Sending out I-130 help

[Hik07 11]

I'm a little worried I have assembled my packet and its 1 1/2 thick. Is that to much? I have already cut down the email, chat logs in half. Also I have the 2 hole punch at work and was going to use that and the ACCO fasteners. Has anybody done the same ? Is it okay to punch holes in all the papers? Can I get some feedback want to send out tomorrow AM.

[Kastrs 723]

No that is not too much, especially depending on the length of your relationship and amount of visits you have made. DO NOT hole punch and use an ACCO fastener. Use staples/binder clips where appropriate. They will disassemble your package and scan it in after it arrives.

[Michael and Ganna 104]

This is just my opinion, you are sending too much. Ask yourself, would you go through a 1 1/2" inch pile of papers? Send a few pics, a few emails, a few chat logs....send the latest bank statements.....Keep it simple and it will be less stressful.

[teeak 224]

I think USCIS actually prefers that the papers not be stapled. I would suggest going with paper clips/binder clips.

[rutabaga 209]

Our package ended up being 90 sheets of paper, not sure how thick that was in in/cm. We did not include any pictures, emails or chat logs and when we included bank/credit card statements or utility/cellphone bills we generally included four statements each: the first one where both our names appear and the last three. We fastened the package together using a fitting binder clip.

Edited March 8, 2016 by rutabaga

[Dal&Rose 45]

Hik07 -

How you assemble the package actually depends on the lockbox you are submitting to if you want to be very detailed.**

Phoenix prefers acco clips with two holes punch. **

Chicago wants binder clips no account clips or hole punch. **

I sent mine to Phoenix - so mine was how punch, tabs that are easily removed, and according clipped in a folder.

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-and-fees/general-tips-assembling-applications-mailing

https://www.uscis.gov/forms-filing-tips

Now at the time the link above gave me that information. But they have updated it since I submitted mine. I would follow the recommended process I. The link above since its from the source.

** Mine info was based off memory, but links are provided for accurate and up to date info.

Good luck!

[Hik07 11]

I will send to Chicago, was hopeing to use 2 hole punch and ACCO clips , guess I will use binder clips instead. How did you know Phoenix likes ACCO fasteners but not Chicago?

[Dal&Rose 45]

The links provided actually gave me that information. But they have been updated since I sent mine off. The links were updated around 2/23/16. Mine was sent at end of January. So my info is now considered void.

I would go with info on links now.

[coffeeAdict 6]

Hello, maybe you might be sending a bit too much, I just sent about 4 pictures and a brief summary on how we met. Thats all, i think people over stress and send too much, I guess it doesnt hurt. Good luck

[NikLR 13,227]

How much you send varies by country. High fraud countries or people originally from a high fraud country should front load everything including the kitchen sink if possible. Low fraud countries, such as VWP countries, can get away with much less. Be aware not everyone is treated equally.

[NikLR 13,227]

Keep in mind the easier you make it for the USCIS to take apart your petition and put everything into the order they want, the happier that employee will be. Binder clips are easier, but the hole punch is a good idea if you can. Keep everything vertical though. The folders are legalish sized vertical folders.

[Hik07 11]

Ok so I got a variety of info here, All a little different. Haha...I know every case is different. My wife is from China I don't know if that is a high risk country. I have the packet which is 1 1/2 inches thick and thought using the 2 hole ACCO fasteners would be the best way to keep it all together, and put number tags on but to match up with outline letter stating what is in the packet. Is this an issue ? If so can someone tell me the best way to present this info? Also is it okay that the G-325A and I-130 is signed in blue ink?Thanks

Edited March 8, 2016 by Hik07

[NikLR 13,227]

Yes China is high fraud. Send more quality evidence vs less. I would not use those fasteners. Hole punch yes, but use binder clips to sort your stuff. They are more work for the person on the other end to remove. There are ACCO fasteners on the folders for your file. They would have to remove yours, sort the documents to their liking and then put them in the folder. A binder clip is easier to remove.

[Ryan H 3,812]

I'm a little worried I have assembled my packet and its 1 1/2 thick. Is that to much? I have already cut down the email, chat logs in half. Also I have the 2 hole punch at work and was going to use that and the ACCO fasteners. Has anybody done the same ? Is it okay to punch holes in all the papers? Can I get some feedback want to send out tomorrow AM.

The petition I sent was nearly that thick, so don't worry about that.

No that is not too much, especially depending on the length of your relationship and amount of visits you have made. DO NOT hole punch and use an ACCO fastener. Use staples/binder clips where appropriate. They will disassemble your package and scan it in after it arrives.

Do not use staples, just binder clips.

[Hik07 11]

Ok .... Is the signatures in blue ink ok? ...