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magdasal

Another pedantic I-130 question

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I really need to chill about putting this package together...however, couple of trivial (or maybe not) questions.

1) Do I have to include original witness affidavits attesting to the relationship or can I send copies? I'm afraid USCIS will lose them or something and then I'll just be left with copies. But if they need the originals, that's what I'll send.

2) How did you experienced folks organizing your I-130 package? I've got several sections of evidence compiled, but it seems I should staple them together in separate sections so it doesn't get all scattered when USCIS starts ruffling through it. Did you I-130 veterans use staples or paper clips to hold related stuff together? Or did you just stack it all up and put it in the big envelope loose?

Sorry, if these seem like dumb questions. I've gone over this stuff 200 times and I still keep thinking of things and finding things to fix. This stuff puts filing taxes to shame.

ROC

06/15/2013 - I-751 Sent

06/19/2013 - NOA 1

07/17/2013 - Biometrics

08/19/2013 - Case transferred from VSC to CSC

09/17/2013 - Approved!

09/23/2013 - Received approval notice.

10/09/2013 - Card received. Fini!

N400

12/18/2017 - N400 submitted

12/19/2017 - NOA

01/09/2018 - Biometrics

04/10/2018 - Interview

04/27/2018 - Oath

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Egypt
Timeline

I really need to chill about putting this package together...however, couple of trivial (or maybe not) questions.

1) Do I have to include original witness affidavits attesting to the relationship or can I send copies? I'm afraid USCIS will lose them or something and then I'll just be left with copies. But if they need the originals, that's what I'll send.

2) How did you experienced folks organizing your I-130 package? I've got several sections of evidence compiled, but it seems I should staple them together in separate sections so it doesn't get all scattered when USCIS starts ruffling through it. Did you I-130 veterans use staples or paper clips to hold related stuff together? Or did you just stack it all up and put it in the big envelope loose?

Sorry, if these seem like dumb questions. I've gone over this stuff 200 times and I still keep thinking of things and finding things to fix. This stuff puts filing taxes to shame.

Hello

First USCIS wants the ORIGINALS of the affidavits of course not copies

Second you can staple them no problem and keep the evidence organized and preferably make a notice on each stack of papers Reflecting whats in it,

For example ( Photos of our wedding ), etc, to make it easy for the officer to review your petition.

Good luck

Find a job you love to do, and you will never work another day in your life.

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline

I don't think it is a good idea to staple anything. I would use paper clips trip instead.

IR-1/CR-1 Visa

Service Center: California Service Center

Consulate: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I-130 Sent: 2010-04-02

I-130 NOA1: 2010-04-13

I-130 RFE: 2010-10-04

I-130 RFE Sent: 2010-10-08

I-130 Approved: 2010-10-25

NVC Received: 2010-10-29

Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill: 2010-11-09

Pay I-864 Bill: 2010-11-10

Receive I-864 Package:

Return Completed I-864: 2010-11-18

Return Completed DS-3032: 2010-11-22

Receive IV Bill: 2010-12-02

Pay IV Bill: 2010-12-03

Receive Instruction Package: 2010-12-28

Case Completed at NVC: 2011-01-11

Visa Received : 2011-04-30

Thank Visajourney! Couldn't have done without you guys!!!!!!

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Hello

First USCIS wants the ORIGINALS of the affidavits of course not copies

Second you can staple them no problem and keep the evidence organized and preferably make a notice on each stack of papers Reflecting whats in it,

For example ( Photos of our wedding ), etc, to make it easy for the officer to review your petition.

Good luck

Great info. Thanks!

ROC

06/15/2013 - I-751 Sent

06/19/2013 - NOA 1

07/17/2013 - Biometrics

08/19/2013 - Case transferred from VSC to CSC

09/17/2013 - Approved!

09/23/2013 - Received approval notice.

10/09/2013 - Card received. Fini!

N400

12/18/2017 - N400 submitted

12/19/2017 - NOA

01/09/2018 - Biometrics

04/10/2018 - Interview

04/27/2018 - Oath

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Nigeria
Timeline

I really need to chill about putting this package together...however, couple of trivial (or maybe not) questions.

