original signatures on forms?

[PMc 0]

In regards to the K-1 visa I called the USCIS to check on whether my fiance's signatures would have to be originals and not scanned copies on her letter of intent and the 325 form. Since she's in Brazil that would make things a little harder and delay being able to file until she mails them to me. Does anyone have firsthand experience whether they WILL accept scanned, signed in blue ink copies? They told me it had to be an original signature, but someone at a visa agency said they would do everything by scanned copies.

Thanks to whoever is responsible for this website. I've learned a LOT on here.

[Hell0W0rld 10]

signatures MUST be original.

[baron555 934]

Originals only. Use FedEx for fastest delivery. This is a cost you should support.

[Anh map 2,098]

I have seen here on VJ where the G325 does not need to be original signature, or even signed at all. Not sure if that pertains to one particular consulate or not.

The letter of intent does need to be original signature. So why not have her do both? Also, do two sets of the G325, one for the initial petition and one for the interview.

Just have her gather everything up and send overnight to eliminate the delays from the regular mail.

[payxibka 10,048]

there was a USCIS memo to the Adjudicastor's Field Manual (AFM) where the original signatures was not a reason for petition denial as the consulate could "capture" the required signatures at time of interview. Unfortunately, I am unable to locate this memo.

FWIW, the public version of the AFM is available online for all to review.

Edited June 23, 2009 by payxibka

[Bobby+Umit 161]

there was a USCIS memo to the Adjudicastor's Field Manual (AFM) where the original signatures was not a reason for petition denial as the consulate could "capture" the required signatures at time of interview. Unfortunately, I am unable to locate this memo.

FWIW, the public version of the AFM is available online for all to review.

Here is the link to the USCIS memo stating that sigs on the G-325 should not be used as a reason to deny.

G-325 siggy

Still haven't found anything on USCIS invalidating this memo... (their record search function is dubious at best)

With that said - again, best to have them signed and with original siggys prior to sending them in. (State/Uscis seem to disregard memo's to me)

Edited June 23, 2009 by Bobby_Umit

[Marina-Del 10]

And this shouldn't delay you too long! My mom has to send something to me very quickly recently (from ATL to São Paulo) and it took about 4 days. It costs more, but it's a LOT faster. If you use regular mail it will take about 10 days more or less.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

In regards to the K-1 visa I called the USCIS to check on whether my fiance's signatures would have to be originals and not scanned copies on her letter of intent and the 325 form. Since she's in Brazil that would make things a little harder and delay being able to file until she mails them to me. Does anyone have firsthand experience whether they WILL accept scanned, signed in blue ink copies? They told me it had to be an original signature, but someone at a visa agency said they would do everything by scanned copies.

Thanks to whoever is responsible for this website. I've learned a LOT on here.

There is a rule which allows the G-325s to be submitted without signature if the fiancee is abroad. However, we have seen lots of people receive RFEs for this so it seems (not surprisingly) that USCIS doesn't know their own rules. In the case of unsigned forms, she will be required to sign them at the interview. If you send them unsigned, best to include a copy of this rule from their manual and a request that the forms be signed at the interview.

Bobby Umit has posted a link to this several times, maybe he will again

Bets bet is to get her to sign TWO balnk G-325a forms and let you fill them out and have a spare just in case your petition get lost in the mail you can send out a duplicate.

there was a USCIS memo to the Adjudicastor's Field Manual (AFM) where the original signatures was not a reason for petition denial as the consulate could "capture" the required signatures at time of interview. Unfortunately, I am unable to locate this memo.

FWIW, the public version of the AFM is available online for all to review.

Here is the link to the USCIS memo stating that sigs on the G-325 should not be used as a reason to deny.

G-325 siggy

Still haven't found anything on USCIS invalidating this memo... (their record search function is dubious at best)

With that said - again, best to have them signed and with original siggys prior to sending them in. (State/Uscis seem to disregard memo's to me)

There he is! I guess I should have read all the responses first

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

In regards to the K-1 visa I called the USCIS to check on whether my fiance's signatures would have to be originals and not scanned copies on her letter of intent and the 325 form. Since she's in Brazil that would make things a little harder and delay being able to file until she mails them to me. Does anyone have firsthand experience whether they WILL accept scanned, signed in blue ink copies? They told me it had to be an original signature, but someone at a visa agency said they would do everything by scanned copies.

Thanks to whoever is responsible for this website. I've learned a LOT on here.

Oh, one thing. They will NOT accept scanned or faxed copies. With the exception of the memo Bobby posted they must be original. Yes, they can be BLUE ink, even though the rules say black, I used blue ink (oops) and had no problems. I am a desparado like that.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

The issue with "black" and "blue" ink is an old problem with copiers.

Black ink copies better (for the record keeping you see).

Blue ink tends to copy "light", and after many duplications, it can disappear. (spooky)

New copiers do not have this issue, but every now and tend, some GS has a tiff over it...

[DouglasFiel 53]

In regards to the K-1 visa I called the USCIS to check on whether my fiance's signatures would have to be originals and not scanned copies on her letter of intent and the 325 form. Since she's in Brazil that would make things a little harder and delay being able to file until she mails them to me. Does anyone have firsthand experience whether they WILL accept scanned, signed in blue ink copies? They told me it had to be an original signature, but someone at a visa agency said they would do everything by scanned copies.

Thanks to whoever is responsible for this website. I've learned a LOT on here.

Personally,, I did not try it,.,, cause, I made sure I had all of the signed docs before requested. But, the DS-230, she sent a signed copy and a good photocopy or the same document. I had a hell of a time figuring out which was which. I finally, place against a window so, I

could see the indentations,, and they were hard to see. I doubt that the Service Centers will give it that much attention. And as far as scanned copies... A good scanner these days will look like a PDF printout. The scans I got of her documents look eye-clean. Unless, you

have a real good inkjet or better yet,,, laser printer,, Sometimes, you get photocopy type variance in type shaping.

Might get a good scan, print on a good printer, send in those. Meanwhile, have the originals sent to you in case you get an RFE. Since, the NVC is already starting to do all processing electronically for a couple of locations. I suspect eventually, they (the service centers) will not accept hardcopy.

My always humble opinion,

[msu17 0]

The issue with "black" and "blue" ink is an old problem with copiers.

Black ink copies better (for the record keeping you see).

Blue ink tends to copy "light", and after many duplications, it can disappear. (spooky)

New copiers do not have this issue, but every now and tend, some GS has a tiff over it...

However I have also seen people get RFE's for an originally signed form that was signed in black because the AO thought it was a copy... When we sent it the recommendation was sign in blue because of this. Who knows, just sign it and cross your fingers!