Originals and copies

[JustHereInTheWorl 0]

So we are in the process of filling out and preparing all of our forms needed for the I-129F Petition and I am getting confused when it comes to sending originals and keeping originals and sending out copies.

So what forms and items specifically do we have to send the original files for and what is safe to just photocopy and send?

We do not know what original files we should keep for ourselves and which we should send to them. And which photocopies we should send them and which photocopies we should keep for ourselves.

Thank you all so much for the help!!!

[nightingalejules 678]

99% sure you'll only need to send an original signed version of the actual petition and photos. Everything else can be copies... They'll ask for originals later in the process.

[Lainie B 465]

You need originals of the signed forms, and you need original letters of intent to marry. Everything else should be copies.

[JustHereInTheWorl 0]

What do you mean by signed forms? Is that simply every thing that requires a signature?

Should they get a photocopy of I-129F forms sent to them? Or all originals?

Does that mean the G-325A form has to be the original sent as well?

The cover letter and declaration of how you met in person as part of the I-129F (34.a) also need signatures as well. So should we send the originals for that too?

It seems that everything needs to be signed, so I am unsure as to whether they all should be given as originals or photocopies.

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just really confused. Thank you so much for the help.

[yuna628 9,528]

Here's how we looked at it. If it requires a signature it had better be the real deal. Safe than sorry yes?

The I129F form that requires the petitioners signature, and any supplemental letters that require a signature all need to be original and not photocopied.

In addition the G325A for both petitioner and beneficiary also need to bear a original signature.

The letters of intent from both petitioner and beneficiary need original signatures.

As for the rest of it, it's pretty clear in the instructions your birth certificate and any other evidences can be photocopies.

Later on your beneficiary will need a signed original I134 (from either the cosponsour or the petitioner whichever is financially supporting), and most likely an original employer letter from the petitioner's/cosponsour's place of employment.

[Pitaya 2,576]

What do you mean by signed forms? Is that simply every thing that requires a signature? Any form or statetment that requires an original wet signature.

Should they get a photocopy of I-129F forms sent to them? Or all originals?As above

Does that mean the G-325A form has to be the original sent as well? As above

The cover letter and declaration of how you met in person as part of the I-129F (34.a) also need signatures as well. So should we send the originals for that too? As above. USCIS indicates by way of size of the box on the form, the length of the requisite statement, i.e., keep it short and sweet.

It seems that everything needs to be signed, so I am unsure as to whether they all should be given as originals or photocopies. Not true, refer to instructions.

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just really confused. Thank you so much for the help.

Welcome to the forum.

You would do well to not over-read the instructions, and to take them quite literally; otherwise this journey could drive you crazy.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Edited December 29, 2014 by A&B