I am in the final stages of putting together a RFE and am not sure how I should attach photos. Do I place them in an envelope or attach/stick them to pages with a description of each one?Any and all advice would be very welcome
Full Version: Photos, how should I present them?
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I am in the final stages of putting together a RFE and am not sure how I should attach photos. Do I place them in an envelope or attach/stick them to pages with a description of each one?Any and all advice would be very welcome
I attached mine to paper with a description of each adjacent to the photo. Make sure they are securely attached as the file will be bounced around quite a bit. I managed to be able to print the description through the computer with space available for the photo which made a nice presentation.
Of course they will be in a larger envelope for mailing but if the photos are secure on the paper, that should be sufficient.
Of course they will be in a larger envelope for mailing but if the photos are secure on the paper, that should be sufficient.
I would just photocopy the pictures and then write a brief description by each picture...
I just sent my ppwk off, did color printouts of photos because it was cheaper and really the same quality. I sorted my evidence by trip. For example, for our trip back to Colombia I attached boarding pass, email flight confirmation and pictures of our Colombia trip with little handwritten explanations where I fent necessary. I did that for all the trips we have taken, then at the end I just added a bunch of random misc pictures not really relating to any particular trip, also included little notes and dates when possible. I'll let you know how it ends up.
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
Thank you 
I will attach the photos to paper with descriptions. This sounds like a much better way to send them than having them all loose and getting lost.
I will attach the photos to paper with descriptions. This sounds like a much better way to send them than having them all loose and getting lost.
I am a scrapbooker and have scrapped all photos all along. I have them on pages with names, dates, places, funny stories, etc. I scrap 12 x 12 pages so I shrunk them down to 8.5 x 11 pages and color copied them double sided.
QUOTE(dan flarry @ Jul 23 2008, 11:35 AM) 
I just sent my ppwk off, did color printouts of photos because it was cheaper and really the same quality. I sorted my evidence by trip. For example, for our trip back to Colombia I attached boarding pass, email flight confirmation and pictures of our Colombia trip with little handwritten explanations where I fent necessary. I did that for all the trips we have taken, then at the end I just added a bunch of random misc pictures not really relating to any particular trip, also included little notes and dates when possible. I'll let you know how it ends up.
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
It sounds like you have done a great job with your paperwork, wishing you the best of luck!!!!
I didn't send nearly half of what I should have. I sent the I-715 in before I found Visa Journey, so that says it all.
I had sent copies of bank statements, copies of drivers licenses, car titles, car insurance, lease agreements, copies of my green card, copies of passports, and some other stuff I can't remember right now.
My big mistake was that I did not have everything organized and made easy for USCIS, so I fully understand why they sent me a RFE. This was all my own fault for not paying attention. On the bright side, they gave me a second chance to do it right this time
QUOTE(Irish Lass @ Jul 23 2008, 12:56 PM)
QUOTE(dan flarry @ Jul 23 2008, 11:35 AM)
I just sent my ppwk off, did color printouts of photos because it was cheaper and really the same quality. I sorted my evidence by trip. For example, for our trip back to Colombia I attached boarding pass, email flight confirmation and pictures of our Colombia trip with little handwritten explanations where I fent necessary. I did that for all the trips we have taken, then at the end I just added a bunch of random misc pictures not really relating to any particular trip, also included little notes and dates when possible. I'll let you know how it ends up.
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
It sounds like you have done a great job with your paperwork, wishing you the best of luck!!!!
I didn't send nearly half of what I should have. I sent the I-715 in before I found Visa Journey, so that says it all.
I had sent copies of bank statements, copies of drivers licenses, car titles, car insurance, lease agreements, copies of my green card, copies of passports, and some other stuff I can't remember right now.
My big mistake was that I did not have everything organized and made easy for USCIS, so I fully understand why they sent me a RFE. This was all my own fault for not paying attention. On the bright side, they gave me a second chance to do it right this time
Wow, to me that sounds like you included a lot of stuff the first time around. But I think half the trick is thinking like a reviewing official, like you said, how easy it is for them to go through the stuff you sent in. I think I might have over-orgainzed, I paperclipped everything that went together so the left side of the stack is way higher than the right side because of all the paperclips. Oh well, all I can do is wait at this point. I hope it works out well for you this time around
if you send the real pictures. you do realize you won't get them back, right?
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
QUOTE(*Marilyn* @ Jul 23 2008, 12:27 PM)
if you send the real pictures. you do realize you won't get them back, right?
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
Less bulky.....interesting concept. I have ours all ready to go a week from Saturday. I swear it is at least 5 lbs. of paperwork. Organized oh so neatly and easy to follow; but still a hot mess of so much paperwork.
