3 hole punched the evidence packet - help

[oliverandsian 7]

I just read that you can’t use a binder when assembling the packet for the I-751 evidence and I don’t know what to do because my wife and I thought it looked professional in a 3-ring binder and now all of our evidence has 3 holes in the side. Can we scan and reprint the existing evidence with the holes in the side or are we screwed? 

[Unshakable Faith 493]

Who said no holes in the side?

[debbiedoo 2,339]

as long as the holes aren't cutting into any text, its not an issue

[Izor 79]

Lol not an issue. I have done the same since the first K1 petition and never had any problems. 

[Just Paul 4,595]

Just don't send it in the binder.

[oliverandsian 7]

4 hours ago, Unshakable Faith said:

Who said no holes in the side?

I just read that staples, binders, etc., were not allowed (USCIS website), so I assumed no binders meant no 3-hole punches on the sides either ...  kinda just panicked I guess lol 

 

So should I just keep the 3-hole punched papers as-is and bind them, or leave them loose? It just looks so unprofessional unbound. 

[Diane and Chris 651]

 The instructions clearly state:

 

• Mark the envelope and the cover letter with the nature of the submission. For example, Original Submission, Brief for an Appeal, or Response to Request for Additional Information.
• Mark the envelope and the cover letter with the form number. For example, I-129, I-130, I-690 or I-698.
• In preparing your packet, remember:
  • Do not use binders or folders that we cannot easily disassemble.
  • Use fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.
  • Sticky tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. For easy filing, place the tabs on the bottom of the page, not the side.

 

 

[Diane and Chris 651]

6 hours ago, Unshakable Faith said:

Who said no holes in the side?

USCIS

[Unshakable Faith 493]

3 hours ago, Diane and Chris said:

USCIS

It doesn't say no holes on the sides, it says no notebooks that can't be easily broken down. 

They say this because they just throw away any notebook provided and if things are (for example: in sheet protectors), it is very time consuming for them to disassemble your package to place it in their required folder. 

 

OP- use what you have but maybe use a binder clip to hold it together.  I used tab dividers to divide the sections, then you can bind them with the clip.

[oliverandsian 7]

Thank you all for this information. I will keep the evidence as it is, and then just bind it with fasteners or binder clips. 

 

In addition, does anyone know if highlighting is okay? We have highlighted things like our names and addresses, phone numbers, etc., to make it easier for the officer to locate pertinent pieces of information. 

[Soup Dragon 104]

42 minutes ago, oliverandsian said:

Thank you all for this information. I will keep the evidence as it is, and then just bind it with fasteners or binder clips. 

 

In addition, does anyone know if highlighting is okay? We have highlighted things like our names and addresses, phone numbers, etc., to make it easier for the officer to locate pertinent pieces of information. 

I highlighted certain stuff (loads, actually!) in yellow and it was fine.  I sent the package loose secured with a large clip and an elastic band round it.    I also used sticky tabs to separate each section

[Redheadguy03 505]

I used folders. Mainly for myself, because it helped me stay organized. The holes are fine and I highlighted a few things. Like my wife and I met online, so I highlighted a part from the website saying imbra didn't apply. 

[Charming12 59]

I am also kinda confuse. I am about to send my i751 package in 2 weeks. I staples all my quarterly utilities bills, bank statements. should you remove it or would that be fine? then question is how am I going to tight them together, its around 3 to 4 inch thick package? can I use simple paper clip to stick them together?

[sirii 1]

5 minutes ago, Charming12 said:

I am also kinda confuse. I am about to send my i751 package in 2 weeks. I staples all my quarterly utilities bills, bank statements. should you remove it or would that be fine? then question is how am I going to tight them together, its around 3 to 4 inch thick package? can I use simple paper clip to stick them together?

 

I suggest binder clips

[Charming12 59]

24 minutes ago, sirii said:

 

I suggest binder clips

For all papers, then how am I going to divide the paperwork? I mean for separating bills, evidences, pic, bank statement, I751 form, 

Edited December 21, 2018 by Charming12