I130 packet question

[gumbi2400 1]

So I'm just about ready to file, and my biggest question is how to put it all together. So I have a couple of addendums to attach to a few different forms, Should I just staple them together so they don't get separated? Also how do I put the whole thing together like the pictures and stuff? Oh and where should I put the letters of explanation for various questions? I know its the silly little things but I want it to be perfect.

Both my new wife and I would be extremely grateful of any advice you might have.

[kruz_patz 22]

Don't use staples.....instead use U pins or other holders which can be easily detached....by the way what is this letters of explanations ? You can make a cover letter and attach it to the very front.......

[Darnell 8,478]

Is a good time to review --> http://www.visajourney.com/content/assembly

I'd suggest this, as an 'order' -

1. cover letter, explaining what yer filing for and a list of attachments, similar to:

--I-130 petition

--addendum to I-130 petition, covering items (insert yer list here, with the specific form #'s)

--G-325A application for (Spouses name) and (your name)

--photocopy of marriage certificate

--photocopy of USC's passport bio page or birth certificate

--Bondafide Marriage Evidence

2. Letter stating the LIST of bonafide marriage evidence, on top of the stack of Bonafide Marriage Evidence

3. Any letters that you've written to cover any red flags and/or prior divorces.

For Bonafide Marriage Evidence - you might want to review what I did, over at http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=218775&st=0&p=3324240&hl=Rusticentry3324240 and note that mine's a bit overboard, as China is a high-fraud country.

Here is example of another user's I-130 cover letter -

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/258588-example-of-i-130-cover-sheet-and-page-of-contents/page__view__findpost__p__3967661

Edited June 12, 2010 by Darnell

[gumbi2400 1]

Is a good time to review --> http://www.visajourney.com/content/assembly

I'd suggest this, as an 'order' -

1. cover letter, explaining what yer filing for and a list of attachments, similar to:

--I-130 petition

--addendum to I-130 petition, covering items (insert yer list here, with the specific form #'s)

--G-325A application for (Spouses name) and (your name)

--photocopy of marriage certificate

--photocopy of USC's passport bio page or birth certificate

--Bondafide Marriage Evidence

2. Letter stating the LIST of bonafide marriage evidence, on top of the stack of Bonafide Marriage Evidence

3. Any letters that you've written to cover any red flags and/or prior divorces.

For Bonafide Marriage Evidence - you might want to review what I did, over at http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=218775&st=0&p=3324240&hl=Rusticentry3324240 and note that mine's a bit overboard, as China is a high-fraud country.

Here is example of another user's I-130 cover letter -

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/258588-example-of-i-130-cover-sheet-and-page-of-contents/page__view__findpost__p__3967661

The letters of explanation are to cover the red flags, things like why I started the relationship before I was divorced (now THAT is a messy story). As well as why there was no family or friends at the wedding (we wanted it to be just the two of us to make it special).

So for payment, can I do cashiers check as well? Its easier to follow than a money order, and it comes out of my bank right away unlike a check.

Thanks again!

[gumbi2400 1]

Also, I am already up to almost 200 pages not including photos. Is this going to be a problem? I mean most of it are emails back and forth between the two of us. The other concern I have is that we currently don't have anything joint, nor do I have her on anything yet, as we just got married a couple weeks ago. I will be adding her to my life insurance at work (and am in the process of doing so). I can't open a bank account as she is about to start filing for bankruptcy soon (yikes!) and that would put our credit together, which would be a very bad thing in the long run. Will any of this be a problem?

The closer I get to filing the more worried I get that they will just reject it out right.

[OBX 51]

Also, I am already up to almost 200 pages not including photos. Is this going to be a problem? I mean most of it are emails back and forth between the two of us. The other concern I have is that we currently don't have anything joint, nor do I have her on anything yet, as we just got married a couple weeks ago. I will be adding her to my life insurance at work (and am in the process of doing so). I can't open a bank account as she is about to start filing for bankruptcy soon (yikes!) and that would put our credit together, which would be a very bad thing in the long run. Will any of this be a problem?

The closer I get to filing the more worried I get that they will just reject it out right.

200 pages seems like an awful lot to me! Unless you are from a high fraud country that seems like a bit much. IMO USCIS would not need an explanation of why you started the relationship before you were divorced. Save the details for the interview. We submitted our petition a week after our marriage and only included our marriage certificate and three notarized affidavits from friends and family. IMO excess proof of a bonafide relationship is best kept for the interview. That being said, you need to feel comfortable with what you submit. Good luck!

Edited June 12, 2010 by OBX

[Darnell 8,478]

200 pages is 'easy' if yer including photocopies of USC's divorce decree.

You might want to think to add in Form G-1145G with yer I-130 petition submittal -

It 'gives you' electronic notification that the casefile was received. IMO, removes much worry.

USCIS page for download - http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Usually, ppl send off regular check, so can check with bank as to when it was cleared.