QUOTE(*Marilyn* @ Jul 23 2008, 01:27 PM)
if you send the real pictures. you do realize you won't get them back, right?
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
Unless you are using a camera film for pictures (and still you have the film and you can ask for a picture CD too)...most pictures are digital, meaning they are in your computer, cd, ipod, etc etc and you can reproduce them X times.
QUOTE(Jomo @ Jul 23 2008, 10:32 AM)
QUOTE(*Marilyn* @ Jul 23 2008, 12:27 PM)
if you send the real pictures. you do realize you won't get them back, right?
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
Less bulky.....interesting concept. I have ours all ready to go a week from Saturday. I swear it is at least 5 lbs. of paperwork. Organized oh so neatly and easy to follow; but still a hot mess of so much paperwork.
i mean like if they stuck the pictures onto paper... I would also be worried that they would fall off etc..
mine fit into one of those big flat envelopes (i think 7 by 11)...
and mine wasn't all that organized either , I just put paper clips on the different sections.. I didn't even think to put a cover letter...QUOTE(cherr1980 @ Jul 23 2008, 10:35 AM)
QUOTE(*Marilyn* @ Jul 23 2008, 01:27 PM)
if you send the real pictures. you do realize you won't get them back, right?
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
like I said I would just send in photocopies of them.. you can fit a couple on a page ... and it would be less bulky..
Unless you are using a camera film for pictures (and still you have the film and you can ask for a picture CD too)...most pictures are digital, meaning they are in your computer, cd, ipod, etc etc and you can reproduce them X times.
yeah but then you could just print the pictures off... wouldn't need to be on photo paper even...
See, I didn't know that you could or even should send photos printed on regular paper. That will be so much easier. I can print them and a description right off my computer.
I just went and got photograph copies of our photos, but don't mind having extras of those here anyway.
Great tips everyone, thank you so very much
I just went and got photograph copies of our photos, but don't mind having extras of those here anyway.
Great tips everyone, thank you so very much
yeah it says this in the instructions...
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-751instr.pdf
QUOTE
Submit copies of documents indicating that the marriage upon which you were granted conditional status was entered in ''good faith'' and was not for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws. Submit copies of as many documents as you wish to establish this fact and to demonstrate the circumstances of the relationship from the date of the marriage to the present date
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-751instr.pdf
QUOTE(Irish Lass @ Jul 23 2008, 11:56 AM)
QUOTE(dan flarry @ Jul 23 2008, 11:35 AM)
I just sent my ppwk off, did color printouts of photos because it was cheaper and really the same quality. I sorted my evidence by trip. For example, for our trip back to Colombia I attached boarding pass, email flight confirmation and pictures of our Colombia trip with little handwritten explanations where I fent necessary. I did that for all the trips we have taken, then at the end I just added a bunch of random misc pictures not really relating to any particular trip, also included little notes and dates when possible. I'll let you know how it ends up.
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
Sorry you got an RFE. Do you mind me asking what all evidence did you include the first time around?
It sounds like you have done a great job with your paperwork, wishing you the best of luck!!!!
I didn't send nearly half of what I should have. I sent the I-715 in before I found Visa Journey, so that says it all.
I had sent copies of bank statements, copies of drivers licenses, car titles, car insurance, lease agreements, copies of my green card, copies of passports, and some other stuff I can't remember right now.
My big mistake was that I did not have everything organized and made easy for USCIS, so I fully understand why they sent me a RFE. This was all my own fault for not paying attention. On the bright side, they gave me a second chance to do it right this time
Make sure your evidence covers the whole of the last two years. It might be that you sent in a bank statement, but you may have only sent in the most recent. You didn't mention tax returns, don't forget those if you haven't done so already.
QUOTE(Irish Lass @ Jul 23 2008, 01:48 PM)
See, I didn't know that you could or even should send photos printed on regular paper. That will be so much easier. I can print them and a description right off my computer.
I just went and got photograph copies of our photos, but don't mind having extras of those here anyway.
Great tips everyone, thank you so very much
I just went and got photograph copies of our photos, but don't mind having extras of those here anyway.
Great tips everyone, thank you so very much
I created a Word document and inserted the pics in it with descriptions just underneath. I fit 2 pics per page. I printed them in regular black and white. I also made a title page for it saying:
QUOTE
Pictures of the xxxxxxxxx Family
Images resized for copies provided in this petition to decrease number of pages in submitted packet. Full size originals available upon request.
Images resized for copies provided in this petition to decrease number of pages in submitted packet. Full size originals available upon request.
All total, the pics section of the petition was 19 pages. I have printed out actual photos and placed them in a small album just in case they want to see originals, it will be ready to send.
