How to Organize Your Documents

[SJG 30]

Let's face it, immigration involves endless paperwork and requires a lot of patience. As you dig through piles of documents, it is only necessary to be organize and clutter-free. I would like to share some useful tips as to how I kept my sanity through proper filing and arrangement of important documents.

1. Always keep a file of all the forms you submitted, and the email notifications from NVC and/or USCIS. I print out 3 copies every time and arrange them neatly on separate folders. (One copy for me, one for my husband and a back-up copy). I also created a personal timeline in order to track down our case's progress.

2. Before my visa interview, I neatly arranged my documents using color-coded folders and clear plastic separates. I also placed labels on every folder and printed a cover page for each.

Folder A - Affidavit of Support Packet contains husband's employment certificate, tax records and W2's

Folder B - Proof of Relationship Packet contains billing statements, receipts, email correspondence, money transfers, housing arrangements, contract of lease etc.

Folder C - Wedding photos, proof of travels, family celebrations etc

Plastic Separate 1 - Appointment Letter

Plastic Separate 2 - Ds-230 & I-864 (original and photo copies)

Plastic Separate 3 - NSo Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Police Clearance

Please note that in most US Embassies where interviews are held, the applicant and the consul are separated by a glass window with a narrow, 2-inch sloped slot - this is where you slip the documents they request to view. It is advisable to use FLEXIBLE folders instead of hard or spiral binds because they wouldn't fit.

3. If you are married to an expat whose been working outside the States, you also need to produce Proof of Domicile.

[Domicile. Place where a person has his or her principal residence. The person must intend to keep that residence for the foreseeable future. The sponsor of an immigrant must have domicile in the U.S. before the visa can be issued. This generally means that the sponsor must be living in the U.S. In certain circumstances, however one can be considered to have a domicile while temporarily living overseas.]

We requested my husband's company to issue him with an employment certificate explaining the projects he's handling in Asia and the length of his assignment. On top of my husband's Income Tax Forms and W2s, I also included Form 2555 - Foreign Earned Income. All these documents I inserted in the Affidavit of Support Folder.

4. On the day of your interview, it's always better to come in prepared and memorize important details mentioned in your forms. It's ridiculous if you would have to dig thru your documents every time you need to answer simple questions such as:

- Petitioner's full name (emphasis on the middle name)

- Place of residence in the States

- Your petitioner's employment background

- Wedding date, or the day you and your spouse first met

- If you are constantly travelling, dates when you left and arrived in diff. country, and length of stay.

It creates a positive impression if you remember these things by heart.

5. You have to remember that NOT every consul would like to view ALL your documents. In our case, the consul just asked for the wedding photos but she complimented us for coming in "extra-prepared." So yeah, it's a major plus to carry excessive amount of proof, documents and forms - than lacking.

To everyone who's scheduled for an interview, keep smiling and be charming! I hope you find this post useful and best of luck!

Edited August 11, 2011 by Sean&Jem

[emad desouky 1]

thank you so much that was so good to show us that

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

Good information.. Thank you for sharing..

Some other good tips for gathering and storing information:

Create a separate Gmail account that is only used for your immigration journey. Create a folder for Documents, USCIS, NVC, Relationship proof, etc.. You can scan documents and store them online so they are accessible anywhere you have internet access... You can also set up emails to this account to beep you phone with a different whistle (nice when NVC/USCIS sends an email). I did this from before getting married so I have every document collected required to get married, all the immigration forms, photos, etc.. all in PDF format and easily accessible from any computer... Make sure to have a good password

If you have an android phone (and I assume an Iphone would have the required apps) there are free apps you can download that will automatically save all your SMS messages to a gmail folder, any phone calls (incoming or outgoing and length) into a PHONECALL folder in your gmail account, etc. You now have an automated phone record that works even if you SO has a phone that is "pay-as-you-go". And records chats or video you do through the the google messenger also are recorded and can be stored in a separate folder in the gmail account.

[meandmyangels 0]

Let's face it, immigration involves endless paperwork and requires a lot of patience. As you dig through piles of documents, it is only necessary to be organize and clutter-free. I would like to share some useful tips as to how I kept my sanity through proper filing and arrangement of important documents.