1) Do I have to include original witness affidavits attesting to the relationship or can I send copies? I'm afraid USCIS will lose them or something and then I'll just be left with copies. But if they need the originals, that's what I'll send.

2) How did you experienced folks organizing your I-130 package? I've got several sections of evidence compiled, but it seems I should staple them together in separate sections so it doesn't get all scattered when USCIS starts ruffling through it. Did you I-130 veterans use staples or paper clips to hold related stuff together? Or did you just stack it all up and put it in the big envelope loose?

Sorry, if these seem like dumb questions. I've gone over this stuff 200 times and I still keep thinking of things and finding things to fix. This stuff puts filing taxes to shame.

1. Unfortunately I sent my original affidavits, thinking that the notary seal had to be original :angry: , but I believe supporting evidence only have to be copies. See the Guide for CR-1/IR-1 here: CR-1/IR-1 Guide

2. No staples. Use binder clips or ACCO fastners. I also put tabs at the BOTTOM and labeled each section (tabs of course were on blank page separators).

I am sure more experienced members can give you more information.

Best wishes on your journey.

Edited by Aya820

Toni

 

07/17/2008.......WEDDING DAY!!!!
USCIS STAGE (for me):
06/09/2010.......SENT I-130 TO USCIS
06/15/2010.......NOA1 & RECEIPT DATE (CSC)
11/03/2010.......NOA2 Email received-APPROVED!!-141 days

NVC STAGE (for him):
11/08/2010.......NVC Case # Assigned
11/19/2010.......DS-3032 received via email
07/02/2011.......IV (DS-230) Package mailed//NVC Received-7/5/2011
07/14/2011........CASE COMPLETE!!!
07/15/2011........SIF!!!

EMBASSY STAGE (for us):
8/23/2011.........Medical-Part 1
8/24/2011.........Medical-Part 2(Completed!)
9/12/2011.........INTERVIEW @ 10:00AM - APPROVED!! (IR-1 Visa)

POE: DECEMBER 3rd, Washington, D.C. (IAD)!!!

1/10/2012........Green Card in Hand!
02/07/2012........Rec'd. Social Security Card

Naturalization Journey:

09-27-2016................Mailed N-400

11-03-2016................Biometrics

Notified 2/13/2017........2-8-2017.....Case Is In Line For An Interview

3/23/2017 @ 9AM......Interview

4/13/2017...................OATH CEREMONY!!

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Egypt
Timeline

I sent my originals too

I searched the forum and i found a similar thread that could help and has lots of people's opinions about this matter

Check it out http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/259226-sworn-affidavits-for-i-751/

Good luck

Find a job you love to do, and you will never work another day in your life.

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Thank you all. Looks like a 50/50 split on whether to send original or copies of affidavits, though the guidelines do seem to indicate that all supporting docs can be copies.

1. Unfortunately I sent my original affidavits, thinking that the notary seal had to be original :angry: , but I believe supporting evidence only have to be copies. See the Guide for CR-1/IR-1 here: CR-1/IR-1 Guide

2. No staples. Use binder clips or ACCO fastners. I also put tabs at the BOTTOM and labeled each section (tabs of course were on blank page separators).

I am sure more experienced members can give you more information.

Best wishes on your journey.

I'm really liking the binder clip idea. Very simple to do, but they can easily remove them if they want to.

I don't think it is a good idea to staple anything. I would use paper clips trip instead.

I agree. I'm leaning toward binder clips now. Some of these sections in my evidence (phone logs) are too thick to staple anyway.

ROC

06/15/2013 - I-751 Sent

06/19/2013 - NOA 1

07/17/2013 - Biometrics

08/19/2013 - Case transferred from VSC to CSC

09/17/2013 - Approved!

09/23/2013 - Received approval notice.

10/09/2013 - Card received. Fini!

N400

12/18/2017 - N400 submitted

12/19/2017 - NOA

01/09/2018 - Biometrics

04/10/2018 - Interview

04/27/2018 - Oath

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Nigeria
Timeline

Thank you all. Looks like a 50/50 split on whether to send original or copies of affidavits, though the guidelines do seem to indicate that all supporting docs can be copies.

I'm really liking the binder clip idea. Very simple to do, but they can easily remove them if they want to.