QUOTE(keltic @ Jul 23 2008, 01:34 PM)
QUOTE(Irish Lass @ Jul 23 2008, 01:48 PM)
See, I didn't know that you could or even should send photos printed on regular paper. That will be so much easier. I can print them and a description right off my computer.
I just went and got photograph copies of our photos, but don't mind having extras of those here anyway.
Great tips everyone, thank you so very much
I just went and got photograph copies of our photos, but don't mind having extras of those here anyway.
Great tips everyone, thank you so very much
I created a Word document and inserted the pics in it with descriptions just underneath. I fit 2 pics per page. I printed them in regular black and white. I also made a title page for it saying:
QUOTE
Pictures of the xxxxxxxxx Family
Images resized for copies provided in this petition to decrease number of pages in submitted packet. Full size originals available upon request.
Images resized for copies provided in this petition to decrease number of pages in submitted packet. Full size originals available upon request.
All total, the pics section of the petition was 19 pages. I have printed out actual photos and placed them in a small album just in case they want to see originals, it will be ready to send.
All the pics we sent were printed on regular paper with date, and an explanation. Half were black and white since my color cartridge was running low and actually, the B&W images look sharper. We also sent a CD of short video clips of us renewing our wedding vowels recently in Brasil.
QUOTE(Irish Lass @ Jul 23 2008, 08:58 AM)
I am in the final stages of putting together a RFE and am not sure how I should attach photos. Do I place them in an envelope or attach/stick them to pages with a description of each one?Any and all advice would be very welcome
I sent original 4x6 prints, attached 2-3 pcs on sheets of paper, then attached labels describing briefly the events on the pictures. It made my package realy bulky and I had to use a separate fastener for the pictures (I went crazy and sent a ton of pictures
). Only reason I did it was because I found a good deal online for volume print orders and I needed to order a bunch of prints from recent vacations and holidays anyways. Spur of the moment - wouldn't have done it if I stopped to think. My advice is to send photocopies or print them on regular paper. BTW, do you mind sharing what exactly the RFE letter says? Some letters are very specific, some are somewhat vague.
I would say that copies of pictures with short description on regular size paper is way better than clipping real fotos. (I have been working with files all my life; anything smaller than regular size just get lost).
You should not overdo it-I think couple of pictures from each -wedding, travel, at home, with his family, with her family, with friends- and over the time span from wedding till now should be good enough.
Pictures should show comingled social life. So, 100 pictures from a trip to Paris, in my opinion, would not do as good as 10 but from variuos events/situations.
I am in the final stages of putting together a RFE and am not sure how I should attach photos. Do I place them in an envelope or attach/stick them to pages with a description of each one?
Any and all advice would be very welcome
You should not overdo it-I think couple of pictures from each -wedding, travel, at home, with his family, with her family, with friends- and over the time span from wedding till now should be good enough.
Pictures should show comingled social life. So, 100 pictures from a trip to Paris, in my opinion, would not do as good as 10 but from variuos events/situations.
QUOTE(Irish Lass @ Jul 23 2008, 11:58 AM)
I am in the final stages of putting together a RFE and am not sure how I should attach photos. Do I place them in an envelope or attach/stick them to pages with a description of each one?Any and all advice would be very welcome
QUOTE(wifey246 @ Jul 24 2008, 04:00 PM)
QUOTE(Irish Lass @ Jul 23 2008, 08:58 AM)
I am in the final stages of putting together a RFE and am not sure how I should attach photos. Do I place them in an envelope or attach/stick them to pages with a description of each one?Any and all advice would be very welcome
I sent original 4x6 prints, attached 2-3 pcs on sheets of paper, then attached labels describing briefly the events on the pictures. It made my package realy bulky and I had to use a separate fastener for the pictures (I went crazy and sent a ton of pictures
). Only reason I did it was because I found a good deal online for volume print orders and I needed to order a bunch of prints from recent vacations and holidays anyways. Spur of the moment - wouldn't have done it if I stopped to think. My advice is to send photocopies or print them on regular paper. BTW, do you mind sharing what exactly the RFE letter says? Some letters are very specific, some are somewhat vague.
This is the exact text that was in the RFE letter:
QUOTE
IDENTITY DOCUMENT: Please submit a photocopy of the Department of Motor Vehicle issued driver's license and/or identity card for each party to the qualifying marriage.
EVIDENCE OF GOOD FAITH MARRIAGE: In order to assist in establishing your eligibity for removal of your conditional status, it is requested that you submit additional documentation. Please submit any or all of the following documents. This list is not all inclusive of the type of evidence that may be submitted for consideration.
