Getting a head start

[narakthisud 174]

Thanks so much to everyone for your sage advice so far! I was prepared to hire a lawyer but it looks like I can do this on my own with the help of some awesome folks here!

[N and J 88]

That's incorrect information. Many many many, including myself, had scanned versions of the G-325A and the letter of intent.

I can show you proof that they do not have to be wet signatures.

Can you prove your argument (from a government website) that states they must be original?

Then tell USCIS to rewrite their rules because that is NOT what it says on the instructions when putting the application together. I know quite a few people who got RFEs because their letters of intent, the letter of how they met and the G-325A were scanned. You got lucky and so did the others. But that is what the rules say to make sure they are signed in ink and not scanned.

[N and J 88]

People keep saying this, so I keep asking. Do you have any links to any RFEs for non-original signatures on the letters of intent that have happened within the last few years?

This was a website given to me by the USCIS call center when I called to ask if they need to be original. They told me yes they do. and it states right in the intent to marry original document.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/m-1151.pdf

[N and J 88]

That's incorrect information. Many many many, including myself, had scanned versions of the G-325A and the letter of intent.

I can show you proof that they do not have to be wet signatures.

Can you prove your argument (from a government website) that states they must be original?

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/m-1151.pdf I hope this helps. =)

This website was given to me by the USCIS call center. I did ask if the G-325A and the letters of intent need to be signed or could they be scanned and sent to me. I was instructed they need to be original. The letter of intent says "proof or original statement." If you read the instructions to the application it says all documents can be scanned unless states original. The USCIS agent read the instructions to me and read the parts of the checklist prior to giving me the website address. I am just going by what I was told directly from USCIS. 2 people I know got RFEs because their letter of intent was not signed in ink and you can tell it was a photocopy and the G-325a was scanned and sent instead of it being an original signature. They sent the copies because they thought the embassy need the originals.

Edited May 28, 2016 by N and J

[Unshakable Faith 493]

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/m-1151.pdf I hope this helps. =)

This website was given to me by the USCIS call center. I did ask if the G-325A and the letters of intent need to be signed or could they be scanned and sent to me. I was instructed they need to be original. The letter of intent says "proof or original statement." If you read the instructions to the application it says all documents can be scanned unless states original. The USCIS agent read the instructions to me and read the parts of the checklist prior to giving me the website address. I am just going by what I was told directly from USCIS. 2 people I know got RFEs because their letter of intent was not signed in ink and you can tell it was a photocopy and the G-325a was scanned and sent instead of it being an original signature. They sent the copies because they thought the embassy need the originals.

That link is not a working link. If you check the I-129F instructions, it states that copies are accepted unless where it specifically states that originals are required.

Apparently the instructions used to be written differently that required wet signatures, now it is no longer written that way.

The call center reps for USCIS are well known for giving wrong info out. I would always ask for a working (and updated) link to any information they give.

[Unshakable Faith 493]

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/m-1151.pdf I hope this helps. =)

This website was given to me by the USCIS call center. I did ask if the G-325A and the letters of intent need to be signed or could they be scanned and sent to me. I was instructed they need to be original. The letter of intent says "proof or original statement." If you read the instructions to the application it says all documents can be scanned unless states original. The USCIS agent read the instructions to me and read the parts of the checklist prior to giving me the website address. I am just going by what I was told directly from USCIS. 2 people I know got RFEs because their letter of intent was not signed in ink and you can tell it was a photocopy and the G-325a was scanned and sent instead of it being an original signature. They sent the copies because they thought the embassy need the originals.

Under the intent, it says proof OR original.

Also, in the instructions before the checklist begins, it states to refer to the most recent I-129F instructions on the website, which states originals are not required.

Thanks so much to everyone for your sage advice so far! I was prepared to hire a lawyer but it looks like I can do this on my own with the help of some awesome folks here!

Very much able to be done on your own with a straight forward case!

[Unshakable Faith 493]

Then tell USCIS to rewrite their rules because that is NOT what it says on the instructions when putting the application together. I know quite a few people who got RFEs because their letters of intent, the letter of how they met and the G-325A were scanned. You got lucky and so did the others. But that is what the rules say to make sure they are signed in ink and not scanned.

There's also not a necessity for a letter on how you met. Just a statement with how you met and the dates, that usually can be done on the lines provided on the form.

I met (name) while on vacation in (place) on (date). I visited him in (place) again from (date) to (date).

OP, this process doesn't have to be so complicated. Just follow the instructions on the form, ask questions if needed, read the guides here on VJ, and don't make unnecessary work for yourself...you can do it!

Edited May 28, 2016 by FN&KO

[N and J 88]

There's also not a necessity for a letter on how you met. Just a statement with how you met and the dates, that usually can be done on the lines provided on the form.

I met (name) while on vacation in (place) on (date). I visited him in (place) again from (date) to (date).

