To paperclip, or to not paperclip

[Dewave2 17]

So,

The biggest bane with getting the final bits of our package together, doesn't appear to be the forms themselves, its packaging them up.

Now I know, its not going to get denied because of a mis-placed clip, however I wanted to ask everyones opinion on what it is they have done, to get the package as accessible as possible.

So, firstly, how did everyone separate the two main documents, I-130 and I-485? I have these beige folder things, that are basically A3 bits of card folded in two that I have been using whilst preparing. Can I use these? My only concern is that all in all my I-485 is about 300 pages long (tax returns) so they won't fit in them very comfortably. What did everyone else use to separate them? Can I use two separate envelopes to separate them, and seal them up, and put them both inside the main package?

Then, how did every arrange the documents inside each package? For example, my I-130, has a lot of single sheets of evidence, and some that are more than one page (for example, my birth certificate in two pages long). Up to now, I have a paperclip on everything that is more than one page long, and everything that is a single page, I have use left loose, all in the order stated on the cover sheet. Is this going to work?

Edited July 5, 2012 by Dewave2

[DandT14 272]

I used regular paper clips to hold forms with multiple pages together. I used binder clips for the individual packages (I-130, I-485, etc). Then I put them together in a loose rubberband, with the G-1145 on top of it all.

I didn't use staples because I despise them and I assume USCIS does too.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I just want to see if I can help trim down your gazillion pages of tax returns. 300 pages of one submission is ridiculously huge.

1. Only the latest (2011) is required. If its a good one, then pull out the other two.
   
2. You can order a tax transcript from the IRS that is free and much condensed. Mine have all come in a week to 10 days. It's better than your photocopies because it comes straight from IRS records.
   
3. If you send your tax return, there's a lot of junk produced by tax software that isn't part of the return, but for your records. Important things have a number like Form 1040, Form 2555, Form 1234. Or they say Schedule A, Schedule B, etc. If it says "worksheet", pull it out. If it says "summary" or "thank you for using TurboTax", pull it out.
   

[Dewave2 17]

I used regular paper clips to hold forms with multiple pages together. I used binder clips for the individual packages (I-130, I-485, etc). Then I put them together in a loose rubberband, with the G-1145 on top of it all.

I didn't use staples because I despise them and I assume USCIS does too.

Forgive me for having to ask, but what is a binder clip?

I think its what I would call a bulldog clip?

[Dewave2 17]

I just want to see if I can help trim down your gazillion pages of tax returns. 300 pages of one submission is ridiculously huge.

1. Only the latest (2011) is required. If its a good one, then pull out the other two.
   
2. You can order a tax transcript from the IRS that is free and much condensed. Mine have all come in a week to 10 days. It's better than your photocopies because it comes straight from IRS records.
   
3. If you send your tax return, there's a lot of junk produced by tax software that isn't part of the return, but for your records. Important things have a number like Form 1040, Form 2555, Form 1234. Or they say Schedule A, Schedule B, etc. If it says "worksheet", pull it out. If it says "summary" or "thank you for using TurboTax", pull it out.
   

Thanks for all the advice

Unfortunately, my wife and her mother, both applied for extensions on their 2011 return (don't ask why, I have no idea), so instead I thought it would be best to just include everything. I'm hoping the USCIS would rather have too much than too little.

I did think about getting a transcript from the IRS, but its now at a point where I want these sent out ASAP, rather than waiting another week or so. I should have really ordered sooner, but thats my fault!

I noticed there was a lot of junk! Although I don't really know the junk from the important stuff, so just to be safe, I felt it better and easier just to chuck it all in

[wifi 6]

So,

The biggest bane with getting the final bits of our package together, doesn't appear to be the forms themselves, its packaging them up.

Now I know, its not going to get denied because of a mis-placed clip, however I wanted to ask everyones opinion on what it is they have done, to get the package as accessible as possible.

So, firstly, how did everyone separate the two main documents, I-130 and I-485? I have these beige folder things, that are basically A3 bits of card folded in two that I have been using whilst preparing. Can I use these? My only concern is that all in all my I-485 is about 300 pages long (tax returns) so they won't fit in them very comfortably. What did everyone else use to separate them? Can I use two separate envelopes to separate them, and seal them up, and put them both inside the main package?

Then, how did every arrange the documents inside each package? For example, my I-130, has a lot of single sheets of evidence, and some that are more than one page (for example, my birth certificate in two pages long). Up to now, I have a paperclip on everything that is more than one page long, and everything that is a single page, I have use left loose, all in the order stated on the cover sheet. Is this going to work?

Use paperclips. No staples. No need to separate the applications with folders. Just make sure the USCIS application page(s) (I485, I130, etc.) are on the top of the paperclipped bundle. When your package is received it is immediately taken apart and two holes punched in the top of each page and put into their own folders. The USCIS will immediately discard any paperclips, folders, etc. that you've included. Just make sure everything is logically separated and easy to understand which packet is for which application (I485, I130, etc.)

[DandT14 272]

Forgive me for having to ask, but what is a binder clip?

I think its what I would call a bulldog clip?

I have no idea how to describe it. It's black and rectangular and has silver metal handle like things that you use to pinch it open, but they can also be folder forward so that they don't add bulk to the paper. Hmmm...maybe google it? I don't think bulldog clips are quite the same.

[wifi 6]

I have no idea how to describe it. It's black and rectangular and has silver metal handle like things that you use to pinch it open, but they can also be folder forward so that they don't add bulk to the paper. Hmmm...maybe google it? I don't think bulldog clips are quite the same.

That's a binder clip.

Use paperclips to hold multiple supporting document sheets together and use the binder clips to hold applications together (i.e. I485, I130, etc.)

[Dewave2 17]

Perfect, I have a few giant ones of those hanging around that I shall use to hold the two main packages together! thank you.