Petitioner's Original Documents at Fiancee's Interview

[KHPerfectMatch 1]

I'm sending my fiancee the I-134 and supporting documents, including returning the official copy of his divorce decree and the translation of that document. (I have these here with me because I needed them for the RFE that we got on our I129F, due to poor translation by an Egyptian translator...) He is preparing all his documents in Egypt.

I have read and re-read all the instructions on the I-129F and all of the instructions on the documents he was sent in his packet, and the instructions on the Consulate's website.

I see nothing that indicates that I have to send all the original documents that I sent copies of in the I129F packet to my fiancee to show to the CO at his interview. The only place I see mention of this is in this website's instructions, and in posts from members of this group, who are also referring (I assume) to this website's instructions.

Does anyone know WHERE it says in any official document that it is necessary to send all of my originals to my fiancee to show at the interview?

Has anyone been asked by the CO (specifically in Cairo) to see all of the petitioner's ORIGINAL documents? (Passport, Birth Certificate, Divorce Decree's, etc.)

Would appreciate any information from a USCIS website, etc. that confirms the necessity of sending the petitioner's original documents to the interview.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

This isn't Cairo, but I know I had to show the original divorce documents and birth certificate from my then fiance at my K-1 interview in Montreal, Canada. My husband was very loath to let them out of his possession, but he did. I don't recall where it was I read about having the originals available, however I didn't find VJ until after we had already applied for AOS so I know it wasn't from advice on this website. I am pretty sure it was the official USCIS site or possibly the instructions that I received from the Consulate. I seem to recall that there is a blanket statement somewhere that reads that Immigration can ask to see the original of any document for which a copy was submitted. I think it is safer to err on the side of caution and make sure they are available for his interview rather than risk being put on hold until they are.

[reeses16 8]

No, its not in the "official" instructions to send copies to your fiance. Its just a good idea to send them for the interview, especially for places with high denial rates. The CO can request originals if they want (as Kathryn mentioned) and its best to have them there on the spot instead of having to locate them and send them later on.

USCIS will just tell you what is required. VJ list the requirements, plus "good practices" that make the process easier.

Edited March 9, 2008 by reeses16

[Arinola 0]

Sending your partner a copy of all the information you filed with USCIS will give him/her the opportunity to prepare well for the interview since the consular officer also has the this information in front them. It is a good thing to do. Good luck on the up coming embassy interview. It is better to send the information to your partner and he/she not needing than not sending it and he/she needing the information.

[KHPerfectMatch 1]

Thanks to everyone who responded.

Please tell me where it says the CO can ask for original documents of the PETITIONER during the interview of the BENEFICIARY. Sure my fiancee can take all his original documents with him... and I can see where they would require that... but why mine? Why would they approve the I-129 F if they didn't believe I had the proper documentation of my citizenship, etc.?

I have read where they mention that they can request originals, but they repeatedly warn you not to send originals. Where is this statement that they can demand the Petitioner's original documents at the Beneficiaries interview?

I agree that overkill is often a "good idea", but I'm looking for Rock Hard Requirements.

Thanks!

K

[Kathryn41 3,205]

From the USCIS Adjudicators Field Manual:

"Requests for More information or interviews: We may request more information or evidence, or we may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview. We may also request that you submit the original of any copy. We will return these originals when they are no longer required"

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-129Finstr.pdf

and here: (Appendix 11.1)

http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?...8ce159d286150e2

(dated November 19, 1990)

"Effective immediately the Service will no longer require submission of original documents or "certified copies". Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications. At the discretion of the adjudicator, original documents may still be required in individual cases. In addition, whenever a personal interview is required, original documents will be presented for review and comparison and returned to the applicant or petitioner at the the time of the interview. Instructions on all forms will be amended and conforming regulations, operations instructions and other similar material will be changed".

Edited March 9, 2008 by Kathryn41

[jazzylatin 0]

You do not have to send in originals, but it is a good idea if your fiance takes the originals with him to the interview. It does not matter what you have sent in. Cairo can request anything at any moment from anyone of you. There are no absolutes with them, it does not matter if you have proven all things with the USCIS even if you are a US citizen.

In my case, for example, I married in Cairo and to get married I had to show my original authenticated divroce decree. I also sent a copy with my I-129F. At the time of the interview the consular officer told my husband he needed to to send in the orignal authenticated copy of my divorce, even though they had copies. This does not happen with every case.

Somewhere on the applications for this process it does say not to send in originals. They request them as needed.

