Hello all,
I am assembling our I-130 package. Should I use tabs labeling each document? In the instructions it suggests doing so. Or are they referring to something else. Also I am suppose to include my birth certificate (front and back). There is nothing on the back. I really want to do this right. Any tips are appreciated.

I didn't use the tabs but I am also still sitting in the Chicago lock box so I am not sure if they really help or not. I felt that it was not likely that they would be of that much help in getting the application processed sooner and since I saw nothing in the I-130 instructions about it and I don't know if the USCIS scans any of the documents I decided to leave them off. But its up to you, perhaps someone here has done so and can inform you as to whether or not it helps or hurts.

Sorry I can't be of more help. :(

I am in the same boat(just filed today) but I used those Post-it tabs just for the main forms, marriage certificate, and one tab for all evidence.I didn't tab each piece of evidence.

When I put together our I-130 packet, I did not use tabs, but I did have a "Table of Contents" which I put as the first page of the packet. Also, I binded my papers together (in the correct order according to my table of contents) with a 2 prong metal fastener to make it appear neater. This must have worked well with the NVC because we did not have to re-file or send anything further. We just received notice when fees were due and such. My husband (Canadian) is scheduled for his Visa interview in Montreal on the 22nd of this month. The whole process for us, from the initial filing of the I-130 packet to his interview took approximately 6 months. my thoughts to you is to be very thorough with the documents you send, if it says front and back...copy front and back...regardless. And if you are wondering if you should send something or not, send it anyway...it's better to have it rather than for the NVC to mail you a letter saying they need more information...that just wastes time. I found a website that was great at answering all of my questions....
www.immihelp.com

Best of luck to you both!!

I used a table of contents as well and put everything in order according to that, I also listed the exact number of pages in the packet. I bound it with an ACCO clip because they are easy to use when you have a stack of paper that thick. I didn't copy the back of my birth certificate as it was blank, though now I wonder if I should have noted on the back or on the table of contents that the back was indeed blank. hrm.

I copied the back anyway, and wrote "reverse side of birth certificate - blank". You could see from the crease marks and the outline of the document that it was the same anyway.

Yes, I used a table of contents. When I am assembling anything for immigration I pretend like I am reading it and I have no idea about the person who is applying. It's driving my husband crazy because he makes assumptions like "they won't need that" or "why do I have to do that" or "that should be good enough". LIke the others, I think that giving them more information is better than not enough. Use tabs, table of contents, anything that will make it very easy for them to find your evidence, to read your application easily and be able to go to your attachments easy. That's my theory. As a matter of fact, I am assembling my package 3 (even though I haven't gotten it in the mail yet) and I think I will use the tab idea. Thanks alot.