Safest way to mail I-751?

[maninbox335 0]

Hello everyone,

I recently mailed a packet of documents to a consulate in D.C. (unrelated to immigration) via USPS Certified Mail, and guess what? Estimated delivery date was October 19th, and it is "STILL" supposedly in the DC sorting center. I've called the post office several times and they can only still tell me that they are working on finding it and elevating my case. So, knowing that I will be mailing a packet full of very personal information in the near future, I am a bit nervous to say the least.

What method of shipping is best for the I-751? UPS, FEDEX, USPS? Service type? I will gladly spend extra money to make it more secure.

If the packet were to get lost and fall into the "wrong hands", what could someone do with this information, and what should someone do to protect themselves against fraud? I am expecting to send copies of multiple bank account statements, credit card statements, I'm sure our social security numbers or at least my wife's will be there somewhere... We haven't put the packet together yet as we still have a couple of months but we have a general idea of what will be on the packet and it just worries me that someone might use this information in a malicious way. On a typical credit card or bank statement print out from the bank how much data is there that someone could use to access your accounts if they also have your name, dob, ss#, etc? Is there a way to omit certain numbers? Can you "white out" parts of the credit card number, for example?

Basically, I'm just wondering if there are safeguards against fraud while also being able to send a robust believable packet of information.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, sorry for my paranoia!

[jj33065 6]

Usps Priority mail 1day

[Anh map 2,098]

Certified mail just gets you a signature. Any of the express options (USPS or other major players) ought to help you sleep at night. Your personal information is available in many places. Don't give yourself extra anxiety.

Redacting too much may lead to delays due to an RFE. Blacking out the last 4 digits or so shouldn't be a problem if that will give you peace of mind. Maybe not with your SSN.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Welcome to the forum.

We have sent all of our immigration-related packages to USCIS via USPS priority mail with return receipt requested/delivery confirmation, with no issues.

We have gone back and forth regarding redacting of account numbers, etc. in the past four years of dealing with USCIS. I agree with Anh Map. Whatever floats your boat and doesn't result in RFEs.

YMMV.

Good luck on your immigration issues.

[jerni 24]

Sent ours USPS 3 day Priority mail in a flat rate box. Arrived in 2 days and came with tracking. $9 for a 4lb package.

Edited November 1, 2015 by jerni

[maninbox335 0]

Thanks for all the responses!

Another question: Does USCIS do a credit check on you? I had my data compromised a couple of years ago and put a freeze on my credit. Could that be an issue?

My wife and I have 3 joint accounts. One of them is a savings account. Would it be OK to send proof for 2 checking accounts and leave the savings account out of it? Just for security purposes...