Passport pictures support the petition, not the G325a

[mox 298]

I think the idea behind pairing the photos with the G325A's is simply that some people NEED the organization. They need to be told where to put the photo, or it becomes something they worry about. The veterans here know how it works, but the first time filer does not, and some of those first time filers are extremely nervous. They want and need the hand-holding, even if it doesn't matter one whit of difference in the end.

When I was in the Navy way back when we had wooden ships, we had procedures for the most mundane things. The heads (bathrooms) had to be cleaned according to a list that you did not deviate from. You ALWAYS did it this way, because some people need that discipline. In practice, it doesn't make a whit of difference if you clean the mirrors before you refill the toilet paper, but for some, it matters.

There are people who need structure, to know exactly where to place the photos, or they're going to freak out and post, and then someone's going to say read the guides, and then they're going to explain in excruciating detail that they did read the guides but their question wasn't addressed, and then they'll be flamed for being so #######. Because sometimes the process isn't about what makes USCIS happy, but what makes the filer feel comfortable.

[rebeccajo 14]

I think the idea behind pairing the photos with the G325A's is simply that some people NEED the organization. They need to be told where to put the photo, or it becomes something they worry about. The veterans here know how it works, but the first time filer does not, and some of those first time filers are extremely nervous. They want and need the hand-holding, even if it doesn't matter one whit of difference in the end.

When I was in the Navy way back when we had wooden ships, we had procedures for the most mundane things. The heads (bathrooms) had to be cleaned according to a list that you did not deviate from. You ALWAYS did it this way, because some people need that discipline. In practice, it doesn't make a whit of difference if you clean the mirrors before you refill the toilet paper, but for some, it matters.

There are people who need structure, to know exactly where to place the photos, or they're going to freak out and post, and then someone's going to say read the guides, and then they're going to explain in excruciating detail that they did read the guides but their question wasn't addressed, and then they'll be flamed for being so #######. Because sometimes the process isn't about what makes USCIS happy, but what makes the filer feel comfortable.

No, the process isn't about what makes the 'filer' feel comfortable - because that's spoonfeeding.

We need when teaching to try and let 'filers' know what is and isn't worth freaking over. This is one of those things that isn't.

The process doesn't have to be 'scary'. We can make it less 'scary' if we teach with a lighter hand.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

And let's not forget that the service center rips apart the package and puts it together in their own way. You could have the tidiest package in the world and it won't matter.

good point.

Also,

If people are having comprehension problems with where/how to include the pics in the guides, it is most likely due to nervousness and wanting things to be perfection.

In the end, if the pictures are attached, not attached..to what and to where does not make a large difference in an approval or RFE. Get the pics in the package, dont throw them in loosely. attach them to a blank peice of paper,to the g form...whatever.

I paper clipped them to each G form, obviously they found them. In the cover letter I stated that they were attached to each form. they found them, we were approved. NO rfe's.

I dont think the wording/phrasing needs to be changed. You would still have people who are confused/nervous or for whatever reason cant understand or second guess themselves.

just my opinion for what its worth

[Ban Hammer 13,349]

You could have the tidiest package in the world and it won't matter.

[Sinergy 3]

how about not changing the way it is written and instead putting like: "Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a." (The photos are not for the G-325 but for the Petition itsself)

Just add something like that in parenthasis to clarify the pics are not for the G-325 but for the petition. So there is no more confusion.

[Thai family 0]

VJ is a tremendous resource and source of support, but what about recommending that people to first read the USCIS's instructions and follow them carefully? They have tips for assembling packages on their website. This should give a hint of what's critical and what is not. You could just mention here that this is an optional VJ tip (and a good one at that). When we submitted the I-130 the photos were placed in an envelope marked "photos". The world did not come to an end.

Thai Mom

[mox 298]

I actually pop-riveted my photos to a manhole cover (I'll write up a faq, it's not as easy as it sounds), and then I put it in between my I-129F supplement explaining questions 5, 18, and 19, and a Snickers wrapper to show USCIS that I wasn't even stopping for lunch to get this thing done. Cuz that's how I roll. Postage was nuts, but we were eventually approved.

[missmissy 38]

We read the guides, I printed them out, hi-lited, made a checklist and basically became obsessed with the whole package AND following the guides and making sure our package was perfect. Hopefully it will get sent in a week or so (it's not perfect yet!) but I think the guides, as they are currently written, are very clear and easy to follow. The problem I had was just old fashioned nerves. As I got close to having it all done, I started second guessing what I had done, and doubting if I had really understood any of it. That's where all of you have been soooo helpful. You have no idea how soothing it is to read the "silly" questions that are asked over and over again, and patiently answered. So, from all of us beginners out here, to all of you experts there - thanks.

[Krikit 1,164]

I actually pop-riveted my photos to a manhole cover (I'll write up a faq, it's not as easy as it sounds), and then I put it in between my I-129F supplement explaining questions 5, 18, and 19, and a Snickers wrapper to show USCIS that I wasn't even stopping for lunch to get this thing done. Cuz that's how I roll. Postage was nuts, but we were eventually approved.

I just had a great big belly laugh. Thank you.

[Mags 112]

When I was in the Navy way back when we had wooden ships...

Just how old ARE you?

You could have the tidiest package in the world and it won't matter.

Trust Charles!

I actually pop-riveted my photos to a manhole cover (I'll write up a faq, it's not as easy as it sounds), and then I put it in between my I-129F supplement explaining questions 5, 18, and 19, and a Snickers wrapper to show USCIS that I wasn't even stopping for lunch to get this thing done. Cuz that's how I roll. Postage was nuts, but we were eventually approved.

:lol:

I actually had to drag Platy in here to read this as that was just about the funniest thing I've read. Ever.

Edited January 22, 2009 by Magenta

[Otto 83]

If this is causing some confusion (and I have no doubt that it might) the solution is simple;

Change/add-to the wording in the Guide (some good suggestions already posted), lock this thread and move on. Problem solved.