About the photos

[Sockmonkey 0]

Yodrak, Aussie, Meauxna & Friends:

I tacked a question to the bottom of what was more or less a finished thread, so I guess it was my fault that nobody answered - but this is actually a pretty important question for me, and perhaps others, so I would appreciate a weigh-in from the veterans here, and anybody else with relevant experience. Please, as my own I-130 is now over 50 days and thus getting close to the earliest recorded approval date, your answers could save me or cost me the time it takes to respond to an RFE!

The official instructions for the I-130 includes the following for the petitioner/beneficiary photographs:

"A passport-style color photo of yourself and a passport-style color photo of your husband or wife, taken within 30 days of the date of this petition. The photos must have a white background and be glossy, unretouched, and not mounted. The dimensions of the full frontal facial image should be about I inch from the chin to the top of the hair. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print the name (and the Alien Registration number, if known) on the back of each photograph."

My husband's photos, taken in England, are smaller than the American standard 2x2 (they are 1 1/2" x 1 7/8"), but the requirements stated in the instructions are all met. We checked the updates on the USCIS download page, and the only one listed was about the change from the 3/4 frontal angle, so I sent off what he had given me. It seems that the only time a 2x2 is specifically required by the instructions on a form is when it comes down to the actual visa application.

1. Has anybody here sent in photos approximately this size and made it through without an RFE?

2. Would it confuse things if I sent new photos to the Service Center (and to the Lockbox for our I-129F) without having received an RFE?

3. Since my case was forwarded to California, should I send the new photo (if advised) to California directly, at the address listed on our NOA1?

4. I would probably label the envelope as follows:

For I-130 (or I129-F) currently in process

Case Number XXXXXXXXX

Addition to file

Is this correct? Suggestions?

5. What if I get an RFE about this after I have mailed the photo on my own? If I call the Service Center before mailing, can they tell me if an RFE has been sent, or are they too unreliable? There is nothing on the website to tell me that an RFE has been issued so far, just some generic Touch dates.

I would include a brief cover letter with our case number and names, simply explaining why the new photo is being sent.

Your help in this matter is invaluable to me. Thank you in advance for your reponses.

JenM

PS - Sorry about the length.

Edited October 8, 2006 by Sockmonkey

[aussiewench 9]

Jen

1) It seems that the service centers aren't as picky with the photo size. Hubby (USC) submitted his photo with the I-130 that didn't meet the passport photo requirements and didn't receive an RFE. Others from reading have done same. It all comes down to the adjudicator though and there is no 100% guarantee that you won't receive an RFE for it. There is an interoffice memo that I posted HERE that gives the impression that things such as beneficiary's photo, signature on G-325A are not to be looked on by an adjudicator as grounds for an RFE. Whilst this memo is for I-129F, I would assume the same applies for I-130. Then again, who knows with USCIS.

2) I wouldnt send anything to the service center without having the RFE first. More likely that it wont find its way to your file. Wait for the RFE.....IF you get one.

3) See 2

4) See 2

5) Jen, you are stressing over something that may not even happen. Your online case status will more then likely let you know if something has been sent out to you. There are cases where updates are not done with the online status, so that is not always to be relied on. In some cases members have been lucky in being able to find out what an RFE is for if one is being sent out as per online status.

Lorelle

[Slithytoves 0]

JenM,

My husband and I also sent the 1.5"x2", British-style passport photo. No RFE yet, and we're running neck to neck with you time-wise.

Lorelle,

I'm glad you got to this first. Your answers are almost invariably enough to be the last word around here. Many thanks, as always.

Alice

[Sockmonkey 0]

Thanks, Aussie, for your response and reassurance. You're right, I stress easily. We've been feeling so confident these last few weeks that I was surprised to find a potential glitch. Apparently not a big deal. Good to have your input.

Alice, our NOA-1 date is the same for the I-129F. Race you to the interview?!

JenM

Edited October 9, 2006 by Sockmonkey

[Slithytoves 0]

Thanks, Aussie, for your response and reassurance. You're right, I stress easily. We've been feeling so confident these last few weeks that I was surprised to find a potential glitch. Apparently not a big deal. Good to have your input.

Alice, our NOA-1 date is the same for the I-129F. Race you to the interview?!

JenM

Seriously, Jen. Don't sweat it until you have to. And yep, the race is officially on! B)

Alice

[meauxna 15]

2. Would it confuse things if I sent new photos to the Service Center (and to the Lockbox for our I-129F) without having received an RFE?

YES.

Think of it like a scab Jen, and quit picking at it.

A little burst will come thru and petitions will fly, you'll see.

I believe the photos that "count" will be the visa application ones.

[Sockmonkey 0]

Think of it like a scab Jen, and quit picking at it.

A little burst will come thru and petitions will fly, you'll see.

I believe the photos that "count" will be the visa application ones.

More wise words, and great imagery!

Since I just got back from a visit, I guess I'm feeling a bit intense. *breathe*

I trust the advice I get here.

JenM