1. Always keep a file of all the forms you submitted, and the email notifications from NVC and/or USCIS. I print out 3 copies every time and arrange them neatly on separate folders. (One copy for me, one for my husband and a back-up copy). I also created a personal timeline in order to track down our case's progress.

2. Before my visa interview, I neatly arranged my documents using color-coded folders and clear plastic separates. I also placed labels on every folder and printed a cover page for each.

Folder A - Affidavit of Support Packet contains husband's employment certificate, tax records and W2's

Folder B - Proof of Relationship Packet contains billing statements, receipts, email correspondence, money transfers, housing arrangements, contract of lease etc.

Folder C - Wedding photos, proof of travels, family celebrations etc

Plastic Separate 1 - Appointment Letter

Plastic Separate 2 - Ds-230 & I-864 (original and photo copies)

Plastic Separate 3 - NSo Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Police Clearance

Please note that in most US Embassies where interviews are held, the applicant and the consul are separated by a glass window with a narrow, 2-inch sloped slot - this is where you slip the documents they request to view. It is advisable to use FLEXIBLE folders instead of hard or spiral binds because they wouldn't fit.

3. If you are married to an expat whose been working outside the States, you also need to produce Proof of Domicile.

[Domicile. Place where a person has his or her principal residence. The person must intend to keep that residence for the foreseeable future. The sponsor of an immigrant must have domicile in the U.S. before the visa can be issued. This generally means that the sponsor must be living in the U.S. In certain circumstances, however one can be considered to have a domicile while temporarily living overseas.]

We requested my husband's company to issue him with an employment certificate explaining the projects he's handling in Asia and the length of his assignment. On top of my husband's Income Tax Forms and W2s, I also included Form 2555 - Foreign Earned Income. All these documents I inserted in the Affidavit of Support Folder.

4. On the day of your interview, it's always better to come in prepared and memorize important details mentioned in your forms. It's ridiculous if you would have to dig thru your documents every time you need to answer simple questions such as:

- Petitioner's full name (emphasis on the middle name)

- Place of residence in the States

- Your petitioner's employment background

- Wedding date, or the day you and your spouse first met

- If you are constantly travelling, dates when you left and arrived in diff. country, and length of stay.

It creates a positive impression if you remember these things by heart.

5. You have to remember that NOT every consul would like to view ALL your documents. In our case, the consul just asked for the wedding photos but she complimented us for coming in "extra-prepared." So yeah, it's a major plus to carry excessive amount of proof, documents and forms - than lacking.

To everyone who's scheduled for an interview, keep smiling and be charming! I hope you find this post useful and best of luck!

Great info! I have one question. Is that folder is the one called a clear book?

[Josie-Be-Happy 11]

Let's face it, immigration involves endless paperwork and requires a lot of patience. As you dig through piles of documents, it is only necessary to be organize and clutter-free. I would like to share some useful tips as to how I kept my sanity through proper filing and arrangement of important documents.

1. Always keep a file of all the forms you submitted, and the email notifications from NVC and/or USCIS. I print out 3 copies every time and arrange them neatly on separate folders. (One copy for me, one for my husband and a back-up copy). I also created a personal timeline in order to track down our case's progress.

2. Before my visa interview, I neatly arranged my documents using color-coded folders and clear plastic separates. I also placed labels on every folder and printed a cover page for each.

Folder A - Affidavit of Support Packet contains husband's employment certificate, tax records and W2's

Folder B - Proof of Relationship Packet contains billing statements, receipts, email correspondence, money transfers, housing arrangements, contract of lease etc.

Folder C - Wedding photos, proof of travels, family celebrations etc

Plastic Separate 1 - Appointment Letter

Plastic Separate 2 - Ds-230 & I-864 (original and photo copies)

Plastic Separate 3 - NSo Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Police Clearance

Please note that in most US Embassies where interviews are held, the applicant and the consul are separated by a glass window with a narrow, 2-inch sloped slot - this is where you slip the documents they request to view. It is advisable to use FLEXIBLE folders instead of hard or spiral binds because they wouldn't fit.

