Organization of Documents

[Dana and Divine 61]

Evidence, forms, receipts, certificates, etc., can easily become a jumbled mess. Especially when you are trying to frontload or backload a case for USCIS or NVC.

Do any of you have "organization" tips that will make all of these items much easier to find and access what they are searching for?

AND does the USCIS or NVC specifically say "NO" to anytype of...say...three ring binders...clear sleeves for easy access of these forms or for flipping through and viewing?

I feel if I just send it all in a packet and don't at least put the information in labeled folders, it is going to be a mess that takes them forever and a day to process. Any ideas...suggestions???

[Ryan H 3,812]

Don't use binders, folders, or sleeves. When the file arrives at USCIS, it will be taken apart and rearranged to how they prefer it as well as scanned.

What I did and I'll suggest the same to you is to group your evidence together by type (e.g. emails, phone records, pictures) and then clip it together. You can put a coversheet on top of the group explaining what the evidence is. You can also outline in a cover letter at the top of the complete file what order you placed the evidence in.

[JohnR! 5,495]

In addition to the above:

source: http://www.uscis.gov...0000ecd190aRCRD

General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

• Mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the nature of the submission. Example: ORIGINAL SUBMISSION - BRIEF FOR AN APPEAL - RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - etc.
• Use the appropriate mailing address and mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the form type. Example: I-129; I-130; I-690; I-698, etc.
• Provide both the receipt notice number and the A-Number as an identifier, if they are available.
• If the packet is being resubmitted in response to a REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.
• If evidence is being submitted in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, a cover letter stating "BRIEF FOR APPEAL", etc., should be placed on top of the packet.
• In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:
  • Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.
  • Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.
  • The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.
  • Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.
  • Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

  [*]If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or clip fasteners.

[Anh map 2,098]

Use a cover sheet to list what is being submitted. Assemble the docs in that order.

I used binder clips and paper clips from K1 petition through Naturalization and had no issues.

[Dana and Divine 61]

Thank you all for the information. I've got it, now time to get to work!

[Faithful2012 34]

Dana and Divine thanks for asking this question because I was about to ask the same thing trying to organize my papers as we speak...so nervous hoping I am doing everything right.......

[Faithful2012 34]

Oops and of course thanks to you guys for your advice as it helped me as well....

[M & C 6]

And a big thank you from me as well, since I am currently assembling my documents for the NVC and also planning to send in additional documentation of our relationship at this time

[Dana and Divine 61]

Dana and Divine thanks for asking this question because I was about to ask the same thing trying to organize my papers as we speak...so nervous hoping I am doing everything right.......

I've been singing "it's not easy being green" all day!

[Dana and Divine 61]

And a big thank you from me as well, since I am currently assembling my documents for the NVC and also planning to send in additional documentation of our relationship at this time

Yep, I feel like the light bulb just went off too! I didn't front load so this is also my time to shine. I'm not yet where you are, but trying to assembly ahead of time and be as organized as I can!