As for 'cashier's check from your bank' - You need to be certain if you can determine when it was cashed, and be able to read the back of the check - the USCIS receipt # is printed on the back, and you'll need that - but it comes in the NOA-1 letter as well.

Edited June 12, 2010 by Darnell

[OBX 51]

200 pages is 'easy' if yer including photocopies of USC's divorce decree.

You might want to think to add in Form G-1145G with yer I-130 petition submittal -

It 'gives you' electronic notification that the casefile was received. IMO, removes much worry.

USCIS page for download - http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Usually, ppl send off regular check, so can check with bank as to when it was cleared.

As for 'cashier's check from your bank' - You need to be certain if you can determine when it was cashed, and be able to read the back of the check - the USCIS receipt # is printed on the back, and you'll need that - but it comes in the NOA-1 letter as well.

What would be in a 200 page divorce decree? Ours were each only one page.

Edited June 12, 2010 by OBX

[LoveRani 1]

What would be in a 200 page divorce decree? Ours were each only one page.

I believe you misread it. 200 pages of evidence if I read it correctly, hehe.

[gumbi2400 1]

So I just got the package together, and I realized that part of one of the residency section entries was cut off on the g325a. Its the street name for where she lived years ago. My question is, can I just print off a correction as an addendum or do I need to get her to mail me a whole new signed copy? On the correction form I figured I can put something like the following:

Please note this is a correction to an error in the entry for the last entry in the above mentioned section. This correction was printed because Lindsey (last name) was not available to sign a new copy. As this was prepared by Joel (last name).

Or maybe

Please note this is a correction to an error in the entry for the last entry in the above mentioned section. The error was due to a printer error.

Or as a last resort can I just write it in on the signed form itself?

Any help would be very very much appreciated. I would hate to have to wait the week+ it would take to get a new copy.

[kruz_patz 22]

200 pages are too much. I think u'r too much worried about your relationship and how you are getting your green card. But all this explanation is necessary when they ask you at interview. Until then just relax and send only necessary supportive documents that are required.

My point is to why pointing out their attention to your case, and invite unnecessary questions. Just send ordinary documentation. No more No less.

Edited June 13, 2010 by kruz_patz

[Darnell 8,478]

hey gumbi - re: the address - you can WRITE on the form, or you can MAKE ATTACHMENT. Your Choice.

kruz_patz - I disagree with you - and that's ok.

[pushbrk 12,882]

Also, I am already up to almost 200 pages not including photos. Is this going to be a problem? I mean most of it are emails back and forth between the two of us. The other concern I have is that we currently don't have anything joint, nor do I have her on anything yet, as we just got married a couple weeks ago. I will be adding her to my life insurance at work (and am in the process of doing so). I can't open a bank account as she is about to start filing for bankruptcy soon (yikes!) and that would put our credit together, which would be a very bad thing in the long run. Will any of this be a problem?

The closer I get to filing the more worried I get that they will just reject it out right.

200 pages is way overboard. Unless you have a couple 20 page divorce decrees to include, I would keep it under 50 pages. Use "examples" of communication. For your photos, I would limit them to 20 or so, printed several to a page on full sheets of plain paper. Your "letters of explanation" should be brief and too the point, no more than a single page.

Bear in mind that an "intake" specialist will open your package and build a file to USCIS standards. When they see 200 pages, they are going to curse you first and then most likely decide just how much to throw away. Keep that from happening by limiting the file to about 50 pages. Paper clip or binder clip. Priority mail in the envelope provided free from the Post Office.

[gumbi2400 1]

200 pages is way overboard. Unless you have a couple 20 page divorce decrees to include, I would keep it under 50 pages. Use "examples" of communication. For your photos, I would limit them to 20 or so, printed several to a page on full sheets of plain paper. Your "letters of explanation" should be brief and too the point, no more than a single page.

Bear in mind that an "intake" specialist will open your package and build a file to USCIS standards. When they see 200 pages, they are going to curse you first and then most likely decide just how much to throw away. Keep that from happening by limiting the file to about 50 pages. Paper clip or binder clip. Priority mail in the envelope provided free from the Post Office.

Like I said I can lose most of the emails which could easily bring it down below that 50 mark.

As for the correction can I just draw a line through the incorrect addresses and put the correction form on or would it be rejected. The document in question is the g-325a. If they don't like it will they reject the whole petition, or just request a new g 325a? I'm getting quite worried now

[gumbi2400 1]

Oh and another thing. Can it just take up more than one line? Its just such small space to fit an entire address. The other option is just put " see attached" and just put it on there. Then on the attached form do i need to put why i attached it? Oh and if I write it in now and it already has her signature on it will that be a problem?

Again I really thank you for all the help. It's such a stressful process, and it is really frustrating that there is just no room on those things. You all have been such a great help already, and I really appreciate it.