3. If you are married to an expat whose been working outside the States, you also need to produce Proof of Domicile.

[Domicile. Place where a person has his or her principal residence. The person must intend to keep that residence for the foreseeable future. The sponsor of an immigrant must have domicile in the U.S. before the visa can be issued. This generally means that the sponsor must be living in the U.S. In certain circumstances, however one can be considered to have a domicile while temporarily living overseas.]

We requested my husband's company to issue him with an employment certificate explaining the projects he's handling in Asia and the length of his assignment. On top of my husband's Income Tax Forms and W2s, I also included Form 2555 - Foreign Earned Income. All these documents I inserted in the Affidavit of Support Folder.

4. On the day of your interview, it's always better to come in prepared and memorize important details mentioned in your forms. It's ridiculous if you would have to dig thru your documents every time you need to answer simple questions such as:

- Petitioner's full name (emphasis on the middle name)

- Place of residence in the States

- Your petitioner's employment background

- Wedding date, or the day you and your spouse first met

- If you are constantly travelling, dates when you left and arrived in diff. country, and length of stay.

It creates a positive impression if you remember these things by heart.

5. You have to remember that NOT every consul would like to view ALL your documents. In our case, the consul just asked for the wedding photos but she complimented us for coming in "extra-prepared." So yeah, it's a major plus to carry excessive amount of proof, documents and forms - than lacking.

To everyone who's scheduled for an interview, keep smiling and be charming! I hope you find this post useful and best of luck!

Excellent information. Thank you for sharing.

[iwuvcheshert 6]

Thank you very much for the details.. i highly appreciate it

[GandA5510 4]

very great i love how you put it in detail It helps me prepare better.

I havent started the process yes but in the near future ill have a better looking folder than somebody siting next to me!

[kali1229 6]

I love your organizational skills. I want to be like you.

[iwuvcheshert 6]

Great info! I have one question. Is that folder is the one called a clear book?

i think that's a clear folder - there are clear folders available in bookstores.. correct me if im wrong, OP

[bigdog 376]

Let's face it, immigration involves endless paperwork and requires a lot of patience. As you dig through piles of documents, it is only necessary to be organize and clutter-free. I would like to share some useful tips as to how I kept my sanity through proper filing and arrangement of important documents.

1. Always keep a file of all the forms you submitted, and the email notifications from NVC and/or USCIS. I print out 3 copies every time and arrange them neatly on separate folders. (One copy for me, one for my husband and a back-up copy). I also created a personal timeline in order to track down our case's progress.

2. Before my visa interview, I neatly arranged my documents using color-coded folders and clear plastic separates. I also placed labels on every folder and printed a cover page for each.

Folder A - Affidavit of Support Packet contains husband's employment certificate, tax records and W2's

Folder B - Proof of Relationship Packet contains billing statements, receipts, email correspondence, money transfers, housing arrangements, contract of lease etc.

Folder C - Wedding photos, proof of travels, family celebrations etc

Plastic Separate 1 - Appointment Letter

Plastic Separate 2 - Ds-230 & I-864 (original and photo copies)

Plastic Separate 3 - NSo Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Police Clearance

Please note that in most US Embassies where interviews are held, the applicant and the consul are separated by a glass window with a narrow, 2-inch sloped slot - this is where you slip the documents they request to view. It is advisable to use FLEXIBLE folders instead of hard or spiral binds because they wouldn't fit.

3. If you are married to an expat whose been working outside the States, you also need to produce Proof of Domicile.

[Domicile. Place where a person has his or her principal residence. The person must intend to keep that residence for the foreseeable future. The sponsor of an immigrant must have domicile in the U.S. before the visa can be issued. This generally means that the sponsor must be living in the U.S. In certain circumstances, however one can be considered to have a domicile while temporarily living overseas.]

We requested my husband's company to issue him with an employment certificate explaining the projects he's handling in Asia and the length of his assignment. On top of my husband's Income Tax Forms and W2s, I also included Form 2555 - Foreign Earned Income. All these documents I inserted in the Affidavit of Support Folder.

4. On the day of your interview, it's always better to come in prepared and memorize important details mentioned in your forms. It's ridiculous if you would have to dig thru your documents every time you need to answer simple questions such as:

- Petitioner's full name (emphasis on the middle name)

- Place of residence in the States

- Your petitioner's employment background

- Wedding date, or the day you and your spouse first met

- If you are constantly travelling, dates when you left and arrived in diff. country, and length of stay.

