This is referring to birth certificate, marriage certificate etc. You probably won't need it, but some IOs ask for it.

If you submitted everything you needed to with your application then you have nothing to worry about. If you don't have something they want then they'll give you extra time to submit it.

 

[Singh4US]

You don't need to take extra photos. You submitted the correct amount.

You don't HAVE to submit those tax returns. It's optional. You do HAVE to have 2008 and that's all.

Concentrate on taking the things that prove your marriage. Like photos, joint bank account etc. This is the main reason for the interview.

Take originals of everything you submitted and copies. This is referring to birth certificate, marriage certificate etc. You probably won't need it, but some IOs ask for it.

If you submitted everything you needed to with your application then you have nothing to worry about. If you don't have something they want then they'll give you extra time to submit it.

2. Please submit copies of tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, and 2005.
--- We only sent joint tax return and W2s for 2008 when we handed in the application package. Since last year, they only required past one year's tax return for the application package. There is no way for my USC wife to find her tax return for 2006 and 2005. If we do not bring all these copies of tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, and 2005, is it ok?

From my experience: We only submitted 1 tax return with our file and received NOIR!! Then submitted additional Tax Transcripts with the NOIR rebuttal.

USCIS is requesting OP to bring 2005, 2006 and 2007 Tax Returns in addition to the 2008 already submitted. If the couple was married 2005 - 2008, then they should comply with the request and bring these to the interview. Otherwise they may receive a RFE and delay in thier petition.

Joint Tax Returns is one of the primary evidence for bona fides of marriage.

 

[may2009tx]

Thank you, Singh4US and BornintheRSA, for such a detailed reply.
So, as I understand, the answers are:
1. I don't need to take extra photos. (It seems like no one was asked for extra photos during the interview, is it correct?)
2. I will go to the local IRS office and make a request for Tax Return Transcript (free). I do not want to any more delay.

 

[may2009tx]

I passed the interview today.

1. The officer did not ask for extra photos.
2. The officer did not ask for our tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, or 2005. I think they were not required.

He went over the I-485, I-130, G325 in detail. He spent 2-3 seconds to take a glimpse of the proofs of the common finiance. Then He said he was going to approve our application. My wife and I have similar ages, similar jobs and major. I think this is one of the reasons that he let us pass so easily.

Then he sent us out.

 

[Singh4US]

I passed the interview today.

1. The officer did not ask for extra photos.
2. The officer did not ask for our tax return and W2s for 2007, 2006, or 2005. I think they were not required.

He went over the I-485, I-130, G325 in detail. He spent 2-3 seconds to take a glimpse of the proofs of the common finiance. Then He said he was going to approve our application. My wife and I have similar ages, similar jobs and major. I think this is one of the reasons that he let us pass so easily.

Then he sent us out.

Congratulations! At least you were thoroughly prepared!