Do not send in a folder?

[Tuanv 2]

Guys,

I am planning to send my I-130 application next week. I bought fastener folder, document sleeves, and photo pages. But I was surprised that people do not recommend it, http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=242806.

Did you guys send your application without a binder/folder? Some of the poster on the link above suggest using paper clip and zip lock bag. It is a good idea for Vietnam?

[Tuanv 2]

Updated: They don't allow ACCO fastener.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Guys,

I am planning to send my I-130 application next week. I bought fastener folder, document sleeves, and photo pages. But I was surprised that people do not recommend it, http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=242806.

Did you guys send your application without a binder/folder? Some of the poster on the link above suggest using paper clip and zip lock bag. It is a good idea for Vietnam?

Updated: They don't allow ACCO fastener.

The link to the USCIS instructions in the thread you cited is correct. The recommendations for filing at the Chicago Lockbox are different than the recommendations for filing with a USCIS service center. The ACCO fastener is an example of difference in preference between the NBC/Lockbox and service centers. However, it isn't that they "don't accept ACCO fasteners". They just prefer that you don't use them. They won't reject your petition if you don't package it the way they prefer, but it will make things easier on them if you follow their instructions.

Neither of them recommend using a binder or folder, though. They each have their own file containers, and they'll just end up throwing away any file container you provide.

I filed a K1, so I followed the recommendations for the service centers.

[Tuanv 2]

As always, your answers are very comprehensive. Appreciate it, Jim.

[Tuanv 2]

I am kind of confused with this:

"If you are the petitioner and you reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, or District of Columbia and you are filing only Form I-130, mail the petition to the USCIS Lockbox Facility. The address is as follows: USCIS P.O. Box 804616 Chicago, IL 60680-4107"

I am from Washington DC, so I should send I-130 application to the address above, but what do they mean stand-alone form? I am petition for my wife, so the i-130 form (and relevance documents) is all I need, right?

Edited February 19, 2010 by Tuanv

[Anh map 2,098]

I am kind of confused with this:

"If you are the petitioner and you reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, or District of Columbia and you are filing only Form I-130, mail the petition to the USCIS Lockbox Facility. The address is as follows: USCIS P.O. Box 804616 Chicago, IL 60680-4107"

I am from Washington DC, so I should send I-130 application to the address above, but what do they mean stand-alone form? I am petition for my wife, so the i-130 form (and relevance documents) is all I need, right?

You live in Washington, District of Columbia so the above address is for you.

If you were filing for AOS then you would use a different address.

Edited February 19, 2010 by Anh map

[Peter&TT 0]

Updated: They don't allow ACCO fastener.

Not correct. In fact they encourage to use ACCO fasteners. (see http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD )

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.

Peter

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Not correct. In fact they encourage to use ACCO fasteners. (see http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD )

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.

Peter

Yes, it is somewhat confusing. The USCIS service centers have one set of recommendations, which you pointed out. The National Benefits Center, which receives petitions through the Chicago Lockbox, has a completely different set of recommendations:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Since an I-130 petition for immediate relative is sent to the USCIS-NBC's Chicago Lockbox, it's probably better to follow their recommendations.

[Tuanv 2]

Did you guys send a lot of picture? Were they in a photo album? I currently stacked 30 photos using photo pages and I putted it in a clear plastic folder. I plan to send this picture folder. Of course, I will use paper clips to attach relevant documents separately. There is no reason for them to disassemble the folder album, right?

[Haonie 0]

Yes, it is somewhat confusing. The USCIS service centers have one set of recommendations, which you pointed out. The National Benefits Center, which receives petitions through the Chicago Lockbox, has a completely different set of recommendations:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Since an I-130 petition for immediate relative is sent to the USCIS-NBC's Chicago Lockbox, it's probably better to follow their recommendations.

I didn't file I-130, but i did filed AOS and used ACCO fastener...and they still accepted, LOL.

[Tuanv 2]

That's good to know.

[Rob and Jill 82]

Personally, I did not bind mine with anything. I made sheets and cover sheets for everything, and if something needed to be attached, I put it in a plastic baggie and stapled it to what needed to be attached. On top of that, I used biner clips to hold it all in place as well. Then I shoved it all in a Priority envelope and crossed my fingers.

You do not NEED to supply 30 photos at once. Also, you do NEED to make sure that you have a total of 3 submissions. The original for the USCIS, one for you, and one for your fiance. They need to be EXACT copies in case something gets lost somewhere along the way.

[ScottThuy 140]

Personally, I did not bind mine with anything. I made sheets and cover sheets for everything, and if something needed to be attached, I put it in a plastic baggie and stapled it to what needed to be attached. On top of that, I used biner clips to hold it all in place as well. Then I shoved it all in a Priority envelope and crossed my fingers.

You do not NEED to supply 30 photos at once. Also, you do NEED to make sure that you have a total of 3 submissions. The original for the USCIS, one for you, and one for your fiance. They need to be EXACT copies in case something gets lost somewhere along the way.

Since the case is headed to HCMC, the more evidence of ongoing relationship in the initial filing, the better... keep everything neat and organized first and foremost... use an outline and tabs.. that way they can easily navigate the info... the easier on them the better.. and the more thorough the evidence of relationship, the better long term in the whole process...

[Tuanv 2]

Thank for replies.

Scott,

How did you keep thing organize when we are not allowed to folder and fastener? I will use tabs and an outline.