Copies vs. the real thing...

[Sukie 1,460]

When looking at evidence of mail addressed to both of us: we have a couple of wedding invitations, magazine subscriptions and other mail that has been addressed to both of us. Should I send in the original invites/other envelopes with our I-751 package, or keep the originals safe at home and send photocopies of the outer and inner envelopes?

Which is more persuasive?

Thanks!

Sukie in NY

[jordan85 8]

Photocopies!! Always send copies of those type of documents, keep the originals safe at home.

I'm doing ROC right now too and sent copies of everything, no originals.

Good luck, from a fellow Aussie!

Edited August 10, 2015 by jordan85

[TBoneTX 45,288]

What's wrong with sending the original and keeping a copy for yourself?

This is minor evidence, anyway.

[jordan85 8]

Generally speaking, I think USCIS likes you to send photocopies, though they may ask to see originals at an interview. I'd worry that originals may get lost in the mail, then you won't be able to show original documents, because it's now lost, rendering your evidence useless.

[Maria2012 16]

What's wrong with sending the original and keeping a copy for yourself?

This is minor evidence, anyway.

What's wrong with it is that they ask for copies. You are not giving them what they asked for, and someone at uscis will have to work extra to make the copies. Edited August 10, 2015 by Maria2012

[TBoneTX 45,288]

1. What's wrong with it is that they ask for copies. You are not giving them what they asked for

2. and someone at uscis will have to work extra to make the copies.

1. The precise I-751 language says: "Copies. Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with the petition, a legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required will remain a part of the record, and will not automatically be returned to you."

The "may" is permissive -- up to the filer to send an original or a copy. Because the OP appears to be concerned about persuasiveness, she's free to submit the originals if she can part with them.

2. This is assuming facts that are not in evidence.

Edited August 10, 2015 by TBoneTX

[Sukie 1,460]

1. The precise I-751 language says: "Copies. Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with the petition, a legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required will remain a part of the record, and will not automatically be returned to you."

The "may" is permissive -- up to the filer to send an original or a copy. Because the OP appears to be concerned about persuasiveness, she's free to submit the originals if she can part with them.

2. This is assuming facts that are not in evidence.

Thanks TBoneTX and others. Because we are a same-sex couple, I wanted to add stuff like family weddings to show that we are considered "family" by both our families of origin. We've got good financial evidence, good travel-together evidence, wills, etc. But we are thankful and proud that both of our families have come to the table and embraced us. Sending in these documents is really more for US than for USCIS!

Since docs can easily be faked, I thought that the originals might be better.

And...like all the VJ instructions say, I will be making two complete photocopies of EVERY document that is submitted with our I-751!!!!

Many thanks to VJ!

Sukie in NY