Couple questions on I-130 Package

[bruins 14]

Hey guys - a couple questions on the I-130 Package.

1. Do copies (airline receipts, boarding passes, pictures) need to be in color, or can they be in black and white?

2. Should I send original 4x6 pictures? If so, how should I arrange them, write who's in it, and assembled them in the package. Or can I just copy these onto a 8x11 plain paper and write the info at the the bottom of each picture?

Thanks!

[NikLR 13,227]

You can always update your old posts with your new I-130 questions FYI. To find your old posts on a PC click on your name on the top right and go to "My Content"

Anything can be in B&W vs colour.

You can send photos however you want. To cut down on weight, however, I suggest 2-4 pictures per piece of paper with a description of what is happening and who is in the photo. Try to clearly mark who is the petitioner and who is the beneficiary.

[bruins 14]

Thanks. The guide suggests that I need to have a copy of both the front and back of my birth certificate, but the back is blank, what should I do in this case?

Thanks.

[NikLR 13,227]

If the back is blank you can either send a blank sheet with a description in your cover letter of what it is, or just not send it. My husband did not bother sending the back of his birth certificate is also blank. I don't think it'll be a problem at all!

[JRF 117]

Not a problem on the birth certificate...I didn't make a copy of the back...no issues.

Regarding pictures - I copied the pictures into MS Powerpoint and added text boxes at the bottom of each providing names, dates and locations of the pictures (left to right on the names). My handwriting is really bad. I fit anywhere from 2-4 per page and submitted 30. These were B&W.

Original pictures will be taken to the interview.

[bruins 14]

Thanks guys. I can't remember if I've asked this before, but do translated copies of official documents (ie marriage certificate, birth certificate) need to be notarized as well, or does the note certifying that I'm proficient to translate the document sufficient?

Thanks.

[NikLR 13,227]

Sometimes this is embassy specific. Certain embassies want to see notarized official translations but in general I see from the boards that the USCIS doesn't care. This might be a good question for your regional forum.

Edited August 12, 2013 by NLR

[le.tien 0]

Thanks guys. I can't remember if I've asked this before, but do translated copies of official documents (ie marriage certificate, birth certificate) need to be notarized as well, or does the note certifying that I'm proficient to translate the document sufficient?

Thanks.

I think USCIS specified in their instruction that these documents to be translated if not in English. I think they want to be able to read it to approve it (NOA2). I don't think you are supposed to translate your own document officially. I did the translation for mine, with the competency in English paragraph at the end where I had my brother sign it with notarization. Your local UPS will notarize each signature for $10.

[JRF 117]

My understanding is that they do not need to be notarized. If you think about it all that does is certify the person's signature, not that their translation is accurate. They do however need to be accompanied by a statement that the individual doing the translation is competent and that the translation is valid. I had most of mine translated by co-workers - we had some translated in Vietnam (cost was minimal). We've gotten thru USCIS and I don't forsee any problems with the consulate in HCM.

[bruins 14]

My understanding is that they do not need to be notarized. If you think about it all that does is certify the person's signature, not that their translation is accurate. They do however need to be accompanied by a statement that the individual doing the translation is competent and that the translation is valid. I had most of mine translated by co-workers - we had some translated in Vietnam (cost was minimal). We've gotten thru USCIS and I don't forsee any problems with the consulate in HCM.

Jim - Did you do a timeline of your relationship at the I-130 stage for the USCIS?

[JRF 117]

Jim - Did you do a timeline of your relationship at the I-130 stage for the USCIS?

We prepared one but I don't remember submitting it to USCIS. It's not really necessary at this point as what they are focusing on is whether you are able to be married (i.e. looking for divorce decrees, etc.) as well as checking your background. The timeline is important for the consular officer.

[bruins 14]

We prepared one but I don't remember submitting it to USCIS. It's not really necessary at this point as what they are focusing on is whether you are able to be married (i.e. looking for divorce decrees, etc.) as well as checking your background. The timeline is important for the consular officer.

Hey guys - the following is what I will sending in with my i-130 package tomorrow, can someone please take a look and let me know if i'm missing anything? Copied and paste straight from the cover letter.

Contents Include:

1. Check in the amount of $420 for filing fee

2. Form G-1145

3. Form 1-130

4. Copy of US Spouse’s full birth certificate, translation, and translation certification

5. Copy of US Spouse’s U.S Passport (All Pages)

6. Copy of petitioner’s proof of naturalization

7. Copy of non-US Citizen spouse full birth certificate, translation, and translation certification

8. Copy of Marriage Certificate, translation, and translation certification

9. G-325A filled out by US Citizen, signed, and dated

10. Two (2) Passport type photo of the petitioner

11. G-325A filled out by non-US Citizen spouse, signed, and dated

12. Two (2) Passport type photo of the beneficiary

13. Evidence of bona fide marriage:

· Print out of money transfers

· Copies of previous visas to Vietnam

· Print out of flight itineraries

· Copies of boarding passes

· Print out of hotel itineraries

· Print out of phone call records

· Copies of emails

· Copies of handwritten letters and cards, translation, and translation certification

· Copy of wedding invitation, translation, and translation certification

· Copies of pictures from first visit (2011)

· Copies of pictures from 2^nd visit, engagement (2012)

· Copies of pictures from 3^rd visit, wedding (2013)

[JRF 117]

Looks good to me - more than enough evidence for USCIS. Good luck and get it mailed!

[NikLR 13,227]

Looks good except you only need one proof of citizenship which you can accomplish with either the photocopy of your naturalization certificate or your passport copy. You have a decent amount of evidence so that's good. Keep collecting evidence to send in more with the IV package

Edited August 14, 2013 by NLR

[Ryan H 3,812]

My comments in bold and red:

Contents Include:

1. Check in the amount of $420 for filing fee

2. Form G-1145

3. Form 1-130

4. Copy of US Spouse’s full birth certificate, translation, and translation certification Since you were naturalized, this is completely useless (and not a requirement)

5. Copy of US Spouse’s U.S Passport (All Pages) Only need this or your Naturalization Certificate, not both. Choose your preference.

6. Copy of petitioner’s proof of naturalization Only need this or the copy of all pages of your US Passport, not both. Choose your preference.

7. Copy of non-US Citizen spouse full birth certificate, translation, and translation certification

8. Copy of Marriage Certificate, translation, and translation certification

9. G-325A filled out by US Citizen, signed, and dated

10. Two (2) Passport type photo of the petitioner

11. G-325A filled out by non-US Citizen spouse, signed, and dated

12. Two (2) Passport type photo of the beneficiary

13. Evidence of bona fide marriage:

· Print out of money transfers

· Copies of previous visas to Vietnam

· Print out of flight itineraries

· Copies of boarding passes

· Print out of hotel itineraries

· Print out of phone call records

· Copies of emails

· Copies of handwritten letters and cards, translation, and translation certification

· Copy of wedding invitation, translation, and translation certification translations of relationship evidence are unnecessary and not required (actual documents such as a marriage certificate is required to be translated)

· Copies of pictures from first visit (2011)

· Copies of pictures from 2^nd visit, engagement (2012)

· Copies of pictures from 3^rd visit, wedding (2013)