ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

[Lewis K 0]

Hi,

I am almost finished preparing my I-130 packet. As part of evidence of a bona fide marriage, I have included mail (bank statements, envelopes) with my and my wife's names and addresses to prove that we live in the same place. I was originally intending to include the original mail in the packet, but upon rereading preparation guidelines I found that sending original documents is to be avoided.

Are bills, bank statements, and envelopes proving a shared address considered "original documents"? I would prefer to send the originals since their authenticity is much more evident than in photocopies.

I am also sending photos, one of which is an original 35mm photo with a date on the back. Again, should I send the original or a photocopy of both sides?

Thanks!

Lewis

[gooberlove 0]

If I were you, I would not include originals since they say you shouldn't. The reason why they do that is because you're supposed to bring them at the embassy level. You will need your authentic document at that stage. So keep them preciously. Good luck.

[Anh map 2,098]

Unless originals or certified copies are requested, regular photocopies are ok.

Bring originals to the interview to show to the CO should they inquire.

Edited July 20, 2009 by Anh map

[canadian_wife 1,802]

Originals usually are submitted at NVC or shown at the interview so best not to send them off to USCIS.

Good luck.

[OBX 51]

Originals usually are submitted at NVC or shown at the interview so best not to send them off to USCIS.

Good luck.

canadian_wife is correct , NVC WILL require the originals. Keep in mind documents sent with your I-130 are generally NOT returned to you. Good quality photocopies are sufficient. Good luck

[L179 1]

we sent our originals to NVC and they were returned to us at the time of interview by the CO

[Lewis K 0]

Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll just keep things simple and send photocopies. They didn't specifically say they want an original check so maybe I'll just send a photocopy of that too!

Thanks again!

Lewis

[WhidbeyGirl 1]

What I did (for the USCIS level ieI-130) was make color copies of everything, take them to the bank along with the originals and then the bank certified the copies as true and accurate and in my possession.

For the NVC level (ie I-864 & DS-230) I sent originals and in my letter stated I wanted the originals back and I would provide them with clean copies. Our interview is in 16 days - so we'll see if they will do that!

Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll just keep things simple and send photocopies. They didn't specifically say they want an original check so maybe I'll just send a photocopy of that too!

Thanks again!

Lewis

oh the sarcasm! LOVE IT! Maybe they'll just send you a copy of the approval instead of the original LOL!

[RickD 0]

You will get the originals that you send to NVC back at the interview. Since we were living apart after the marriage and did not have any joint accounts yet, we only sent photos from our engagement dinner (with my wife's parents) and our civil and Christian marriage ceremonies. My wife did bring a bunch of extra evidence (insurance documents from my employer, survivor benefit documents from the military, more photos), but the CO never asked to see any of the extra evidence. I guess the fact that we were married TWICE in TWO DAYS said enough! Best wishes.

Rick

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa

Event Date

Service Center : California Service Center

Consulate : Bogota, Colombia

Marriage : 2008-12-18

I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06

I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12

I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27

NVC Received : 2009-03-10

Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17

Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17

Receive I-864 Package :

Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24

Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19

Receive IV Bill : 2009-03-31

Pay IV Bill : 2009-04-03

Receive Instruction Package : 2009-06-01

Case Completed at NVC : 2009-05-05

NVC Left : 2009-06-04

Consulate Received :

Packet 3 Received :

Packet 3 Sent :

Packet 4 Received :

Interview Date : 2009-07-13

Visa Received : 2009-07-18

US Entry : 2009-08-14

Comments : Passed interview 13 July 2009!!!!

Processing

Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

Your interview took 182 days from your I-130 NOA1 date.

Edited July 21, 2009 by RickD

[Lewis K 0]

Thanks again for the replies. Final question, should I send the original notarized affidavits or copies? What about original certified translations???

Thanks!

Lewis

[WhidbeyGirl 1]

Thanks again for the replies. Final question, should I send the original notarized affidavits or copies? What about original certified translations???

Thanks!

Lewis

For the affidavits I sent the originals and kept the copies for myself. I also sent the original translations and the certificate of translation. I paid a language school to do my translations so I also sent along the bill I paid.

[OBX 51]

For the affidavits I sent the originals and kept the copies for myself. I also sent the original translations and the certificate of translation. I paid a language school to do my translations so I also sent along the bill I paid.

We did the same with our affidavits.