[Ahmed N Cheryl 0]

Ahmed was asked to show my original divorce decree at his Interview in Cairo by the CO. I could not find anywhere else i says it...but I know we were asked for it.

Under the I-129F guide here on VJ it says:

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).

4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is notarized (by a US Notary Public), with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.

5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and ueful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.

6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.

7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

Anyway...hope this helps you.

Cheryl

Edited March 10, 2008 by Ahmed N Cheryl

[Ahmed N Cheryl 0]

Here is the USCIS link that has the I -129F Instructions on it....It too says that any originals can be requested of any documents you sent copies of in your petition.

USCIS I-129F Instructions

Cheryl

[KHPerfectMatch 1]

And no originals (of mine) have been requested. The I129F has been approved, so I don't see why everyone thinks originals are needed at the interview. If I were getting married in Egypt, the Egyptian government requires a certified copy of any divorce decree before I could get married there (in the Egyptian court). Packet #3 requests that my fiancee bring his divorce decree, not mine. His passport, his birth certificate, his military record, etc. Not mine.

K

Here is the USCIS link that has the I -129F Instructions on it....It too says that any originals can be requested of any documents you sent copies of in your petition.

USCIS I-129F Instructions

Cheryl

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Well, you obviously didn't read what I posted from the Adjudicator's Handbook - the rule guide that they use:

In addition, whenever a personal interview is required, original documents will be presented for review and comparison and returned to the applicant or petitioner at the the time of the interview.

The interview, by the way, isn't for the I-129f - it is for the K-1. The documents are requested for the K-1 interview.

But you seem determined that no matter what evidence is presented to you to the contrary you are not going to believe that your fiance needs original documents at his interview. Fine - it is your life together that you are playing with. If you want to be so stubborn as to insist that he doesn't need original documents - even though those who have been through the process have told you otherwise, and the information provided to both the interviewer and interviewee state original documents of submitted copies will be examined, go for it! After all, you really don't seem to care if he get approved or not at the interview. Wouldn't it be funny though, if they didn't give him the visa because he couldn't provide them with the original documents they request . . I bet you'll both be laughing away at the silly Consulate staff thinking that they need to see originals!

Why not just make it easy on your fiance and yourself? Send him the originals. It will make it a lot easier for him to provide them when they do request to see the originals - AT the interview.

You plan on marrying the guy after all . . . why don't you trust him with your original documents?

Edited March 10, 2008 by Kathryn41

[KHPerfectMatch 1]

Kathryn 41:

Is there really any reason to get nasty and attack me personally? I got my reply from the Consular staff and they told me NOT to send any of MY original documents. That stated that they did not ask for them, they do not need them and that all they need is what is listed on the document they send my fiancee, requesting HIS documents.

It's frankly NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS what I do, I asked for information, it was given, and what I do with it is really none of your concern. Why do you feel the need to straighten me out? Are you some kind of USCIS employee who moonlights making orders to people on this website? Why DO you have the "adjudicator's handbook"??????

Your post is filled with misinformation I won't even begin to waste my time correcting all your false assumptions and inaccuracies.

How DARE you insinuate that I do not TRUST my fiancee simply because I do not wish to send enough documents overseas that in the wrong hands could totally destroy my life.

The name of this forum is VISA JOURNEY, not MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY. I think I'll make this journey alone from here on.

Like they said, "with friends like you, who needs enemas."

Well, you obviously didn't read what I posted from the Adjudicator's Handbook - the rule guide that they use:

In addition, whenever a personal interview is required, original documents will be presented for review and comparison and returned to the applicant or petitioner at the the time of the interview.

The interview, by the way, isn't for the I-129f - it is for the K-1. The documents are requested for the K-1 interview.

But you seem determined that no matter what evidence is presented to you to the contrary you are not going to believe that your fiance needs original documents at his interview. Fine - it is your life together that you are playing with. If you want to be so stubborn as to insist that he doesn't need original documents - even though those who have been through the process have told you otherwise, and the information provided to both the interviewer and interviewee state original documents of submitted copies will be examined, go for it! After all, you really don't seem to care if he get approved or not at the interview. Wouldn't it be funny though, if they didn't give him the visa because he couldn't provide them with the original documents they request . . I bet you'll both be laughing away at the silly Consulate staff thinking that they need to see originals!

Why not just make it easy on your fiance and yourself? Send him the originals. It will make it a lot easier for him to provide them when they do request to see the originals - AT the interview.

You plan on marrying the guy after all . . . why don't you trust him with your original documents?