OP, this process doesn't have to be so complicated. Just follow the instructions on the form, ask questions if needed, read the guides here on VJ, and don't make unnecessary work for yourself...you can do it!

letter/statement whatever you want to call it...I didn't mean a book =). I think mine was like 4 lines typed. I tried writing but my writing is way too big. You are right it doesn't have to be complicated. If you follow exactly what they ask for. I know people have sent an overload of info. =\ I don't think the people reading the applications want extra work. =)

[N and J 88]

That link is not a working link. If you check the I-129F instructions, it states that copies are accepted unless where it specifically states that originals are required.

Apparently the instructions used to be written differently that required wet signatures, now it is no longer written that way.

The call center reps for USCIS are well known for giving wrong info out. I would always ask for a working (and updated) link to any information they give.

The link worked for me. It was updated in April of 2016. Try it again. If not just go to the USCIS website for the I-129f and click on the link that says checklist. It is right there. Apparently it is still that way if the checklist was updated in April.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

you need copy of her passport and birth certificate along with 2 passport size photos

letter of intent should be one for her and one for you not combined /since she is here not a bad idea to get these notarized

Passport and birth certificate of the foreign fiance(e) is NOT needed for the I-129F petition, and nothing needs to be notarized.

This was a website given to me by the USCIS call center when I called to ask if they need to be original. They told me yes they do. and it states right in the intent to marry original document.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/m-1151.pdf

That is a link to the optional checklist for putting together your I-129F petition. However, if you read the actual I-129F instructions, it does not ask for original signatures. It has not asked for original signatures since before the summer of 2013.

You stated you know quite a few people that got RFEs for not having original signatures. Links to these cases? What year? Here on VJ there have not been any RFEs for original signatures in the last 3 years, which is when the I-129F instructions changed.The form and instructions changed in June 2013. They do not currently ask for 'an original statement'. They simply ask for evidence that could be a statement of intent. > http://www.visajourn...s/#entry8150440

[N and J 88]

Passport and birth certificate of the foreign fiance(e) is NOT needed for the I-129F petition, and nothing needs to be notarized.

That is a link to the optional checklist for putting together your I-129F petition. However, if you read the actual I-129F instructions, it does not ask for original signatures. It has not asked for original signatures since before the summer of 2013.

You stated you know quite a few people that got RFEs for not having original signatures. Links to these cases? What year? Here on VJ there have not been any RFEs for original signatures in the last 3 years, which is when the I-129F instructions changed.The form and instructions changed in June 2013. They do not currently ask for 'an original statement'. They simply ask for evidence that could be a statement of intent. > http://www.visajourn...s/#entry8150440

Neither one of them use this website. One did apply in 2013 and the other applied in 2015. One applied for a fiancé from England (2013) and the other applied for a fiancé from Italy (2015) But okay. I sent regular ones in anyway. I just I just wanted to cover all areas. The link is an optional checklist yeah...however it came from the USCIS website so I just had an original document like the checklist said.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Neither one of them use this website. One did apply in 2013 and the other applied in 2015. One applied for a fiancé from England (2013) and the other applied for a fiancé from Italy (2015) But okay. I sent regular ones in anyway. I just I just wanted to cover all areas. The link is an optional checklist yeah...however it came from the USCIS website so I just had an original document like the checklist said.

I have been keeping up with this for years. I have not seen an RFE for not having an original signature in the last few years. Before 2013, I used to see them, when the form instructions asked for originals. After the instructions changed, they became a thing of the past.

That checklist is new. It did not used to exist, and it is just a checklist, not the actual instructions. It is not the first time the USCIS has had mistakes in their documents. All I know is that the optional checklist wording does not match the more important actual form instructions.

[soulstriker 274]

getting a lawyer is a full waste of money , and dont really need notarization but think the only thing i may get notarized is the affidavit of support , and its two letters of intent one for u and your fiance ,plz check the guide and study it well , too many ppl dont research and end up getting RFEs or getting denied all together , its really not that hard to do on your own , i think its just ppl who are lazy

[Unshakable Faith 493]

letter/statement whatever you want to call it...I didn't mean a book =). I think mine was like 4 lines typed. I tried writing but my writing is way too big. You are right it doesn't have to be complicated. If you follow exactly what they ask for. I know people have sent an overload of info. =\ I don't think the people reading the applications want extra work. =)

Correct! Some embassies it's very important to front-load (like mine) because it's a difficult embassy. It's a very straight forward process though! I feel bad for those that get a lawyer assuming they can't do it on their own with a normal case. Edited May 28, 2016 by FN&KO

[narakthisud 174]

Correct! Some embassies it's very important to front-load (like mine) because it's a difficult embassy. It's a very straight forward process though! I feel bad for those that get a lawyer assuming they can't do it on their own with a normal case.

Yup! I'm fairly certain my case is about as normal as they come. She's never been married before, works as a well-paid nurse, and speaks fairly good English.

Speaking of "normal"...are there any pitfalls to consider that are specific to Thailand and/or Southeast Asia? Her interview will (hopefully) take place at the Bangkok embassy. (Her B1/B2 interview this past April was easy based on what she said.)