Mysterious Hole in Envelope From Embassy

[KarimaG 2]

My fiance we to the embassy to pick up his visa today, and the envelope that they gave him has a large hole in it. It is a cut made by scissors in corner of envelope, and it is big enough to see in envelope and contents. He said that they gave it to him that way. Im unsure what to do in this matter. Has anyone else gotten an envelope with the same corner cut??? I have heard that if the envelope has any tears that they wont admit him to the United States... so wondering if he should take it back, or is this the norm? Thanks!

[Peet 1]

My fiance we to the embassy to pick up his visa today, and the envelope that they gave him has a large hole in it. It is a cut made by scissors in corner of envelope, and it is big enough to see in envelope and contents. He said that they gave it to him that way. Im unsure what to do in this matter. Has anyone else gotten an envelope with the same corner cut??? I have heard that if the envelope has any tears that they wont admit him to the United States... so wondering if he should take it back, or is this the norm? Thanks!

Yep, my envelope had the same, one corner cut off.

Turned out to be no problem at all, it is done on purpose.

Tears and an openen envelope are something totally different.

[Nagishkaw 510]

I was told if it's large enough to get 2 fingers in it, you better return it. If not, don't worry about it.

[KarimaG 2]

I was told if it's large enough to get 2 fingers in it, you better return it. If not, don't worry about it.

Looked large enough for 3!

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Don't worry about it. It's pretty much standard procedure. I've heard a variety of explanations for it. One is that the consulate can quickly verify the contents of the envelope without having to open it. Another is that they make the hole so that the envelope can be inspected by transportation security people without opening it. Finally, another is that the hole allows the corner of a paper to be stapled to the papers inside without opening the envelope. I have no idea whether any of these reasons are correct.

Anyway, there's nothing inside that envelope that's secret. It's all stuff that was submitted to either USCIS or the consulate. The only reason they seal the envelope is so that the documents inside can't be edited by the beneficiary.

[Darnell 8,478]

That cut is normal, relax !

[Isi 1]

I got the same kind of envelope and everything went fine at POE.

Just make sure your fiance is not curious enough to tear it, you guys will be fine!

[New Beginnings 32]

Had the same problem, freaked out about it and then heard back from the embassy that it was supposed to be that way.

Nothing to worry about!