Do USCIS ever return your original documents taken at the interview?

[teaorcoffee 0]

Hello, all. I just have a quick question.

At the interview, our IO took some of our "original" documents. We had copies of all the documents but our IO took our originals saying she doesn't take copies!

Those documents include a job offer letter from my husband (USC)'s company and bank statements etc.

Especially, a job offer letter is important to him even though we still have a copy. It's like a very official letter with a signature of his supervisor given to him when he was hired.

We are disappointed our IO took the original.

We were approved so we are happy but just wondering...Do they ever return those documents? Maybe if we ask? But they just don't have time to care for such things?

Thanks.

Edited November 4, 2009 by teaorcoffee

[visacheck 3]

Hello, all. I just have a quick question.

At the interview, our IO took some of our "original" documents. We had copies of all the documents but our IO took our originals saying she doesn't take copies!

Those documents include a job offer letter from my husband (USC)'s company and bank statements etc.

Especially, a job offer letter is important to him even though we still have a copy. It's like a very official letter with a signature of his supervisor given to him when he was hired.

We are disappointed our IO took the original.

We were approved so we are happy but just wondering...Do they ever return those documents? Maybe if we ask? But they just don't have time to care for such things?

Thanks.

You would have to fill out a form and request for the original docs to be returned.

[redglasses 1]

I didn't get anything back from the embassy.

[Mononoke28 135]

They never return any of the documents you submitted unless you file form G-884 requesting for the return of your original documents.

Diana

[sasaqlain 24]

They retain originals if they want to verify them. They kept a particular document from me and returned it aafter 3 months, followed by an approval. But yes, you have to put in a request to return originals kept by them.

[Alice 0]

Is it a normal practice ???? that on the interview IO take originals of documents ? just getting scared , as I really need to have my Birth Certificate on hands !!

AOS from B-2

----------------------------------------------------------

09/25/2009 Sent AOS package to Chicago

09/27/2009 Package arrived in Chicago

10/02/2009 checks cashed

10/05/2009 NOAs received ( dated October 01 )

10/11/2009 Biometric appointment scheduled for October-23.

10/17/2009 Walk-in biometrics

Edited November 5, 2009 by Alice

[teaorcoffee 0]

Thanks everyone for the answer I just checked G-884 on uscis website. I'm glad it's possible to request the return of original documents.

To Alice

I adjusted from B2 too! I don't know if IO normally takes the originals (I didn't think they would until I had my interview) but you should bring the originals as much as possible because even if IO doesn't take it, she/he might wanna take a look at it.

[Alice 0]

Thanks everyone for the answer I just checked G-884 on uscis website. I'm glad it's possible to request the return of original documents.

To Alice

I adjusted from B2 too! I don't know if IO normally takes the originals (I didn't think they would until I had my interview) but you should bring the originals as much as possible because even if IO doesn't take it, she/he might wanna take a look at it.

It's no way to issue / have several originals of Birth certificates . I have only one that has been issued after I was born 30+ years ago , its possible to request a copy in case original lost , but this is nightmare to do and takes a while especially if I do not live in the place of Birth anymore , but usually it's ONE document , as the same as passport .

One passport , one original of Birth certificate , one original of divorce decree etc .....

Completelly frustrated.

Dear all , who had interview , please !!!! Do IO usually take original of documents ? or translated and notarised copies are OK ? We sent to US CIS translated and notarized copies of all documents .

I have originals but I can not give it to them for their files.

[Alice 0]

To tearorcoffee.

Did they take only dox you mentioned in the post ( letter from teh employer , bank statements ) or they took everything inclooding Birth certificate. marriage certificate etc ??????

[sasaqlain 24]

Relax!

I don't think they will take your Birth Certificate. But you must have your originals of everything during the Interview, otherwise you'll simply delay your case. And I would advise not to refuse any documents when they ask for one in original for their processing. Your case can be denied based on refusal.

[teaorcoffee 0]

Alice,

Our IO ONLY took original letter from the employer and bank statements. During the interview, our IO asked us to show her a letter from the employer. We showed her the original letter because we thought she just wanted to see it as she said " Can I see the letter from the employer?". I just thought it would be better to show the original if she's just gonna take a look at it. But then she was about to put it in her folder so I said "oh i have a copy of it" then she refused to take the copy. Later in the interview, she asked us if we have anything we want to show her so we first showed her original bank statements, then she put them in her folder. (i was nervous at the interview and totally forgot she just took our original letter from the employer instead of a copy and still gave her original bank statements thinking she just wants to see it.) After that, I gave her a copy of other documents (now we know) such as auto insurance, lease agreement etc and she accepted them without asking for the originals. So, it could be how you show documents to your IO. If you show copies from the first place (unless you are asked for originals), your IO might just take it and won't even ask for original.

As for the birth certificate and marriage certificate....I don't honestly remember if I showed her our original marriage certificate but I still have both a copy and original of it so she didn't take neither one at the interview. As for the birth certificate, I actually had a problem with it at the interview. I brought my birth certificate created in English by the nearest consulate based on the family record in my home country just for this interview since my home country doesn't issue birth certificate at birth. Our IO hated it and didn't take it in her folder saying this birth certificate is not acceptable.

To tearorcoffee.

Did they take only dox you mentioned in the post ( letter from teh employer , bank statements ) or they took everything inclooding Birth certificate. marriage certificate etc ??????

[FantasyWorld 1]

Hello,

Does anyone know how long it takes for the department which handles G-884 forms to get back? Does it take weeks or months? or is there any phone number to call and check the status on?

Edited April 12, 2010 by FantasyWorld