I agree. I'm leaning toward binder clips now. Some of these sections in my evidence (phone logs) are too thick to staple anyway.

Yep, I used the biggest I could find because like you the logs were really thick, and I also didn't like the idea of 2 hole punching for the ACCO fastners. Sometimes, in my experience anyway, when you 2 hole punch it punches through whatever writing is at the top of the document.

Toni

 

07/17/2008.......WEDDING DAY!!!!
USCIS STAGE (for me):
06/09/2010.......SENT I-130 TO USCIS
06/15/2010.......NOA1 & RECEIPT DATE (CSC)
11/03/2010.......NOA2 Email received-APPROVED!!-141 days

NVC STAGE (for him):
11/08/2010.......NVC Case # Assigned
11/19/2010.......DS-3032 received via email
07/02/2011.......IV (DS-230) Package mailed//NVC Received-7/5/2011
07/14/2011........CASE COMPLETE!!!
07/15/2011........SIF!!!

EMBASSY STAGE (for us):
8/23/2011.........Medical-Part 1
8/24/2011.........Medical-Part 2(Completed!)
9/12/2011.........INTERVIEW @ 10:00AM - APPROVED!! (IR-1 Visa)

POE: DECEMBER 3rd, Washington, D.C. (IAD)!!!

1/10/2012........Green Card in Hand!
02/07/2012........Rec'd. Social Security Card

Naturalization Journey:

09-27-2016................Mailed N-400

11-03-2016................Biometrics

Notified 2/13/2017........2-8-2017.....Case Is In Line For An Interview

3/23/2017 @ 9AM......Interview

4/13/2017...................OATH CEREMONY!!

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I kept much of the continued relationship documentation for the interview itself.

Just need to prove that she is a valid candidate for a visa at this point.

This is what my cover letter looked like,, and no RFEs.

+++

DATE:04/07/2009

NATURE OF THE SUBMISSION: I-130 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Dear USCIS,

Enclosed please find form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and the supporting documents.

The petition is filed by a United States Citizen (USC) on behalf of my spouse a citizen of

the Philippines.

PETITIONER:

{My Info here}

BENEFICIARY:

{Her Info here}

□ Check

□ I-130 petition filed by USC, petitioner on behalf of ALIEN, beneficiary

□ I-130 addendum (additional information in support of I-130)

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of USC

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of ALIEN

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy from church – much clearer)

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy of the registered marriage license from the local register)

□ G-325a Completed by USC

□ G-325a Completed by USC - Addendum

□ Passport type picture of USC

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN - Addendum

□ Passport type Picture of ALIEN

□ Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Note: Married on 3/21/09)

o Selection of Pictures that document relationship, wedding and marriage

o Affidavit

Thank you,

{my name here}

+++

Regards,

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline

I-130 instructions state:

[Copies.

If these instructions state that a copy of a document may be filed with this petition, submit a copy. If you choose to send the original, USCIS may keep that original for our records. If USCIS requires the original, it will be requested.

We did send the originals of our affidavits, however, and never did receive them back. Luckily we did not need them at any other stage in the process.

Good luck!

Edited by OBX

USCIS

NOA1 08/19/08

NOA2 01/20/09

NVC

Received 01/26/09

Completed 02/13/09 (19 Days)

Interview Assigned 03/27/09 (6 weeks after NVC completion)

Medical

04/14/09 (Toronto)

Interview

Montreal 05/12/09 (88 days after NVC completion) **APPROVED**

POE

06/16/09 Buffalo

07/02/09 Welcome Letter Received

07/07/09 Applied for SSN

07/10/09 "Card production ordered" email received

07/13/09 SSN received

07/14/09 "Approval notice sent" email received

07/17/09 GREEN CARD received

Removal of Conditions

03/21/11 I-751 mailed to VSC

03/23/11 I-751 received at VSC

03/29/11 Cheque Cashed

03/30/11 NOA1 received (3/24/11)

04/11/11 Biometrics appointment notice received

05/05/11 Biometric appointment

12/13/11 **Approval date** (5 days short of 9 months!)

