How to Write a Relationship Timeline for USCIS

Do I need a timeline?

No. The I-130, I-751 and I-129F instructions do not require one. Some couples add a short timeline because it gives the officer a quick summary of your story. If you add one, it must be true and match your forms and documents.

What to include

• When, where and how you met.
• When you became a couple, and when you got engaged.
• Visits and trips together, with dates and places.
• Your wedding date and place.
• When you moved in together, and any moves.
• Big moments, like opening a joint bank account, buying a home or having a child.

A simple format

Keep it to one or two pages. Write one line per event, in date order: date, what happened, place. If a document supports it, add “See Exhibit C-1” or similar. If you only know the month, write the month.

Example: “March 2021 · Met at a friend’s birthday dinner · Chicago, Illinois.” “August 12-20, 2022 · Trip to Lisbon together · Lisbon, Portugal · See Exhibit D-1.” “June 3, 2023 · Married · Chicago, Illinois · See marriage certificate.”

Make your photos follow the same order

If your photos are in the same date order, the officer can read “Trip to Lisbon” and then find the photos from that trip. Case Album sorts photos by date for you and writes what, when, where and who under each one.

Mistakes to avoid

• Dates that do not match your forms, travel records or other documents.
• Long paragraphs. A short list is easier to read.
• Private details that have nothing to do with your case.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current USCIS instructions for your form, or ask an immigration attorney about your own case.

Frequently asked questions