Account numbers blacked out?

[hello28 0]

Hi. Sorry again for the stupid questions... but I'm gathering everything today to send in a week. All my docs, like bank statements, credit cards, etc. have the account numbers on them. For security reasons is it better to black them out or is it better to leave them in.

Also, on my taxes it shows our social security numbers. Better to keep it there or black out?

oh, one more thing: Do I sign the cover letter with my own name (I am the US citizen) or my wife is the one that should sign the cover letter?

Edited April 5, 2008 by hello28

[motu 6]

Hi. Sorry again for the stupid questions... but I'm gathering everything today to send in a week. All my docs, like bank statements, credit cards, etc. have the account numbers on them. For security reasons is it better to black them out or is it better to leave them in.

Also, on my taxes it shows our social security numbers. Better to keep it there or black out?

oh, one more thing: Do I sign the cover letter with my own name (I am the US citizen) or my wife is the one that should sign the cover letter?

It depends on your level of comfort. I never blacked out account numbers - and didn't worry about it since I always sent everything certified - getting lost in the mail would be the only thing I would be concerned with. But many people black out account number info so its up to you.

I used a cover letter detailing the contents of my filing and signed it myself. I filed it as a "Joint I-751 petition for removal of conditions". Good Luck

[Carolyn 1]

I wouldn't black out the numbers. I read about someone who had blacked out account #'s then got an RFE (though maybe that wasn't the reason for the RFE?).

Besides, you have to list your SSN's on the application, don't you?

Are you worried about the security of your private info in transit or at the USCIS? They already know EVERYTHING about us at USCIS, so I wouldn't worry about it there. If you are concerned about transit, send it next day through the USPS--I was very relieved that it was signed for in Nebraska the next morning (and I could track it online).

[hello28 0]

It sounds like it would be better if I don't block out the numbers. I was concerned about losing it in the mail. Is it better to send if fed ex, usps?? and what is best if I need it certified?

I'll be helping my wife (the conditional resident) fill out the I-751 form. Then it looks like she signs and I sign that form. For the cover letter it sounds like either she or myself can sign it, correct?

[Carolyn 1]

We both signed the cover letter and application since it was a joint petition.

I sent mine USPS Express Mail since I wanted to send it overnight--only the USPS can deliver overnight to a P.O. box.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Like Carolyn, we both signed the letter as it was a joint application and it was sent USPS certified with a return receipt notice. I didn't bother to black out any account numbers - way too much evidence to do that with, and besides the account numbers were sometimes what tied the two of us together (ie same credit card account, etc.). In those cases I even highlighted the account numbers.

Edited April 5, 2008 by Kathryn41