Possible RFE

[lissa04 3]

I was wondering what happens when you have a RFE? I had to send some originals documents, and because these were my only copies, and it would be next to impossible to track down these records again if they were lost, I sent them photocopies. I'm sorry but I really didnt feel comfortable sending them something that I thought I may never get back at that time. Now I only found out afterwards you can request to have the originals sent back. Do they push your NOA date forward, if you get an RFE? Can I send them the originals now before I get the RFE or do I just wait? If I do get an RFE, which I am almost 100% sure, how far do they push your case back if you file the documents right away?

Thanks

Lissa

Edited March 23, 2008 by lissa04

[KarenCee 3]

Just curious....what original documents did you have to send?

Not sure what to do if you cannot get copies of the documents you sent already. When we filed AOS, we got the dreaded RFE for docs that we had already sent. I had made two copies of our AOS package just so we would have them "just in case". Turns out I'm glad we did since we needed to resend a lot.

Hope you don't get an RFE though.

[Otto 83]

I was wondering what happens when you have a RFE? I had to send some originals documents, and because these were my only copies, and it would be next to impossible to track down these records again if they were lost, I sent them photocopies. I'm sorry but I really didnt feel comfortable sending them something that I thought I may never get back at that time. Now I only found out afterwards you can request to have the originals sent back. Do they push your NOA date forward, if you get an RFE? Can I send them the originals now before I get the RFE or do I just wait? If I do get an RFE, which I am almost 100% sure, how far do they push your case back if you file the documents right away?

Thanks

Lissa

I've never heard of anyone getting an RFE for not submitting originals - in fact most instructions specifically say not to send originals (for the very reason you pointed out, they are your only copies). What makes you 100% sure you're getting an RFE? (Please explain why you 'had to send some original documents.')

[lissa04 3]

I was arrested when I was younger...for no fault of my own, now the court case is sealed. I have no criminal record, and these were the documents proving that. I thought I seen somewhere on the I-751 that they wanted the originals, that Is why I thought I would get the RFE.

[KarenCee 3]

I was arrested when I was younger...for no fault of my own, now the court case is sealed. I have no criminal record, and these were the documents proving that. I thought I seen somewhere on the I-751 that they wanted the originals, that Is why I thought I would get the RFE.

You thought you would get an RFE if you didn't send the originals?

I would think you could get another set of those documents should you need them. Could you call the department where you obtained these documents and ask? IMHO I would try to secure another copy, just for your own records...just in case you have to use them again. Just my opinion of course.

[lissa04 3]

Do you have any idea, what it is like getting documentation from the Gov't of Canada? LOL. Holy ####### it is worse then an act of congress! I don't know what part of Canada your from, but being from Quebec they do things backasswards there! I was told not to lose it, or I wouldn't get another one, since they distroyed my file.

Edited March 23, 2008 by lissa04

[Otto 83]

Do you have any idea, what it is like getting documentation from the Gov't of Canada? LOL. Holy ####### it is worse then an act of congress! I don't know what part of Canada your from, but being from Quebec they do things backasswards there! I was told not to lose it, or I wouldn't get another one, since they distroyed my file.

I can imagine what obtaining things like this would be like

After re-reading the instructions on the I-751, you are indeed supposed to submit an 'original or court-certified copy' of the 'record'. Whether you get an RFE or not is hard to say (of course time will tell) - if it were me/us, I might take some steps to getting another certified copy - for my own records, wait for the possible RFE. If an RFE is sent to you (for this) I'd submit the original you already have and wait for your new copy to come (whenever that is).

An RFE will not 'reset' your processing clock/dates - it will only delay it a short time (depending on how quickly you respond) - typically, once responded to, an RFE doesn't delay your case terribly long.

[sweet_peach 0]

Per the US gov website its ok to submit copies of documents. Did they request you to send in originals for something? If not don’t worry about it. I'm sure we have all sent in copies of originals. So you shouldn’t get an RFE.

[Otto 83]

Per the US gov website its ok to submit copies of documents. Did they request you to send in originals for something? If not don’t worry about it. I'm sure we have all sent in copies of originals. So you shouldn’t get an RFE.

Generally this is true - but there are (see below) circumstances when originals are required.

Per Instructions on the I-751

Copies.

Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with an application or petition, an ordinary legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required will remain a part of the record,even if the submission was not required.

Criminal History.

If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and no charges we refiled, submit:

1. An original official statement by the arresting agency or applicable court order confirming that no charges were filed.

If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and charges were filed, or if charges were filed against you without an arrest, submit:

2. An original or court-certified copy of the complete arrest record and/or disposition for each incident, (e.g. dismissal order, conviction record or acquittal order).

[lissa04 3]

Per the US gov website its ok to submit copies of documents. Did they request you to send in originals for something? If not don’t worry about it. I'm sure we have all sent in copies of originals. So you shouldn’t get an RFE.

Yes they did asked for originals...why I don't know. Normally they ask for copies. I can't get this document again, so I wasn't about to take the chance of sending it. Immigration has seen it before, during my AOS.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I faced a similar decision - whether to send the original or the copy. I have only one original court issued document that states there is no record of the violation on file (I was charged with windsurfing without a life jacket on Lake Ontario in 1982). Because it says originals required I sent in the original. If Naturalization requires the same original, then I will be stating they already have the original in their file. I too don't know if I can get another 'original'. This original I submitted is one which I had requested for other purposes back in 1994. If I had to request another Court issued document all that would change would be the date, stating that the records STILL no longer exist. (VBG). I also included a copy of the document with my AOS as well. I don't see why they need to see the originals now and not before.

I believe you can always request your originals to be returned, and I think I might end up doing that after the application is approved. It will be interesting to see if you do get an RFE or not. Good luck.