while waiting for ROC decision

[antda 13]

Hi Venusfire503,

I know what you mean about keeping stuff throughout this whole immigration process, just to "prove to the government" that we are "geunine" through paperwork. So until we are all "done" with this process (whether through citizenship or 10yr green card), we still have to "keep on saving things", in case they ask for it at any time. Think of the USCIS as kind of like the IRS, as they can "audit" you whenever they want to, and if you don't have the paperwork that they want, you can end up in a lot of trouble because of it.

So yes, do keep on saving the paperwork that you have, regardless of when you sent in your I-751 package. And do keep on saving additional paperwork too, in case they do ask for such through an rfe or interview, and for the next stage of the immigration game (citizenship) as well. It's good to "think ahead" in these type of situations and "be prepared for anything and everything".

Funny that I'm a bit of a "packrat" myself too, and find myself saving paperwork, regardless of if it is for immigration or not. I guess this sort of worked out as a good thing, as it sure came in handy when I have to submit stuff for immigration too. Lol...heck, I even have to remind my husband at times to "not to throw this out" as "we might need it someday", which at times he doesn't agree with me about this (lol...I guess I went a little overboard by saving old useless junk that I haven't used in years and candy boxes there).

By the way, I find that using big accordian-style plastic/paper folders (which you can get at any office supply store) helps in this organization, especially when I don't have a lot of room. As well, big plastic storage bins help (which you can get at any department store) with paperwork and other items in the house too.

Keep on gathering the paperwork and other information, as in the long run, it will be worth it!

Hope this helps. Good luck with the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant (Still waiting for Baby, Still waiting for I-751...)

We've been saving things like crazy people ever since we decided to file for the K-1. First to send for the visa, then AOS, and now ROC. I don't know if we need anything for citizenship or not, but heard that nothing is needed (other than a form and - of course - a check) for renewing the 10 year card.

Now, the question I have is, should couples continue to save things (financial and social) in case they get an RFE for the ROC? I was just thinking, ROC processing can take a year. If we get an RFE, will we need to send in proof of a valid marriage from after the date the ROC package was sent? I'm guessing the best thing to do is continue to save everything until the 10 year card is received, or maybe longer (for citizenship? - I have no idea - haven't looked that far ahead).

Does anyone know?

Thanks!

venusfire

Edited April 16, 2009 by AntandD

[venusfire503 54]

Hi Venusfire503,

I know what you mean about keeping stuff throughout this whole immigration process, just to "prove to the government" that we are "geunine" through paperwork. So until we are all "done" with this process (whether to citizenship or 10yr green card), we still have to "keep on saving things", in case they ask for it. Think of the USCIS as kind of like the IRS, as they can "audit" you whenever they want to, and if you don't have the paperwork that they want, you can end up in a lot of trouble because of it.

So yes, do keep on saving the paperwork that you have, regardless of when you sent in your I-751 package. And do keep on saving additional paperwork too, in case they do ask for such through an rfe or interview, and for the next stage of the immigration game (citizenship) as well. It's good to "think ahead" in these type of situations and "be prepared for anything and everything".

Funny, I'm a bit of a "packrat" myself too, and find myself saving paperwork, regardless of if it is for immigration or not. I guess this sort of worked out as a good thing, as it sure came in handy when I have to submit stuff for immigration too. I find that using big accordian-style plastic/paper folders (which you can get at any office supply store) helps in this organization, especially when I don't have a lot of room. As well, big plastic storage bins help (which you can get at any department store) with paperwork and other items in the house too.

Keep on gathering the paperwork and other information, as in the long run, it will be worth it!

Hope this helps. Good luck with the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant (Still waiting for Baby, Still waiting for I-751...)

Ant,

Good - I'm not the only one with the big plastic storage bins! (haha) I still have all the K-1 paperwork and everything. You should see my basement....

It's going to be really weird one day if/when we can finally stop thinking "oh, I should save this for USCIS" every time I see a picture, card in the mail, etc...

venusfire

[antda 13]

Hi Jasminelily and Italian_In_NYC and Everyone,

(ok, sorry if I'm hijacking this thread too, Venusfire503)

Lol...I totally understand about living in small spaces and not having enough room to store paperwork and other belonigings in. I remember when I used to live in small apartments before and definitely found it very "cramped and crowded" in the city then. Luckily I don't have to worry about that much anymore now that I live in rural area and a somewhat bigger place (lol..though it's not big enough overall for our expanding family and we are moving again soon).

Nevertheless, I still "packrat" (lol..likewise, it's genetic here too), and have found some interesting ways for storage in small spaces, to create more space, and to save money. For example, I like using and doing the following:

-Accordian-style plastic/paper folders (good for paperwork)

-Tupperware/Plastic storage bins (all sizes)

-Shoeboxes

-Sandwich bags

-Plastic grocery bags and Garbage bags

-Cardboard boxes (note: you can get those free at certain supermarkets too)

-Re-using old containers and boxes

-Putting one bag of stuff into another bag of stuff

-Donating stuff that I don't need to non-profit organizations

-Shopping at rummage/garage sales and used-stuff shops

-Using both sides of the paper, Using scrap paper

-Turn off lights, water, heat, etc. when I'm not using such

Anyone else have any helpful hints and ideas for other VJers who don't have much storage room either?

Hope this helps, especially for those who are "space-deprived for storage"...

Ant (Still waiting for I-751, Still waiting for Baby...)

Edited April 16, 2009 by AntandD

[antda 13]

Hi Venusfire503,

Yup, plastic storage bins are for everyone and for everything! For example, I use the big clear plastic ones for clothes, and the big coloured ones for other junk. I have smaller ones for food leftovers, bathroom supplies, stationery supplies, and other junk too. Lol..I swear, I run my own plastic bin factory here, with the amount of those types of containers that I have here.

You're lucky that you have a basement, so that gives you a lot of extra room to store stuff there. Lol..though I would think it would be difficult to clean out that basement with with all that extra stuff.

I agree, it's going to be weird/strange to get rid of all that stuff, and to stop thinking that "I need this stuff for the USCIS".

Lol..oh, I can see it now...making a big bonfire in the yard and buring all that stuff that we don't need anymore...I look forward to such a day (lol..that is, if I can bear to part with that much stuff, as I admit, I can be a bit sentimental about things, even if it seems 'useless' to others...).

One thing that has helped me get rid of stuff over the years, is when I move from one location to another. So maybe when I move this time around, it will help me get rid of some of that stuff that I don't need too (but sigh, I still have to keep that USCIS stuff, until I'm done with all of this).

Meanwhile, I'll just keep on saving stuff and adding it to my "USCIS Evidence" pile...

Lol...Anyone want/need any extra coupons for baby supplies?

Ant (Still waiting for I-751, Still waiting for Baby..)

Ant,

Good - I'm not the only one with the big plastic storage bins! (haha) I still have all the K-1 paperwork and everything. You should see my basement....

It's going to be really weird one day if/when we can finally stop thinking "oh, I should save this for USCIS" every time I see a picture, card in the mail, etc...

venusfire