Staples or Paper Clips??

[psiprez 3]

Yeah, stupid question...

I'm assembling the packet (to be mailed off tomorrow), and can't seem to find anything that says to use or not use staples or paper clips to attach papers together.

There are so many papers, and I really don't have much faith in just the paper clips. I'd prefer staples.

Advice??

(yeah... it's last minute panicking on my part!)

[*julez* 124]

Do NOT use staples. USCIS specifically asks you not to staple documents together in the packet. Paper clips will be fine. I just grouped mine into three different clips. And I actually used Acco fasteners, but thats not totally necessary. I just felt the papers were more secure that way.

[YuAndDan 153]

Not a good idea to staple.

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

• Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

• Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.

• The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

• Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

• Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

ACCO fastener

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Acco fasteners! They are preferred and hold all the papers nicely. Paper clips are too little and staples too much. Acco fasteners are just right!

[mox 298]

However you do it, don't hole punch on the sides. Your submission will eventually be pulled apart and re-organized the way that USCIS stores them internally. They use the ACCO fasteners recommended above, so you're saving them a step when you submit with ACCO fasteners. You can also just submit it all loose if you want. Just make sure everything is organized and easy to find. Most people use a cover sheet with a table of contents.

[psiprez 3]

Thank you!!!

I KNEW I read something somewhere about it!!

Crisis officially over.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Acco fasteners or paper clips.

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Paper clips

They also like it if you hole punch the papers with an ACCO punch.

[Cassie 8]

I used binder clips and had no problems.

[chuck_n_rose 0]

We used the Acco fasters and put post it notes on the bottom, so whoever is reading can find everything easy.

[Jesse and Hema 2]

I am not jumpin in on the age-old paper-clip/binder-clip/ACCO debate... Just as the first reply said, NO STAPLES!

And triple check everything

[raisan29 0]

Just for the record I used staples and it didn't get rejected for it. But I agree with the others...anything you can do to help them is better:)

[Stefan83 0]

Hi guys..... How r u doin'?

I need your help:

1) What about the plastic bag for the photographs?! How does it look like, I mean should it has two holes on top or just a transparency?! Does anybody has a pic of this?

2) What about the hole bunch, I hold it together with ONE ACCO fastener and put it in an envelope, right?!

3) And how should I attach the check on top of everything?! With a paper clip?!

Thank you in advance!!!!!

Greetings Stefan

[Stefan83 0]

Hi guys..... How r u doin'?

I need your help:

1) What about the plastic bag for the photographs?! How does it look like, I mean should it has two holes on top or just a transparency?! Does anybody has a pic of this?

2) What about the hole bunch, I hold it together with ONE ACCO fastener and put it in an envelope, right?!

3) And how should I attach the check on top of everything?! With a paper clip?!

4) What about copies of anything --> e.g. the birth certificate: can I put only the copy without writing s.th. on it (or on back) like "copy of birth certificate of U.S...." in the package?! Just put it behind the explanation for question 18....?! (the same for the other copies)

5) So a lil' summary: every letter and copy loosely, only the proof-bunch (photos/emails/copies of flight tickets etc.) and each passport photograph in plastic bags (so 3 plastic bags alltogether)???? Then take all that stuff and put it together with one ACCO fastener and on top the check?! take the bunch and put it in an envelope. Should I write s.th. special on the envelope?! I've heard s.th. but I forget. :-(

Thank you in advance!!!!!

Greetings Stefan

Edited January 9, 2008 by Stefan83

[mox 298]

1) What about the plastic bag for the photographs?! How does it look like, I mean should it has two holes on top or just a transparency?! Does anybody has a pic of this?

It really doesn't matter. Use a sandwich baggy or use a professional photo baggy, whatever gets the job done.

2) What about the hole bunch, I hold it together with ONE ACCO fastener and put it in an envelope, right?!

Again, it really doesn't matter. Some people use ACCO, some use paper clips. USCIS are going to break your packet apart anyway and put it in their format.

3) And how should I attach the check on top of everything?! With a paper clip?!

Sure.

4) What about copies of anything --> e.g. the birth certificate: can I put only the copy without writing s.th. on it (or on back) like "copy of birth certificate of U.S...." in the package?! Just put it behind the explanation for question 18....?! (the same for the other copies)

You should make a cover letter detailing what's in your packet in the order that you put it in.

5) So a lil' summary: every letter and copy loosely, only the proof-bunch (photos/emails/copies of flight tickets etc.) and each passport photograph in plastic bags (so 3 plastic bags alltogether)???? Then take all that stuff and put it together with one ACCO fastener and on top the check?! take the bunch and put it in an envelope. Should I write s.th. special on the envelope?! I've heard s.th. but I forget. :-(

I don't know what "s.th" means, but it wouldn't hurt to put "I-129F submission" on your envelope. Really, as long as your packet is in a condition that any reasonable adult could figure out, you're going to be fine. Don't sweat it.

Best of luck to you!