Retain all originals?

[Joshua Kaufman 1]

Hi, I'm back. I'm a bit confused. I always thought that I would get the I-129F packet together (which includes copies of certain documents like my passport, birth certificate and other evidence), make two copies of the entire thing and then send the packet (not one of the two copies I just made). But on this guide it says:

IMPORTANT!

Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes checks too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. Retain ALL originals. The USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back.

Does "retail ALL originals" refer to original evidence like train tickets, receipts, photos (which I assumed) or does it mean retain original copies of the forms as well (which I didn't expect).

Can someone help? (On a brighter note, my I-129 F is sitting in a neat pile in front of me, just waiting to be copied. How did it take so long? )

UPDATE: Someone already answered this!

Edited March 20, 2007 by Joshua Kaufman

[TimsDaisy 0]

You need to send originals where they are requested and you may send copies where they are allowed. Re-read the form instructions (not the VJ guides, the actual govn't forms).

You need original forms 129F/G325A, letters of intent, photos, etc.

But retain copies of things you can't get more copies of if they get lost: boarding passes, photos if you don't have the originals, etc.

[flutter95 4]

It means keep copies of all evidence, photos etc, passports and birth cert. Still make a copy of the form your sending but just keep it yourself

[Nagishkaw 510]

YES, you send the original FORMS, but as for the BC, passport, and all evidence, you send in COPIES.

[flutter95 4]

You need to send originals where they are requested and you may send copies where they are allowed. Re-read the form instructions (not the VJ guides, the actual govn't forms).

You need original forms 129F/G325A, letters of intent, photos, etc.

But retain copies of things you can't get more copies of if they get lost: boarding passes, photos if you don't have the originals, etc.

I sent them copies of photos and it was ok...

Sometimes they can be picky about photos but they were ok with mine.

[Joshua Kaufman 1]

Holy cow you guys are fast. I thought I updated the original post early enough so that people wouldn't waste their time, but thanks anyways. Ya'll are AWESOME.