* FINANCIAL RECORDS: In order to assist in establishing your eligibility for removal of conditiona; status, you may submit evidence of joint ownership of assests and joint responsibility for liabilities for the past two years. Such evidence may include but is not limited to the following:
*Copies of your State and Federal tax returns for 2006 and 2007. Include also, all required schedules, statments and any attachments such as W-2 records for conditional resident and petioning spouse.
* Copies of morgage aggrements or deeds showing joint ownership of assests or property or joint tenancy of a common residence.
* Documentation showing commingling of fiancial resources such as complete copies of bank statments showing joint savings accounts and/or checking accounts.
* Copies of loan documents such as car loans, home improvment loans, business loans etc.
* Any other documentaion which shows that the marriage was not entered into in order to evade the Immigration Laws of the United States.
* RESIDENCE: In order to establish eligibility for removal of your conditional status, you must submit evidence of your communal residence for the past two years. Such evidence may include but is not limited to the following:
* Complete copies of rental lease(s) or rental aggreement(s) showing joint tenancy at a common residence signed by you, your spouse and the owner(s) of the property (or the property manager).
* Copies of utility bills such as telephone, gas, electric, water, cable etc. or other statments issued in both your names indicating your residential address.
* Any other documentaion which shows that the marriage was not entered into in order to evade the Immigration Laws of the United States.
*STATMENT: Submit a statment in your own words describing how, when and where you met your spouse. In this statment, include significant details of your courtship, the events of your wedding including names of the guests and names of the witnesses. Your statment should include detailed information regarding memorable moments of your marriage. Please list the places where you resided together. In your statment please indicate the nature of your employment as well as the nature of your spouse's employment.
EVIDENCE OF GOOD FAITH MARRIAGE: In order to assist in establishing your eligibity for removal of your conditional status, it is requested that you submit additional documentation. Please submit any or all of the following documents. This list is not all inclusive of the type of evidence that may be submitted for consideration.
* FINANCIAL RECORDS: In order to assist in establishing your eligibility for removal of conditiona; status, you may submit evidence of joint ownership of assests and joint responsibility for liabilities for the past two years. Such evidence may include but is not limited to the following:
*Copies of your State and Federal tax returns for 2006 and 2007. Include also, all required schedules, statments and any attachments such as W-2 records for conditional resident and petioning spouse.
* Copies of morgage aggrements or deeds showing joint ownership of assests or property or joint tenancy of a common residence.
* Documentation showing commingling of fiancial resources such as complete copies of bank statments showing joint savings accounts and/or checking accounts.
* Copies of loan documents such as car loans, home improvment loans, business loans etc.
* Any other documentaion which shows that the marriage was not entered into in order to evade the Immigration Laws of the United States.
* RESIDENCE: In order to establish eligibility for removal of your conditional status, you must submit evidence of your communal residence for the past two years. Such evidence may include but is not limited to the following:
* Complete copies of rental lease(s) or rental aggreement(s) showing joint tenancy at a common residence signed by you, your spouse and the owner(s) of the property (or the property manager).
* Copies of utility bills such as telephone, gas, electric, water, cable etc. or other statments issued in both your names indicating your residential address.
* Any other documentaion which shows that the marriage was not entered into in order to evade the Immigration Laws of the United States.
*STATMENT: Submit a statment in your own words describing how, when and where you met your spouse. In this statment, include significant details of your courtship, the events of your wedding including names of the guests and names of the witnesses. Your statment should include detailed information regarding memorable moments of your marriage. Please list the places where you resided together. In your statment please indicate the nature of your employment as well as the nature of your spouse's employment.
That RFE is sort of scary.
I just sent my I-751 off today and I didn't include a "statement of our courtship," though we did have plenty of financial records (deed, bank statements, mortgage statement).
Good luck, Irish Lass!
I just sent my I-751 off today and I didn't include a "statement of our courtship," though we did have plenty of financial records (deed, bank statements, mortgage statement).
Good luck, Irish Lass!
QUOTE(zauberblume @ Jul 26 2008, 06:38 PM)
That RFE is sort of scary.
I just sent my I-751 off today and I didn't include a "statement of our courtship," though we did have plenty of financial records (deed, bank statements, mortgage statement).
Good luck, Irish Lass!
I just sent my I-751 off today and I didn't include a "statement of our courtship," though we did have plenty of financial records (deed, bank statements, mortgage statement).
Good luck, Irish Lass!
Thanks!!
Good luck to you too
Sounds like you have submitted lots of substantial evidence. The written statement is the hardest part for me, trying to remember all the dates and such. If only I had kept a diary all these years lol.
I'm in the final stages of getting it all together. Doing lots of sorting paperwork out today and binding. I'll be so relieved once I send it off.
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