12/19/11 Approval letter and green card received

Naturalization

05/16/2019 Filed online (estimated completion February 2020)

05/18/2019 Biometrics scheduled

05/21/2019 Receipt notice and biometrics notices posted to online account.05/23/2019 Hard copy of NOA1 received

05/24/2019 Hard copy of biometrics appointment received

06/07/2019 Biometrics appointment (estimated completion January 2020)

12/31/2019 Email received "Interview scheduled"

01/01/2020 Interview date notice posted to online account (02/19/2020)

01/05/2019 Hard copy of interview appointment received

02/19/2020 Interview (**Approved**) and same day Oath Ceremony. 

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I kept much of the continued relationship documentation for the interview itself.

Just need to prove that she is a valid candidate for a visa at this point.

This is what my cover letter looked like,, and no RFEs.

+++

DATE:04/07/2009

NATURE OF THE SUBMISSION: I-130 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Dear USCIS,

Enclosed please find form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and the supporting documents.

The petition is filed by a United States Citizen (USC) on behalf of my spouse a citizen of

the Philippines.

PETITIONER:

{My Info here}

BENEFICIARY:

{Her Info here}

□ Check

□ I-130 petition filed by USC, petitioner on behalf of ALIEN, beneficiary

□ I-130 addendum (additional information in support of I-130)

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of USC

□ Copy of Birth Certificate of ALIEN

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy from church – much clearer)

□ Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy of the registered marriage license from the local register)

□ G-325a Completed by USC

□ G-325a Completed by USC - Addendum

□ Passport type picture of USC

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN

□ G-325a Completed by ALIEN - Addendum

□ Passport type Picture of ALIEN

□ Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Note: Married on 3/21/09)

o Selection of Pictures that document relationship, wedding and marriage

o Affidavit

Thank you,

{my name here}

+++

Regards,

Great example cover letter! Thank you for posting this.

ROC

06/15/2013 - I-751 Sent

06/19/2013 - NOA 1

07/17/2013 - Biometrics

08/19/2013 - Case transferred from VSC to CSC

09/17/2013 - Approved!

09/23/2013 - Received approval notice.

10/09/2013 - Card received. Fini!

N400

12/18/2017 - N400 submitted

12/19/2017 - NOA

01/09/2018 - Biometrics

04/10/2018 - Interview

04/27/2018 - Oath

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I-130 instructions state:

[Copies.

If these instructions state that a copy of a document may be filed with this petition, submit a copy. If you choose to send the original, USCIS may keep that original for our records. If USCIS requires the original, it will be requested.

We did send the originals of our affidavits, however, and never did receive them back. Luckily we did not need them at any other stage in the process.

Good luck!

That bolded part basically sounds like an RFE. If they decide they need the originals, they will send you an RFE to request them. But an RFE is up to an 8 week penalty in processing. More reason to send the originals and keep copies, I think. But, now that I think about it...if I send originals and one copy each, maybe they'll keep the copies for their files and send the originals along. Either way, I've got copies, both alone and as part of the total package copies I'll be making.

Edited by magdasal

ROC

06/15/2013 - I-751 Sent

06/19/2013 - NOA 1

07/17/2013 - Biometrics

08/19/2013 - Case transferred from VSC to CSC

09/17/2013 - Approved!

09/23/2013 - Received approval notice.

10/09/2013 - Card received. Fini!

N400

12/18/2017 - N400 submitted

12/19/2017 - NOA

01/09/2018 - Biometrics

04/10/2018 - Interview

04/27/2018 - Oath

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline

That bolded part basically sounds like an RFE. If they decide they need the originals, they will send you an RFE to request them. But an RFE is up to an 8 week penalty in processing. More reason to send the originals and keep copies, I think. But, now that I think about it...if I send originals and one copy each, maybe they'll keep the copies for their files and send the originals along. Either way, I've got copies, both alone and as part of the total package copies I'll be making.