It creates a positive impression if you remember these things by heart.

5. You have to remember that NOT every consul would like to view ALL your documents. In our case, the consul just asked for the wedding photos but she complimented us for coming in "extra-prepared." So yeah, it's a major plus to carry excessive amount of proof, documents and forms - than lacking.

To everyone who's scheduled for an interview, keep smiling and be charming! I hope you find this post useful and best of luck!

You should hire your self out to VJ. Great Job.

[SJG 30]

you're welcome. glad to be of help

thank you so much that was so good to show us that

Gee, thanks!

I know you'll do fine!

I love your organizational skills. I want to be like you.

[SJG 30]

You go girl!

I havent started the process yes but in the near future ill have a better looking folder than somebody siting next to me!

[SJG 30]

You can use either a clear book, or a transparent folder.

I prefer clear books but if only transparent folder is available, my advise is to use button fasteners to hold your documents together (do not use the long plastic fastener because I've seen some that snapped!). Do not use slides too.

Great info! I have one question. Is that folder is the one called a clear book?

Edited August 12, 2011 by Sean&Jem

[Sirdaniel42 86]

Thank you so much for sharing

[k1story 1]

EXCELLENT EXPLANATION and ARRANGEMENT>>>>>>>>>BRAVOO

Let's face it, immigration involves endless paperwork and requires a lot of patience. As you dig through piles of documents, it is only necessary to be organize and clutter-free. I would like to share some useful tips as to how I kept my sanity through proper filing and arrangement of important documents.

1. Always keep a file of all the forms you submitted, and the email notifications from NVC and/or USCIS. I print out 3 copies every time and arrange them neatly on separate folders. (One copy for me, one for my husband and a back-up copy). I also created a personal timeline in order to track down our case's progress.

2. Before my visa interview, I neatly arranged my documents using color-coded folders and clear plastic separates. I also placed labels on every folder and printed a cover page for each.

Folder A - Affidavit of Support Packet contains husband's employment certificate, tax records and W2's

Folder B - Proof of Relationship Packet contains billing statements, receipts, email correspondence, money transfers, housing arrangements, contract of lease etc.

Folder C - Wedding photos, proof of travels, family celebrations etc

Plastic Separate 1 - Appointment Letter

Plastic Separate 2 - Ds-230 & I-864 (original and photo copies)

Plastic Separate 3 - NSo Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Police Clearance

Please note that in most US Embassies where interviews are held, the applicant and the consul are separated by a glass window with a narrow, 2-inch sloped slot - this is where you slip the documents they request to view. It is advisable to use FLEXIBLE folders instead of hard or spiral binds because they wouldn't fit.

3. If you are married to an expat whose been working outside the States, you also need to produce Proof of Domicile.

[Domicile. Place where a person has his or her principal residence. The person must intend to keep that residence for the foreseeable future. The sponsor of an immigrant must have domicile in the U.S. before the visa can be issued. This generally means that the sponsor must be living in the U.S. In certain circumstances, however one can be considered to have a domicile while temporarily living overseas.]

We requested my husband's company to issue him with an employment certificate explaining the projects he's handling in Asia and the length of his assignment. On top of my husband's Income Tax Forms and W2s, I also included Form 2555 - Foreign Earned Income. All these documents I inserted in the Affidavit of Support Folder.

4. On the day of your interview, it's always better to come in prepared and memorize important details mentioned in your forms. It's ridiculous if you would have to dig thru your documents every time you need to answer simple questions such as:

- Petitioner's full name (emphasis on the middle name)

- Place of residence in the States

- Your petitioner's employment background

- Wedding date, or the day you and your spouse first met

- If you are constantly travelling, dates when you left and arrived in diff. country, and length of stay.

It creates a positive impression if you remember these things by heart.

5. You have to remember that NOT every consul would like to view ALL your documents. In our case, the consul just asked for the wedding photos but she complimented us for coming in "extra-prepared." So yeah, it's a major plus to carry excessive amount of proof, documents and forms - than lacking.

To everyone who's scheduled for an interview, keep smiling and be charming! I hope you find this post useful and best of luck!