I 751 package prep for sending

[SuznAaron 121]

Hi everyone,

We are December filers but I am putting together all my documents to be sent. I have a few questions on what was done by others. Specifically, I was going to use a 3-ring binder to hold the documents but then was concerned about having to punch holes in everything.

1. Did you use a 3 -ring binder or something else?

2. If you used a binder and used plastic sleeves to hold the exhibits, what did you do with your bank statements or deed? Did every page of the statement or deed have a separate sleeve? 

3. What did you do with the I751 document? Did you put each page in a separate sleeve or did you do something different with it? 

4. Did anyone blank out their credit card numbers except for their last 4 digits or should I leave all the numbers showing?

 

Anyone wishing to share how they sent their prepared package would be appreciated. I have loads of pages to send as evidence so all good there. Just looking for how to put it together to send. 

Oh and in case anyone is wondering, we used a lawyer up until now for personal reasons. I know now this is a DIY and wont pay for anyone again. 

TIA all!

 

[Dashinka 24,512]

Here are the tips from USCIS.  It does not specifically say, but don't use sleeves as someone at USCIS will have to remove each page for copying and scanning.  We simply used a big binder clip which allows USCIS to easily disassemble the package.

 

Good Luck!

 

• 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.
  • Do not use heavy-duty staples; instead use fasteners or heavy clips.
  • Do not submit originals unless specifically required. 
  • Do not submit oversized documentation unless it is necessary.
  • Send single-sided copies of your supporting documentation.

 

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

[Sukie 1,463]

USCIS prefers using ACCO binders (two-hole punch at the top), but that is not mandatory.  Do NOT use a 3-ring binder.  You can still use the sleeves, but do not put them in a binder.  You can use alligator clips or rubber bands to hold the sleeves together. Or use some string and "sew" the holes in the protector sheets.  A nice FLAT package is good.

 

We used ACCO binders and had a separate section for "mandatory docs", "financial statements (including tax docs)", "living-together proof", "future considerations (wills, medical powers of attorney)", and then used a big rubber band to hold all the sections together.

 

We also had a table of contents to help guide the officer for what was in each "section".

 

Your documents will be taken out of whatever you use to hold them together and scanned.  That's why you copy only on one side - so they can be automatically scanned by the machine.  Make your package NEAT and well-organized, and you'll have no troubles!

 

Good luck!

 

Sukie in NY

 

 

[Sukie 1,463]

1 minute ago, Dashinka said:

Here are the tips from USCIS.  It does not specifically say, but don't use sleeves as someone at USCIS will have to remove each page for copying and scanning.  We simply used a big binder clip which allows USCIS to easily disassemble the package.

 

Good Luck!

 

• 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.
  • Do not use heavy-duty staples; instead use fasteners or heavy clips.
  • Do not submit originals unless specifically required. 
  • Do not submit oversized documentation unless it is necessary.
  • Send single-sided copies of your supporting documentation.

 

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

Good hint about the sleeves, Dashinka.  They are pretty darned slippery, too!

 

Sukie in NY

[SuznAaron 121]

2 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

Here are the tips from USCIS.  It does not specifically say, but don't use sleeves as someone at USCIS will have to remove each page for copying and scanning.  We simply used a big binder clip which allows USCIS to easily disassemble the package.

 

Good Luck!

 

• 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.
  • Do not use heavy-duty staples; instead use fasteners or heavy clips.
  • Do not submit originals unless specifically required. 
  • Do not submit oversized documentation unless it is necessary.
  • Send single-sided copies of your supporting documentation.

 

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

Brilliant! Thank you. Yes I now remember seeing this. Back to the store!

[SuznAaron 121]

3 minutes ago, Sukie said:

USCIS prefers using ACCO binders (two-hole punch at the top), but that is not mandatory.  Do NOT use a 3-ring binder.  You can still use the sleeves, but do not put them in a binder.  You can use alligator clips or rubber bands to hold the sleeves together. Or use some string and "sew" the holes in the protector sheets.  A nice FLAT package is good.

 

We used ACCO binders and had a separate section for "mandatory docs", "financial statements (including tax docs)", "living-together proof", "future considerations (wills, medical powers of attorney)", and then used a big rubber band to hold all the sections together.

 

We also had a table of contents to help guide the officer for what was in each "section".

 

Your documents will be taken out of whatever you use to hold them together and scanned.  That's why you copy only on one side - so they can be automatically scanned by the machine.  Make your package NEAT and well-organized, and you'll have no troubles!

 

Good luck!

 

Sukie in NY

 

 

Thank you! I best not use sleeves then. I will look for an ACCO binder or 2. So far my tabs are mandatory documents, proof of co-habitation (deed and bills, driver licenses and other permits), proof of financial co-mingling (credit cards and bank statements), proof of home life/travels (not sure what I want to call this section yet but also includes insurance and beneficiary items)

 

Was it OK to put holes in the I751 form as well? 

[Sukie 1,463]

55 minutes ago, SuznAaron said:

Thank you! I best not use sleeves then. I will look for an ACCO binder or 2. So far my tabs are mandatory documents, proof of co-habitation (deed and bills, driver licenses and other permits), proof of financial co-mingling (credit cards and bank statements), proof of home life/travels (not sure what I want to call this section yet but also includes insurance and beneficiary items)

 

Was it OK to put holes in the I751 form as well? 

Yes - ok to punch the I-751 documents.  Just be very careful that you don't punch away any critical info!

 

Sukie in NY