I interpreted that to mean they would indicate in the I-130 instructions that the originals were required, but I do see your point. It makes your head spin trying to interpret what USIC really wants. :)

USCIS

NOA1 08/19/08

NOA2 01/20/09

NVC

Received 01/26/09

Completed 02/13/09 (19 Days)

Interview Assigned 03/27/09 (6 weeks after NVC completion)

Medical

04/14/09 (Toronto)

Interview

Montreal 05/12/09 (88 days after NVC completion) **APPROVED**

POE

06/16/09 Buffalo

07/02/09 Welcome Letter Received

07/07/09 Applied for SSN

07/10/09 "Card production ordered" email received

07/13/09 SSN received

07/14/09 "Approval notice sent" email received

07/17/09 GREEN CARD received

Removal of Conditions

03/21/11 I-751 mailed to VSC

03/23/11 I-751 received at VSC

03/29/11 Cheque Cashed

03/30/11 NOA1 received (3/24/11)

04/11/11 Biometrics appointment notice received

05/05/11 Biometric appointment

12/13/11 **Approval date** (5 days short of 9 months!)

12/19/11 Approval letter and green card received

Naturalization

05/16/2019 Filed online (estimated completion February 2020)

05/18/2019 Biometrics scheduled

05/21/2019 Receipt notice and biometrics notices posted to online account.05/23/2019 Hard copy of NOA1 received

05/24/2019 Hard copy of biometrics appointment received

06/07/2019 Biometrics appointment (estimated completion January 2020)

12/31/2019 Email received "Interview scheduled"

01/01/2020 Interview date notice posted to online account (02/19/2020)

01/05/2019 Hard copy of interview appointment received

02/19/2020 Interview (**Approved**) and same day Oath Ceremony. 

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Filed: IR-5 Country: India
Timeline

That bolded part basically sounds like an RFE. If they decide they need the originals, they will send you an RFE to request them. But an RFE is up to an 8 week penalty in processing. More reason to send the originals and keep copies, I think. But, now that I think about it...if I send originals and one copy each, maybe they'll keep the copies for their files and send the originals along. Either way, I've got copies, both alone and as part of the total package copies I'll be making.

What OBX told is correct. You will need originals in NVC stage. So, if you have multiple originals of the same, it is ok.

Otherwise, IMO I wouldn't recommend to send the originals to the USCIS unless they requested. USCIS may not send back the originals, IMO.

Loto

CSC - I-130 for Parents (IR5)

10/11/2011 - Sent to Chicago Lockbox

10/13/2011 - Delivered at Chicago Lockbox

10/17/2011 - Email received with Receipt#, Routed to CSC

10/18/2011 - Cleared the checks $420*2

10/21/2011 - Received NOA1

03/30/2012 - Received NOA2

NVC

04/19/2012 - NVC received

05/01/2012 - Case# generated

05/02/2012 - DS-3032 COA emailed

05/02/2012 - I-864 AOS Fee $88 paid

05/05/2012 - I-864 AOS package mailed to NVC

05/07/2012 - I-864 AOS package received by NVC

05/07/2012 - DS-3032 COA accepted

05/08/2012 - DS-230 IV Fee $230*2 paid

05/09/2012 - DS-230 IV package mailed to NVC

05/11/2012 - DS-230 IV package received by NVC

05/17/2012 - Case Completed

Consulate

07/02/2012 - VFS visit in Cochin

07/04/2012 - Medical in Chennai

07/12/2012 - Interview in Mumbai - Success!

09/08/2012 - POE at JFK, NY

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I interpreted that to mean they would indicate in the I-130 instructions that the originals were required, but I do see your point. It makes your head spin trying to interpret what USIC really wants. :)

Hahahaha, no kidding. It's like dealing with a mutant hybrid of the IRS, the local DMV and The Ministry of Silly Walks. At some point I just have to send this thing in. I've changed so many things on my I-130 back and forth now based on peoples reported experiences (and I thank all of them for it), that I've probably killed a forest reprinting my package with the changes I've made...only to read that somebody had success with doing the exact opposite way I just changed my form to read. It's not our fault...this stuff is vague and often counter intuitive to lay people like us. It's maddening. I'm within a few days of just saying "to hell with it, I'm sending what I have".

ROC

06/15/2013 - I-751 Sent

06/19/2013 - NOA 1

07/17/2013 - Biometrics

08/19/2013 - Case transferred from VSC to CSC

09/17/2013 - Approved!

09/23/2013 - Received approval notice.

10/09/2013 - Card received. Fini!

N400

12/18/2017 - N400 submitted

12/19/2017 - NOA

01/09/2018 - Biometrics

04/10/2018 - Interview

04/27/2018 - Oath

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