Sample Cover Letter, Submission Documents, Organization

[mezamo 4]

I just have a question (or asking for a suggestion) We have moved twice after AOS. So we have a mixture of everything from three different addresses. Should I assemble the packet by address or how should I do it?

[lsrbigfoot 1]

Mymarriagejouney's husband got approved in 38 days and Seth2013 got approved in 42 days despite following different organizational methods, both speedy approvals for an ROC. It seems like USCIS has a certain blueprint to their preferred way of filing but if someone deviates from their instruction and still organizes their package well, USCIS is alright with it.

Also, both applications (sent about 1 month apart) went through CSC which has been pretty quick, based on VJ stats alone.

I don't usually go beyond what USCIS suggests (as quoted by Seth2013), but I do find Mymarriagejouney's approach bold & easy to mail.

Edited August 17, 2014 by lsrbigfoot

[mymarriagejourney 113]

I might note that our marriage was apparently originally flagged as possible fraud, as we were given a Stokes interview for AOS. However, I would call it more of a "modified Stokes," because, although we were separated, they only interviewed each of us for about 15 minutes and it is my understanding that most Stokes interviews last hours. We were subsequently approved the same day, as you can see by the information in my signature.

We have an age gap, religion difference, and he is from what some consider to be a high fraud country. Additionally, I have a disability that not all people would be willing to accept even in this country, and especially from his. I was almost certain that we would get an interview for ROC, although I knew we'd be able to prove a legitimate marriage once again.

I was rather surprised that we were approved so quickly, but I knew we had good evidence and I had organized it in a manner that made it easy for them. On the evidence itself, I would highlight our names or pertinent information and make notations on the pages as necessary.

We are happy to be done with immigration until it is time for the naturalization process next year.

[aayitrun 66]

not really a criticism, i personally would love it if someone handed me a well organized folder like that, but they have middle level staff that doesnt read the papers who are actually responsible for pulling everything out, scanning it in and then putting it into dhs folders that make your whole file one big stack.. so to the officer who reads it, its one big file = you've wasted a week.

[mymarriagejourney 113]

It took me about 10 minutes. The middle person probably was able to find what they needed quickly to put in the organization system the officer needed. I'm not sure who wasted a week but it wasn't me.

Edited August 18, 2014 by mymarriagejourney

[Athena13 10]

were the affidavits notarized? I hear different stories

[mymarriagejourney 113]

No, the affidavits were not notarized. Each US citizen did provide their contact information on the letter, however. We had affidavits for our AOS package, also, and they were not notarized, either.

were the affidavits notarized? I hear different stories

[aayitrun 66]

It took me about 10 minutes. The middle person probably was able to find what they needed quickly to put in the organization system the officer needed. I'm not sure who wasted a week but it wasn't me.

Then you are really skilled at this because I would have taken a week. I knew a person that did the scanning.. they just pull everything and put it in one stack for the scanner. But if it took you 10 minutes more power to you.

[mymarriagejourney 113]

It took me about 3 hours to gather all the evidence into one place and to print things off, as necessary, but that is unavoidable regardless of how you organize.

The organization portion itself took 10 minutes once I had all of the evidence in front of me.

Then you are really skilled at this because I would have taken a week. I knew a person that did the scanning.. they just pull everything and put it in one stack for the scanner. But if it took you 10 minutes more power to you.

[mymarriagejourney 113]

I have been asked many times via private email about the folder. I am not promoting or suggesting the folder I used, but I have been asked enough times, that I will share in this thread. (I got it on clearance at a local grocery store for about $3.) This is the one I used: http://www.mead.com/meadstore/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=35222&utm_source=meadfivestar.com&utm_medium=35222&utm_campaign=website#

[StvM 1]

Just my 2 cents on organizing submission of documents.

After searching on internet, found a good article, on how to organize and submit photos for I-751 (or any other form, where photos are suggested or required).

Here is the excerpt from that article, on photos, which does make a lot of sense:"The reviewing Officer would like to see 30-50 photos copied on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, with the specifics written neatly under each photograph. The photos can either be copied in black & white or color on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper at a place like Kinko's, or printed out of your computer. ....."

So, instead of writing info on back of each photograph, I used Microsoft Word and template to insert a picture, and under each picture, typed all info required. This way it is very easy to scan.. One photo per page.

Link to full article is: http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/i751-petition-and-required-documents-1

[Converts 9]

I'm indifferent about how people want to organize their applications as long as they have complete paperwork, that's what matters. On a different note, I don't think how fast people get approved has anything to do with people's way of organizing their paperwork.

[Frenchican 13]

Hi all

I know this is a little bit older thead, but it might still be useful for someone:

When I was doing my AOS package in 2012, I remember reading an interview to an officer and the said what the guideline say:

no binders, folders, .... the first thing the officer does is disassemble and throw all that away, before they start reading. If you want use butterfly clips to keep things separated, maybe with small stickers, or post-its to title each section.

Don't think or hope they will use your organization to read through the file and then disassemble to file it. they won't. it's 1st: take all hardware out, then punch two-holes on top for standard filing. then read through.

the more packaging you add, the more time it takes and that might annoy them.

The whole package revision takes between 5-10 minutes, they want to re-organize the things in a way their hands are already trained to go through the stuff.

I hope this helps