K-1 papers: Photocopy or Original?

[Dave&Roza 748]

It states this requirement in every instruction file for every form that you will ever file with the USCIS

"COPIES: Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with an application or petition, an ordinary legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required will remain part of the record, even if submission was not require."

So submit photocopies as the originals will be kept and not returned--then all you are left with is a copy assuming you made any. I make it a point ot never give up an original unless I have a very very very good reason to. I try to see if a photocopy or a certified copy will work because once that original is gone it is gone.

For the interview you should take in the original and a copy. Typically they will look at the original and take the copy and make a note that it is a true and exact copy of the original. If you only have the original they may make a copy of it or they may take the original.

Good luck,

Dave

[TeapotGirl 66]

my fiance and i cant decide if he will send to me/i will let him send to me all the original docs specially his divorce papers. do i really need them for my interview in embassy? We understand that all the certificates and DS forms are original but do i really need to bring the original divorce papers and the newly dated fiance letter of intent to marry with his original signature needed for the interview? we are afraid to loss them during the transmission say in the courier or wherever.. please help

You don't have to bring the original Divorce Paper but use Fedex, DHL if he has to mail the rest docs that has to be original. It may be costly but this is not the right time to be cheap.

Edited September 28, 2011 by teapotgurl1983

[TeapotGirl 66]

My RFE was due to not sending the entire divorce decree. I sent only the page with our names and the County clerk stamp. The RFE stated "The divorce decree was missing pages". My advice is send every page of the divorce decree, mine was 20 pages long.

Did you send a photocopied signature and it's just ok?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

It states this requirement in every instruction file for every form that you will ever file with the USCIS

"COPIES: Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with an application or petition, an ordinary legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required will remain part of the record, even if submission was not require."

So submit photocopies as the originals will be kept and not returned--then all you are left with is a copy assuming you made any. I make it a point ot never give up an original unless I have a very very very good reason to. I try to see if a photocopy or a certified copy will work because once that original is gone it is gone.

For the interview you should take in the original and a copy. Typically they will look at the original and take the copy and make a note that it is a true and exact copy of the original. If you only have the original they may make a copy of it or they may take the original.

Good luck,

Dave

This is exactly correct!

For the petition package, the only things that need to be original are documents or forms that either the petitioner or beneficiary must sign. Everything else should be a photocopy.

People occasionally get an RFE for an original document after they sent a photocopy. Usually, this is because there's something unusual or suspicious about the copy - perhaps it looks like there was a correction made on the document. If this happens then send the original along with an additional photocopy, a brief letter asking that the original be returned to you after they inspect it, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope. After they examine the original document they'll return it to you and keep the photocopy in the file.

Originals should also be brought to any interview, for the same reason as above. The CO or IO may wish to examine it. They usually won't keep the originals unless they don't have a copy for the file, and you didn't bring an extra copy for them to keep.

[Robert&Karen 264]

As forms are not consistent across state lines, and sometimes not even across county lines, after I made copies I write what the form was in the lower right-hand corner. That way if you fan out the papers you will see:

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

PASSPORT

DIVORCE

EMPLOYER

...and so on. This way a form that looks like I bought a cow for two sheckels and is really a divorce paper can be found quickly. My birth cert is hand written and in French to boot. Helping identify the forms for them also helps me make sure that I have everything.