Another pedantic I-130 question

[magdasal 19]

I really need to chill about putting this package together...however, couple of trivial (or maybe not) questions.

1) Do I have to include original witness affidavits attesting to the relationship or can I send copies? I'm afraid USCIS will lose them or something and then I'll just be left with copies. But if they need the originals, that's what I'll send.

2) How did you experienced folks organizing your I-130 package? I've got several sections of evidence compiled, but it seems I should staple them together in separate sections so it doesn't get all scattered when USCIS starts ruffling through it. Did you I-130 veterans use staples or paper clips to hold related stuff together? Or did you just stack it all up and put it in the big envelope loose?

Sorry, if these seem like dumb questions. I've gone over this stuff 200 times and I still keep thinking of things and finding things to fix. This stuff puts filing taxes to shame.

[Samoray 165]

I really need to chill about putting this package together...however, couple of trivial (or maybe not) questions.

1) Do I have to include original witness affidavits attesting to the relationship or can I send copies? I'm afraid USCIS will lose them or something and then I'll just be left with copies. But if they need the originals, that's what I'll send.

2) How did you experienced folks organizing your I-130 package? I've got several sections of evidence compiled, but it seems I should staple them together in separate sections so it doesn't get all scattered when USCIS starts ruffling through it. Did you I-130 veterans use staples or paper clips to hold related stuff together? Or did you just stack it all up and put it in the big envelope loose?

Sorry, if these seem like dumb questions. I've gone over this stuff 200 times and I still keep thinking of things and finding things to fix. This stuff puts filing taxes to shame.

Hello

First USCIS wants the ORIGINALS of the affidavits of course not copies

Second you can staple them no problem and keep the evidence organized and preferably make a notice on each stack of papers Reflecting whats in it,

For example ( Photos of our wedding ), etc, to make it easy for the officer to review your petition.

Good luck

[Tuanv 2]

I don't think it is a good idea to staple anything. I would use paper clips trip instead.

[magdasal 19]

Hello

First USCIS wants the ORIGINALS of the affidavits of course not copies

Second you can staple them no problem and keep the evidence organized and preferably make a notice on each stack of papers Reflecting whats in it,

For example ( Photos of our wedding ), etc, to make it easy for the officer to review your petition.

Good luck

Great info. Thanks!

[Aya820 33]

I really need to chill about putting this package together...however, couple of trivial (or maybe not) questions.

1) Do I have to include original witness affidavits attesting to the relationship or can I send copies? I'm afraid USCIS will lose them or something and then I'll just be left with copies. But if they need the originals, that's what I'll send.

2) How did you experienced folks organizing your I-130 package? I've got several sections of evidence compiled, but it seems I should staple them together in separate sections so it doesn't get all scattered when USCIS starts ruffling through it. Did you I-130 veterans use staples or paper clips to hold related stuff together? Or did you just stack it all up and put it in the big envelope loose?

Sorry, if these seem like dumb questions. I've gone over this stuff 200 times and I still keep thinking of things and finding things to fix. This stuff puts filing taxes to shame.

1. Unfortunately I sent my original affidavits, thinking that the notary seal had to be original , but I believe supporting evidence only have to be copies. See the Guide for CR-1/IR-1 here: CR-1/IR-1 Guide

2. No staples. Use binder clips or ACCO fastners. I also put tabs at the BOTTOM and labeled each section (tabs of course were on blank page separators).

I am sure more experienced members can give you more information.

Best wishes on your journey.

Edited August 19, 2010 by Aya820

[Samoray 165]

I sent my originals too

I searched the forum and i found a similar thread that could help and has lots of people's opinions about this matter

Check it out http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/259226-sworn-affidavits-for-i-751/

Good luck

[magdasal 19]

Thank you all. Looks like a 50/50 split on whether to send original or copies of affidavits, though the guidelines do seem to indicate that all supporting docs can be copies.

1. Unfortunately I sent my original affidavits, thinking that the notary seal had to be original , but I believe supporting evidence only have to be copies. See the Guide for CR-1/IR-1 here: CR-1/IR-1 Guide

2. No staples. Use binder clips or ACCO fastners. I also put tabs at the BOTTOM and labeled each section (tabs of course were on blank page separators).

I am sure more experienced members can give you more information.

Best wishes on your journey.

I'm really liking the binder clip idea. Very simple to do, but they can easily remove them if they want to.

I don't think it is a good idea to staple anything. I would use paper clips trip instead.

I agree. I'm leaning toward binder clips now. Some of these sections in my evidence (phone logs) are too thick to staple anyway.

[Aya820 33]

Thank you all. Looks like a 50/50 split on whether to send original or copies of affidavits, though the guidelines do seem to indicate that all supporting docs can be copies.

I'm really liking the binder clip idea. Very simple to do, but they can easily remove them if they want to.

I agree. I'm leaning toward binder clips now. Some of these sections in my evidence (phone logs) are too thick to staple anyway.

Yep, I used the biggest I could find because like you the logs were really thick, and I also didn't like the idea of 2 hole punching for the ACCO fastners. Sometimes, in my experience anyway, when you 2 hole punch it punches through whatever writing is at the top of the document.

[DouglasFiel 53]

I kept much of the continued relationship documentation for the interview itself.

