Introduction and question

[rscowboy 0]

I have a fiance in Russia; we meet (either in her city -- Saint Petersburg) or a city Shengen visa works for her (Barcelona in January). We've had a relationship for over a year.

I have started to prepare my I-129F petition and have reviewed the Checklist (very helpful -- thank you whoever prepared it).

In the suggestions for ways to prove MY citizenship, the Checklist suggests sending a copy of all pages of my passport "issued with a validity of at least 5 years". My passport expires in 2011 -- most pages are full (with lots of documentation of my trips to visit).

My question: why the recommendation of "at least 5 years"? Is that a regulation? I could get my birth certificate, but that will take a few weeks. I would prefer to use my passport to prove citizenship.

Any thoughts?

R

[sara..... 371]

I have a fiance in Russia; we meet (either in her city -- Saint Petersburg) or a city Shengen visa works for her (Barcelona in January). We've had a relationship for over a year.

I have started to prepare my I-129F petition and have reviewed the Checklist (very helpful -- thank you whoever prepared it).

In the suggestions for ways to prove MY citizenship, the Checklist suggests sending a copy of all pages of my passport "issued with a validity of at least 5 years". My passport expires in 2011 -- most pages are full (with lots of documentation of my trips to visit).

My question: why the recommendation of "at least 5 years"? Is that a regulation? I could get my birth certificate, but that will take a few weeks. I would prefer to use my passport to prove citizenship.

Any thoughts?

R

because i was born out of country only proof i had was my passport and pages it worked ok

[payxibka 10,045]

I have a fiance in Russia; we meet (either in her city -- Saint Petersburg) or a city Shengen visa works for her (Barcelona in January). We've had a relationship for over a year.

I have started to prepare my I-129F petition and have reviewed the Checklist (very helpful -- thank you whoever prepared it).

In the suggestions for ways to prove MY citizenship, the Checklist suggests sending a copy of all pages of my passport "issued with a validity of at least 5 years". My passport expires in 2011 -- most pages are full (with lots of documentation of my trips to visit).

My question: why the recommendation of "at least 5 years"? Is that a regulation? I could get my birth certificate, but that will take a few weeks. I would prefer to use my passport to prove citizenship.

Any thoughts?

R

Passport with a validity period of at least 5 years... NOT a passport with a remaining validity of 5 years... Most passports (US and others) are issued with a validity period of 10 years...

[pushbrk 12,908]

I have a fiance in Russia; we meet (either in her city -- Saint Petersburg) or a city Shengen visa works for her (Barcelona in January). We've had a relationship for over a year.

I have started to prepare my I-129F petition and have reviewed the Checklist (very helpful -- thank you whoever prepared it).

In the suggestions for ways to prove MY citizenship, the Checklist suggests sending a copy of all pages of my passport "issued with a validity of at least 5 years". My passport expires in 2011 -- most pages are full (with lots of documentation of my trips to visit).

My question: why the recommendation of "at least 5 years"? Is that a regulation? I could get my birth certificate, but that will take a few weeks. I would prefer to use my passport to prove citizenship.

Any thoughts?

R

Passport with a validity period of at least 5 years... NOT a passport with a remaining validity of 5 years... Most passports (US and others) are issued with a validity period of 10 years...

That is correct. Children are often issued passports with only a 5 year validity.

Now that you've asked this, I want to give you some important counsel. This process requires one to read and follow instructions carefully and to interpret literally. For some, language skills are not sufficient or they just don't have the aptitude to handle the detailed work. Any who cannot do what is needed, should probably get help. For many, a simple wake-up call like this is all it takes to get them on the right track.

[rscowboy 0]

[That is correct. Children are often issued passports with only a 5 year validity.

Now that you've asked this, I want to give you some important counsel. This process requires one to read and follow instructions carefully and to interpret literally. For some, language skills are not sufficient or they just don't have the aptitude to handle the detailed work. Any who cannot do what is needed, should probably get help. For many, a simple wake-up call like this is all it takes to get them on the right track.

*** Thanks for the responses. I suppose I could have tracked down the appropriate regulation addressing this, but thought it would be quicker to inquire in this pool of wisdom. Given the glacial pace of government processing, I want to be doubly sure everything I send in is in compliance with regulations and requirements, 'cause I'd sure hate to have to go back to the end of the line.

R

[motu 6]

Now that you've asked this, I want to give you some important counsel. This process requires one to read and follow instructions carefully and to interpret literally. For some, language skills are not sufficient or they just don't have the aptitude to handle the detailed work. Any who cannot do what is needed, should probably get help. For many, a simple wake-up call like this is all it takes to get them on the right track.

My advice - don't fill these forms or gather your packages in the morning or late at night unless you have had at least 3 or 4 cups of hot coffee to wake you up. Better to create a list of what you need to gather - from the guides here and thousands of examples submitted on the forums - and then you can keep checking things off the list to get to where you are going.

I also tried to tell the same thing - about the 5 year passport requirements on another forum - but the forum members insisted that this person must get a new passport and I think he took their advice - I was surprised how many people misinterpret the instructions in horrendously twisted ways - I always try to make logical sense out of the requirements and that seems to work well for me. Good Luck

[payxibka 10,045]

*** Thanks for the responses. I suppose I could have tracked down the appropriate regulation addressing this, but thought it would be quicker to inquire in this pool of wisdom. Given the glacial pace of government processing, I want to be doubly sure everything I send in is in compliance with regulations and requirements, 'cause I'd sure hate to have to go back to the end of the line.

R

No need to go track down the appropriate regulation addressing this... just do not read more *words* into a statement than is written....

Edited June 11, 2008 by fwaguy

[YuAndDan 153]

Adult US citizens get passports that are valid for 10 years. Only US citizens under age may get a 5 year passport.

Was your passport issued in 2001? If so then you are fine.

[rscowboy 0]

Adult US citizens get passports that are valid for 10 years. Only US citizens under age may get a 5 year passport.

Was your passport issued in 2001? If so then you are fine.

*** Yup. 2001.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Don't forget to copy the entire passport, even the cover and the back. Maybe it isn't a so - called requirement, but it can't hurt.