When to submit originals and when copies?

[kcal 0]

My Thai fiancee recently received her Packet 3, but we are finding the instructions a bit confusing for when to submit originals. Actually I am a little concerned about trusting original documents to the Thai postal system. Although the Packet instructions say to return all documents "by mail", I am wondering if it is possible for her to personally deliver her Packet 3 to the Bangkok embassy.

Secondly, there is a little confusion about which documents MUST be submitted as originals with Packet 3 and which originals can be brought to the interview. I think we are clear that with the Packet 3 she only needs to submit photocopies of her passport, birth certificate, and her name change certificate. She would take the originals to her interview. The instructions indicate that she should submit the original receipt for payment of the application fee, but I am wondering if she can submit a photocopy with Packet 3 and take the original receipt to the interview (again, I am concerned about possible loss of the original receipt). I have the same question about the police record. Can she submit a photocopy with Packet 3 and take the original to the interview?

Likewise, the instructions for Packet 3 would seem to indicate that she needs to submit my Form I-134 along with the originals of my proof (I am intending to send IRS transcripts of my recent tax returns and a letter from my brokerage account). I would be much more comfortable if she only submitted photocopies of my tax transcripts and my brokerage letter with Packet 3, saving the originals for the interview. Could she submit the original Form I-134 and photocopies of my proof with her Packet 3, then take the original documents of proof to the interview?

I was previously married and divorced many years ago. The Packet 4 instructions would seem to indicate that she needs to bring original proof of my divorce at the time of her interview. I have only a single stamped page showing the entry of judgement for my divorce. I would like to know if it is even necessary for me to mail her that original. I enclosed a photocopy with my submittal of the Form I-129F package (which was approved), I will send her another photocopy to submit with Packet 3, and my tax returns which will be submitted with Form I-134 all show that my filing status is "single." Do I need to risk sending the original stamped page showing Entry of Judgement to Thailand?

Finally, a simple question. In the fifth paragraph of the instructions for Packet 3, it is stated that "Each document must be submitted in original and with a photocopy for each traveling applicant..." I assume that this only applies to any original documents, such at the birth certificate, which might be submitted with Packet 3, and does not apply to the required forms. I understand that the originals of Forms DS-230, DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, and I-134 must be filed with Packet 3. Although the instructions also refer to these forms as "documents", I assume that it is not necessary to include a photocopy of each form with Packet 3.

Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

[Mrs. NSA 6]

always send copies unless you have lots of certified copies. when you go to the interview , if you have to then you still bring copies of everything, but also your originals so if they ask to see it ok?

[Darnell 8,479]

thailand sets it up like that? it's a bit different for China, where originals are brought in , but there's 2 days with Guangzhou - one for document intake, one for interview.

Perhaps the instructions she has, resembles the OF-169 , over at http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/forms_and_packets.htm ??

Edited April 24, 2012 by Darnell

[pushbrk 13,254]

always send copies unless you have lots of certified copies. when you go to the interview , if you have to then you still bring copies of everything, but also your originals so if they ask to see it ok?

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. This question is about what to mail to the Embassy/Consulate and is Country specific. If the OP wants an interview in Bangkok, they follow the Bangkok Immigrant Visa Unit's instructions.

For Bangkok K1 applications ALL ORIGINAL FORMS AND CIVIL DOCUMENTS accept the medical exam results are mailed in before an interview appointment is granted. Carry the medical exam results and relationship evidence to the interview.

[kcal 0]

I should have made it clear that I was specifically asking about the BANGKOK embassy in THAILAND. It seems apparent that procedures vary greatly from one location to another. I especially would like to know if the Packet 3 information can be hand delivered to that embassy or if it is required to trust it to the postal system.

[Andy and Pui 16]

I should have made it clear that I was specifically asking about the BANGKOK embassy in THAILAND. It seems apparent that procedures vary greatly from one location to another. I especially would like to know if the Packet 3 information can be hand delivered to that embassy or if it is required to trust it to the postal system.

It cannot be hand delivered. It has to be mailed mailed to them.

[pushbrk 13,254]

It cannot be hand delivered. It has to be mailed mailed to them.

You can use a courier service like UPS, DHL etc. DHL definitely delivers to them.

[Ning 619]

I should have made it clear that I was specifically asking about the BANGKOK embassy in THAILAND. It seems apparent that procedures vary greatly from one location to another. I especially would like to know if the Packet 3 information can be hand delivered to that embassy or if it is required to trust it to the postal system.

In the past it was all hand carried in the day of the interview. Now it is mailed in with the exception of the medical & relationship documents. The reason for this is to give the officers time to review the material prior to the interview.

Keep in mind that this is done in many cases with few problems. In my experiance with the Thai postal system things went well. I dont see cases here on V J where people complained. Andi for example recently did exactly what is required with no problems.

[Mrs. NSA 6]

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. This question is about what to mail to the Embassy/Consulate and is Country specific. If the OP wants an interview in Bangkok, they follow the Bangkok Immigrant Visa Unit's instructions.

For Bangkok K1 applications ALL ORIGINAL FORMS AND CIVIL DOCUMENTS accept the medical exam results are mailed in before an interview appointment is granted. Carry the medical exam results and relationship evidence to the interview.

Ok I am sorry thank you so much for the correction, I will say HERE in the states, Your originals are your lifesaver, so whatever you have to do in other countries, once you get here, Hold on to originals as much as you possibly can. And again, sorry for miss information, as in NZ for us, they only asked to bring originals once we were at embassy for interview, and even then, they still didn't ask for them, But all situations are different, Good Luck OP