Original statements certifyng an intent to marry within 90 days of entering US on a valid K-1 visa

[K&N10 11]

If the beneficiary is currently living in another country, do we need original documents and signatures of the intent to marry or can they be copies? I'm trying to figure out if I need to mail my fiance in the US (petitioner) original letters of our intent to marry. 

 

Thanks!

[AliTan 53]

People have differing opinions on this. My fiance scanned his letter and emailed it to me to print. I did not get an RFE.

[RLA 323]

1 hour ago, K&N10 said:

If the beneficiary is currently living in another country, do we need original documents and signatures of the intent to marry or can they be copies?

Copies are OK.  The official I-129F instructions say: "You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document."  

[EmmNM 179]

See the attached regulation.

 

"A signature is valid even if the original signature is later photocopied, scanned, faxed, or similarly reproduced. Regardless of how it is transmitted to USCIS, the copy must be of an original document containing a handwritten, ink signature, unless regulations or the form instructions state otherwise.3 USCIS will not accept signatures created by a typewriter, word processor, stamp, auto-pen, or similar device." 

 

"The regulations do not require that a requester submit an “original” or “wet ink” signature on a petition, application, or other request to USCIS."

 

It can be a copy. Sign, scan, email and print is ok. But keep in mind they could always ask for originals at any time.

 

2018 Feb 15 Policy Memorandum Signatures.pdf

Edited July 17, 2018 by EmmNM

[geowrian 22,337]

Concur - they have not issued an RFE for a "wet" signature for this in years. The linked memo above also supports this.

Edited July 17, 2018 by geowrian

[K&N10 11]

thank you