[Carlawarla 1]

Kathryn 41:

Is there really any reason to get nasty and attack me personally? I got my reply from the Consular staff and they told me NOT to send any of MY original documents. That stated that they did not ask for them, they do not need them and that all they need is what is listed on the document they send my fiancee, requesting HIS documents.

It's frankly NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS what I do, I asked for information, it was given, and what I do with it is really none of your concern. Why do you feel the need to straighten me out? Are you some kind of USCIS employee who moonlights making orders to people on this website? Why DO you have the "adjudicator's handbook"??????

Your post is filled with misinformation I won't even begin to waste my time correcting all your false assumptions and inaccuracies.

How DARE you insinuate that I do not TRUST my fiancee simply because I do not wish to send enough documents overseas that in the wrong hands could totally destroy my life.

The name of this forum is VISA JOURNEY, not MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY. I think I'll make this journey alone from here on.

Like they said, "with friends like you, who needs enemas."

Well, you obviously didn't read what I posted from the Adjudicator's Handbook - the rule guide that they use:

In addition, whenever a personal interview is required, original documents will be presented for review and comparison and returned to the applicant or petitioner at the the time of the interview.

The interview, by the way, isn't for the I-129f - it is for the K-1. The documents are requested for the K-1 interview.

But you seem determined that no matter what evidence is presented to you to the contrary you are not going to believe that your fiance needs original documents at his interview. Fine - it is your life together that you are playing with. If you want to be so stubborn as to insist that he doesn't need original documents - even though those who have been through the process have told you otherwise, and the information provided to both the interviewer and interviewee state original documents of submitted copies will be examined, go for it! After all, you really don't seem to care if he get approved or not at the interview. Wouldn't it be funny though, if they didn't give him the visa because he couldn't provide them with the original documents they request . . I bet you'll both be laughing away at the silly Consulate staff thinking that they need to see originals!

Why not just make it easy on your fiance and yourself? Send him the originals. It will make it a lot easier for him to provide them when they do request to see the originals - AT the interview.

You plan on marrying the guy after all . . . why don't you trust him with your original documents?

There have been other posters that responded to your thread and at least one that was also filing with the Egypt one. Kathyrn41 has offered valuable assistance to MANY for many years. Nasty? YOU are the one that has been very nasty, and your responses are why many people who have helped people, continue to leave VJ! You're getting into semantics here, and it's really not necessary. No one has ever said you have to send the originals to anyone other than to the beneficiary to take to the interview. You seem to be concerned that it's none of their business or something, because the interview is for the beneficiary, not you! It's about you as a COUPLE! So anything you can send to your fiance, to take to the interview SHOULD be given to them, so that IF they are asked, it's there! Kathyrn's comments were meant to ensure that your case is not held up because of not having originals to show the TRUE originals for something you may have sent a copy in of.

If you think you "know" the process, please don't waste valuable time of those that contribute by asking questions that you "think" you know the answers for. VJ is a community of people helping people, given their own experiences. If that's not a valuable resource to you, then perhaps you should do the journey without us.

[vanessaandbrent 0]

There have been other posters that responded to your thread and at least one that was also filing with the Egypt one. Kathyrn41 has offered valuable assistance to MANY for many years. Nasty? YOU are the one that has been very nasty, and your responses are why many people who have helped people, continue to leave VJ! You're getting into semantics here, and it's really not necessary. No one has ever said you have to send the originals to anyone other than to the beneficiary to take to the interview. You seem to be concerned that it's none of their business or something, because the interview is for the beneficiary, not you! It's about you as a COUPLE! So anything you can send to your fiance, to take to the interview SHOULD be given to them, so that IF they are asked, it's there! Kathyrn's comments were meant to ensure that your case is not held up because of not having originals to show the TRUE originals for something you may have sent a copy in of.

If you think you "know" the process, please don't waste valuable time of those that contribute by asking questions that you "think" you know the answers for. VJ is a community of people helping people, given their own experiences. If that's not a valuable resource to you, then perhaps you should do the journey without us.

Exactly...geez, don't ask for advice if all you really want is to hear "yes, you're right"...

I left VJ for a long time as I was tired of the bitterness, and misinformation...beginning to remember why. There are so many knowledgeable people on this site....USE THEM, DON'T ABUSE THEM!

[Ban Hammer 13,550]

Kathyrn41 has offered valuable assistance to MANY for many years.

i can't recall one single instance of kathyrn having a harsh word with anyone in the time i've been on vj