Should I attach the petition and the cover letter with acco fasteners to the whole stack of evidene?

[Europeanboy 0]

I have got almost everything to go. I was wondering if I can hole punch the petition itself and the cover letter and make one big stack with a table of contents. Are they gonna rerurn it if punched?

[milimelo 4,558]

I sent everything in a folder that had a divider - on each page was an acco fastener already put in.

Separated everything - left page when you open the folder - Cover letter and check, to the right evidence pile 1, next page evidence pile 2 and last page evidence pile 3 - pictures. Everything was punched so it could fit the acco fastener.

All accepted without any problems. Doing the same now with N-400 application.

Edited February 25, 2010 by milimelo

[Europeanboy 0]

I wanted to buy a folder with delivers from Staples but somebody has mentioned before that they rip the tabs/indexes when they receive it.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I wanted to buy a folder with delivers from Staples but somebody has mentioned before that they rip the tabs/indexes when they receive it.

Yep. Use paste-it notes, if you want to tab it.

Take into account page headers, because they will top punch everything, even if you don't.

[milimelo 4,558]

I wanted to buy a folder with delivers from Staples but somebody has mentioned before that they rip the tabs/indexes when they receive it.

I really didn't care what they do to the petition - punching holes and putting papers in acco fastener (even in the folder) makes it easy for them to just transfer to their preferred method of filing petitions. My "tabs" were post-it sticky notes and they can also do whatever they wish with them.

I guess I will see my file when I have my N-400 interview - I can tell you then what the file looks like and if they tore it apart - if you don't mind waiting 2-3 months :-)

[Europeanboy 0]

I just copied that from USCIS.gov:

GENERAL TIPS ON ASSEMBLING APPLICATIONS FOR MAILING

"In preparing your packet, please take note of the following: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.The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible."

OK, I just bought Insertable plastic deviders. All of them are punched on the side not on top and the tabs are also on the side. The same for the tabs they are on the side. I couldn't find deviders hole punched on top with tabs on the bottom even at Staples.

[milimelo 4,558]

I just copied that from USCIS.gov:

GENERAL TIPS ON ASSEMBLING APPLICATIONS FOR MAILING

"In preparing your packet, please take note of the following: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.The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible."

OK, I just bought Insertable plastic deviders. All of them are punched on the side not on top and the tabs are also on the side. The same for the tabs they are on the side. I couldn't find deviders hole punched on top with tabs on the bottom even at Staples.

I'd just put in the sticky notes - that way they can get rid of them easy if they don't want them.

Edited February 26, 2010 by milimelo

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I'd just put in the sticky notes - that way they can get rid of them easy if they don't want them.

Don't go overboard. If you get too "elaborate", they will have to spend that much more time disassembling your application, rearranging the file in the order and style they want it. Past-it sticky notes placed on the bottom of the pages are easy to remove, yet highlight the information you want the examiner to see. Remember they have to store all this stuff, so they will reduce the file to its bare essentials.

[w8inglongtime 29]

Don't go overboard. If you get too "elaborate", they will have to spend that much more time disassembling your application, rearranging the file in the order and style they want it. Past-it sticky notes placed on the bottom of the pages are easy to remove, yet highlight the information you want the examiner to see. Remember they have to store all this stuff, so they will reduce the file to its bare essentials.

I wonder what will happen if you just make copies and put them in an envelope without punching holes or using acco fasteners?

[Dakine10 5,452]

I wonder what will happen if you just make copies and put them in an envelope without punching holes or using acco fasteners?

I had 18 pages and a check held together with a paper clip and got approved PDQ. I don't think it matters how you put it together so much as the content you include.

The one problem I could envision is that loose papers are more likely to get misplaced, resulting in an unneccessary RFE.

[JERIII 8]

I just copied that from USCIS.gov:

GENERAL TIPS ON ASSEMBLING APPLICATIONS FOR MAILING

"In preparing your packet, please take note of the following: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.The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible."

OK, I just bought Insertable plastic deviders. All of them are punched on the side not on top and the tabs are also on the side. The same for the tabs they are on the side. I couldn't find deviders hole punched on top with tabs on the bottom even at Staples.

Yes, but this is also on the uscis.gov website (there's a lot more on the page):

Tips for Filing Petitions and Applications to the National Benefits Center

Welcome to the National Benefits Center (

NBC

) Filing Tips page. This page has been designed to provide helpful hints to applicants, attorneys, and representatives when filing petitions and applications with the Chicago Lockbox and

NBC

.

Tips for Filing Petitions and Applications to the National Benefits Center

April 2008

General

3. Take the following steps to avoid delays in processing applications or petitions through the Chicago Lockbox.

*

Use paperclips when attaching supporting personal documents to forms

(do NOT use “ACCO” fasteners; staples are acceptable when attaching fees).

[Yurika & Jim 77]

Yes. if when you are filing petitions and applications with the Chicago Lockbox and NBC.

And for ROC, we file it to USCIS service center so...

[Europeanboy 0]

P

Yes, but this is also on the uscis.gov website (there's a lot more on the page):

Tips for Filing Petitions and Applications to the National Benefits Center

o

Welcome to the National Benefits Center (

NBC

) Filing Tips page. This page has been designed to provide helpful hints to applicants, attorneys, and representatives when filing petitions and applications with the Chicago Lockbox and

NBC

.

Tips for Filing Petitions and Applications to the National Benefits Center

April 2008

General

o

3. Take the following steps to avoid delays in processing applications or petitions through the Chicago Lockbox.

*

Use paperclips when attaching supporting personal documents to forms

(do NOT use “ACCO” fasteners; staples are acceptable when attaching fees).

Yes, but they give different instructions in their official web site. What if I put tabs are they gonna rip it if on the side?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

P

Yes, but they give different instructions in their official web site. What if I put tabs are they gonna rip it if on the side?

Yes.

[bora bora 1]

I stacked our documents up with the cover letter on top. I think that I paper clipped the check, regardless it was on top. I used a rubber band to hold everything together. No problems.

We were approved in under 3 months through VSC.