Fiance was not given back paperwork package at customs

[smaring 14]

We are starting to think customs screwed up. When my fiance and her daughter went through customs in Atlanta last month on K-1 & K-2, they were only given back their passports with the visa in them. The entire package of paperwork was NOT returned to them. She thought it odd at the time, but figured it was part of the process. We are starting to think that is not the case. We are looking at the filing requirements for AOS and realizing that most of everything they are asking to be submitted was in those packages.

The Social Security office wanted to see an original birth certificate. They were in those packages along with EVERYTHING else. We were able to convince the people at SSA to accept a copy of the translation that we happened to have with us.

Can anyone confirm if this is normal? If not, any idea what the heck we do now?

This is starting to sound like a nightmarish scenario. I picture the customs officer realizing their mistake later and throwing the packages away with the intent of just claiming they were returned. That's the sort of luck we have.

-Steve & Ana

[bob72601 13]

We are starting to think customs screwed up. When my fiance and her daughter went through customs in Atlanta last month on K-1 & K-2, they were only given back their passports with the visa in them. The entire package of paperwork was NOT returned to them. She thought it odd at the time, but figured it was part of the process. We are starting to think that is not the case. We are looking at the filing requirements for AOS and realizing that most of everything they are asking to be submitted was in those packages.

The Social Security office wanted to see an original birth certificate. They were in those packages along with EVERYTHING else. We were able to convince the people at SSA to accept a copy of the translation that we happened to have with us.

Can anyone confirm if this is normal? If not, any idea what the heck we do now?

This is starting to sound like a nightmarish scenario. I picture the customs officer realizing their mistake later and throwing the packages away with the intent of just claiming they were returned. That's the sort of luck we have.

-Steve & Ana

When you come through customs, they KEEP the large envelope. They send it on to USCIS. The only thing you leave with is your passport and visa. All is normal. Hang in there.

[smaring 14]

When you come through customs, they KEEP the large envelope. They send it on to USCIS. The only thing you leave with is your passport and visa. All is normal. Hang in there.

Oh wow. That's a relief. So can we assume that they will have the birth certificates and NOT send new ones with the I-485?

I'm also wondering if I need to fill out a new sponsorship form, the I-864 (long form). I sent in the I-134 (short form) for the K-1 and I presume it is in that package. It seems silly to fill out an almost identical form and collect all that same evidence again.

[Vanessa + Mario 4]

We sent another copy of his BC with a translation.

Yes, you must fill out an I-864.

[hardrockangel 21]

All the document you have inside the yellow envelope is for uscis...you have to secure atleast 2 more original copy of birth certificate for both k1 and k2 for aos and for other paper work maybe needed in the future like schooling etc.

[_Paul&Jesica_ 70]

Oh wow. That's a relief. So can we assume that they will have the birth certificates and NOT send new ones with the I-485?

I'm also wondering if I need to fill out a new sponsorship form, the I-864 (long form). I sent in the I-134 (short form) for the K-1 and I presume it is in that package. It seems silly to fill out an almost identical form and collect all that same evidence again.

It is recommended that before you immigrate to the US that you secure multiple (at least 3) certified copies of important documents such as birth certificate, marriage documents and/or divorce/annulment documents(if applicable).

You will not receive anything back from USCIS.

[feeling_hopeful 45]

When you come through customs, they KEEP the large envelope. They send it on to USCIS. The only thing you leave with is your passport and visa. All is normal. Hang in there.

And is everything returned later on? I ask because we've been together long enough that we'd like to marry as soon as she lands here and get all of our paperwork going as soon as possible.

At the very least I want to get her drivers license and social security done in the first two weeks.

[wbeem 568]

And is everything returned later on? I ask because we've been together long enough that we'd like to marry as soon as she lands here and get all of our paperwork going as soon as possible.

At the very least I want to get her drivers license and social security done in the first two weeks.

It doesn't look like they do. I am going to email my embassy and ask what exactly they keep and what we can request to be returned to us. Nowhere does it state on the official USCIS site that multiple extracts need to be obtained. They simply state that you need "the original unabridged ..." certificate(s).

I am aware that they do not return the package you hand over at the POE, but I was under the impression that this is retained by USCIS, not destroyed. So the government agencies should be able to verify the authenticity of these against any notarized copies you may hold.

[hardrockangel 21]

And is everything returned later on? I ask because we've been together long enough that we'd like to marry as soon as she lands here and get all of our paperwork going as soon as possible.

At the very least I want to get her drivers license and social security done in the first two weeks.

Nothing will be returned,Home land security will send the whole package to USCIS for your fiancee's record.

[hardrockangel 21]

It doesn't look like they do. I am going to email my embassy and ask what exactly they keep and what we can request to be returned to us. Nowhere does it state on the official USCIS site that multiple extracts need to be obtained. They simply state that you need "the original unabridged ..." certificate(s).

I am aware that they do not return the package you hand over at the POE, but I was under the impression that this is retained by USCIS, not destroyed. So the government agencies should be able to verify the authenticity of these against any notarized copies you may hold.

all the documents that your consulate will required are the the documents they will put inside the yellow envelope together with all the paper you send to USCIS during I29f petition for POE..nothing will be returned,the only thing you can check in your consulate is if they only ask for copy or original like BC..in abu dhabi they only ask for copy,thats why i keep all the original..home land officer in your poe will never returned any single paper from the yellow envelope.hope it will help

[N&S 32]

Applying for AOS unfortunately counts as a new process and therefore you will need to send all the required documents, no matter what you have sent them before and I haven't heard of anyone being able to get their docs back either. Get used to it - in the process of AOS your wife will need to have her fingerprints taken and then 2 years later for removal of conditions they require new fingerprints, so another biometric appointment. It's just part of the process...

Good luck!

[wbeem 568]

all the documents that your consulate will required are the the documents they will put inside the yellow envelope together with all the paper you send to USCIS during I29f petition for POE..nothing will be returned,the only thing you can check in your consulate is if they only ask for copy or original like BC..in abu dhabi they only ask for copy,thats why i keep all the original..home land officer in your poe will never returned any single paper from the yellow envelope.hope it will help

Thanks, yes, that is what I have just done. I emailed my consulate to check. If necessary I can take notarazed copies, for their retention and the originals for them to verify them, if they will accept this. I will see what they say.

[feeling_hopeful 45]

Guess I'll have to get my fiance to get more originals then.

[hardrockangel 21]

Guess I'll have to get my fiance to get more originals then.

that's the best she can do..secure 2 or 3 copies of original BC

[ricnally 259]

We only ever had 1 certified copy of bc and divorce decree. We sent them plain old photocopies for everything and BROUGHT the certified copy for them to examine (and sometimes they made another copy there), but we got all originals back at the interview(s).