Just need to prove that she is a valid candidate for a visa at this point.

This is what my cover letter looked like,, and no RFEs.

+++

DATE:04/07/2009

NATURE OF THE SUBMISSION: I-130 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Dear USCIS,

Enclosed please find form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and the supporting documents.

The petition is filed by a United States Citizen (USC) on behalf of my spouse a citizen of

the Philippines.

PETITIONER:

{My Info here}

BENEFICIARY:

{Her Info here}

□ Check

□ I-130 petition filed by USC, petitioner on behalf of ALIEN, beneficiary

□ I-130 addendum (additional information in support of I-130)

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of USC

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of ALIEN

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy from church – much clearer)

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy of the registered marriage license from the local register)

□ G-325a Completed by USC

□ G-325a Completed by USC - Addendum

□ Passport type picture of USC

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN - Addendum

□ Passport type Picture of ALIEN

□ Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Note: Married on 3/21/09)

o Selection of Pictures that document relationship, wedding and marriage

o Affidavit

Thank you,

{my name here}

+++

Regards,

[OBX 51]

I-130 instructions state:

[Copies.

If these instructions state that a copy of a document may be filed with this petition, submit a copy. If you choose to send the original, USCIS may keep that original for our records. If USCIS requires the original, it will be requested.

We did send the originals of our affidavits, however, and never did receive them back. Luckily we did not need them at any other stage in the process.

Good luck!

Edited August 19, 2010 by OBX

[magdasal 19]

I kept much of the continued relationship documentation for the interview itself.

Just need to prove that she is a valid candidate for a visa at this point.

This is what my cover letter looked like,, and no RFEs.

+++

DATE:04/07/2009

NATURE OF THE SUBMISSION: I-130 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Dear USCIS,

Enclosed please find form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and the supporting documents.

The petition is filed by a United States Citizen (USC) on behalf of my spouse a citizen of

the Philippines.

PETITIONER:

{My Info here}

BENEFICIARY:

{Her Info here}

□ Check

□ I-130 petition filed by USC, petitioner on behalf of ALIEN, beneficiary

□ I-130 addendum (additional information in support of I-130)

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of USC

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of ALIEN

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy from church – much clearer)

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy of the registered marriage license from the local register)

□ G-325a Completed by USC

□ G-325a Completed by USC - Addendum

□ Passport type picture of USC

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN - Addendum

□ Passport type Picture of ALIEN

□ Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Note: Married on 3/21/09)

o Selection of Pictures that document relationship, wedding and marriage

o Affidavit

Thank you,

{my name here}

+++

Regards,

Great example cover letter! Thank you for posting this.

[magdasal 19]

I-130 instructions state:

[Copies.

If these instructions state that a copy of a document may be filed with this petition, submit a copy. If you choose to send the original, USCIS may keep that original for our records. If USCIS requires the original, it will be requested.

We did send the originals of our affidavits, however, and never did receive them back. Luckily we did not need them at any other stage in the process.

Good luck!

That bolded part basically sounds like an RFE. If they decide they need the originals, they will send you an RFE to request them. But an RFE is up to an 8 week penalty in processing. More reason to send the originals and keep copies, I think. But, now that I think about it...if I send originals and one copy each, maybe they'll keep the copies for their files and send the originals along. Either way, I've got copies, both alone and as part of the total package copies I'll be making.

Edited August 19, 2010 by magdasal

[OBX 51]

That bolded part basically sounds like an RFE. If they decide they need the originals, they will send you an RFE to request them. But an RFE is up to an 8 week penalty in processing. More reason to send the originals and keep copies, I think. But, now that I think about it...if I send originals and one copy each, maybe they'll keep the copies for their files and send the originals along. Either way, I've got copies, both alone and as part of the total package copies I'll be making.

I interpreted that to mean they would indicate in the I-130 instructions that the originals were required, but I do see your point. It makes your head spin trying to interpret what USIC really wants.

[LotofPatience 65]

That bolded part basically sounds like an RFE. If they decide they need the originals, they will send you an RFE to request them. But an RFE is up to an 8 week penalty in processing. More reason to send the originals and keep copies, I think. But, now that I think about it...if I send originals and one copy each, maybe they'll keep the copies for their files and send the originals along. Either way, I've got copies, both alone and as part of the total package copies I'll be making.

What OBX told is correct. You will need originals in NVC stage. So, if you have multiple originals of the same, it is ok.

Otherwise, IMO I wouldn't recommend to send the originals to the USCIS unless they requested. USCIS may not send back the originals, IMO.

Loto

[magdasal 19]

I interpreted that to mean they would indicate in the I-130 instructions that the originals were required, but I do see your point. It makes your head spin trying to interpret what USIC really wants.

Hahahaha, no kidding. It's like dealing with a mutant hybrid of the IRS, the local DMV and The Ministry of Silly Walks. At some point I just have to send this thing in. I've changed so many things on my I-130 back and forth now based on peoples reported experiences (and I thank all of them for it), that I've probably killed a forest reprinting my package with the changes I've made...only to read that somebody had success with doing the exact opposite way I just changed my form to read. It's not our fault...this stuff is vague and often counter intuitive to lay people like us. It's maddening. I'm within a few days of just saying "to hell with it, I'm sending what I have".