What is the best way to organize everything for the interview?

[mugumogu 18]

I can't decide how to best organize everything for the interview. I want to see what other people are doing. My file keeps getting bigger and has outgrown the original organizers that I bought. Are binders pretty commonplace?

[mike42979 57]

I can't decide how to best organize everything for the interview. I want to see what other people are doing. My file keeps getting bigger and has outgrown the original organizers that I bought. Are binders pretty commonplace?

We are using accordion style folder with labels such as Financial for all tax docs/bank statements etc so if they ask for something we can find it right away.

[mugumogu 18]

We are using accordion style folder with labels such as Financial for all tax docs/bank statements etc so if they ask for something we can find it right away.

I have one of those too, but not everything fits in there. I guess I either need to get another one or figure something else out.

[Danielb4643 0]

I was just going to take a well labelled binder for quick access, have built up quite alot of paperwork though!

[rica30 0]

I am also using one of those accordion style folders, it's those plastic envelopes with dividers. All my documents fit, including my daughters, as we are both being petitioned.

[Pooh Pee 1]

I can't decide how to best organize everything for the interview. I want to see what other people are doing. My file keeps getting bigger and has outgrown the original organizers that I bought. Are binders pretty commonplace?

My fiancée’s interview is 2 days before yours.

I had started with a plastic accordion style document holder about a month ago. But it grew and grew where it was difficult to manage. Out of frustration, I decided to use a binder instead. I found a 3-ring binder at Staples. This binder has a shoulder strap, carrying handle and best of all, a zipper. This is very important because I don’t want anything to fall out. I bought colored plastic folders. They are double sided and come in a pack of 8 with tabs. I also bought a pack of paper dividers. This will separate the different groups of documents such as interview requested forms, supporting documents, my information and evidence like e-mails, photographs, receipts and so on.

I am not allowed at the interview. So, I want my fiancée to have everything available during the interview without fumbling through many documents. I suggest putting the interview items in the front such as your confirmation page, DS-156, DS-156K, passport, required photographs, etc.

Also, I allocated a folder space for each document needed. If I don’t have that document, then I place a Post-It sticker on that folder. That will remind me to get that document. This method has helped me a lot.

Whichever type you decide to use, I would recommend having it organized in a logical way.

Good luck.

[frostiana 12]

My fiancée’s interview is 2 days before yours.

I had started with a plastic accordion style document holder about a month ago. But it grew and grew where it was difficult to manage. Out of frustration, I decided to use a binder instead. I found a 3-ring binder at Staples. This binder has a shoulder strap, carrying handle and best of all, a zipper. This is very important because I don’t want anything to fall out. I bought colored plastic folders. They are double sided and come in a pack of 8 with tabs. I also bought a pack of paper dividers. This will separate the different groups of documents such as interview requested forms, supporting documents, my information and evidence like e-mails, photographs, receipts and so on.

I am not allowed at the interview. So, I want my fiancée to have everything available during the interview without fumbling through many documents. I suggest putting the interview items in the front such as your confirmation page, DS-156, DS-156K, passport, required photographs, etc.

Also, I allocated a folder space for each document needed. If I don’t have that document, then I place a Post-It sticker on that folder. That will remind me to get that document. This method has helped me a lot.

Whichever type you decide to use, I would recommend having it organized in a logical way.

Good luck.

Will metal on a binder set off their metal detectors at the consulate? I am using two accordian files: one with all the Requested documents for the interview, and copies of petition and packet 3 that I submitted; the second file has extra items I want to bring just in case such as photos, proof of relationship, extra copies of birth certificate, etc.

[baron555 934]

We are using accordion style folder with labels such as Financial for all tax docs/bank statements etc so if they ask for something we can find it right away.

Yep, that's what I sent and it worked well.

[Pooh Pee 1]

Your stuff will go through the X-Ray machine just like the airport. You will go through the metal detector.

Here is an excerpt from the the Cuidad de Juarez consulate.

http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/step4kvisa.html

•To enter the compound, all persons must go through an airport-security type of screening. Click to see the list of items that are prohibited in the Consulate. The Consulate does not provide lockers or storage bins for personal items. Any person refusing to comply with all security screening procedures will be denied entry into the compound.

I found these videos on YouTube. I think they are very useful. Please share them with everyone you know who is going to Juarez. There are English versions of these videos. Unfortunately, I haven't copied the links.

[Pooh Pee 1]

Here is the English version of the videos.

[mugumogu 18]

Well, our big, fat accordion-style folder managed to fit all the documents and evidence. I must have put 20 hours into putting it together and organizing it and they didn't even open it once at the interview! We got approved! Even though they didn't look at the file, it was still peace of mind knowing that we had all of the evidence that we did in case it was requested.

[daryl&lada 8]

We are using 2 of the plastic accordion style folders that came with about separate labels. It has a flap with an elastic band that holds it all together.

[EminTX 131]

We have binders also. They are close to identical. His has all the original documents (each with a Post-It Note that says "original"), copies of everything (each with a Post-It Note that says, "copia"-this way if they require either a copy or an original, he still has the other one and he can note on the Post-It Note what was taken and then stick it on the section folder), both are in the front section that is designated for the first application and all that was sent with it. A second section has information for the interview and medical exam including everything I could find with a translation, when available. There is another section with potential documents that may be requested, but according to many who have had their interveiws, were not always looked at--photos (with the location and date written on the back of each one) to accompany the entrance tickets/train tickets that goes with each one. (Example--ticket stubs to the zoo include a pic of us there, train tickets have a pic of us at that location, too). I have a section for future documents that will be needed--information on obtaining a SS#, driver's liscense, going through customs in the airport, etc. Because I am guessing that he will have to hurry up and wait, I have also included a map of our city, some general trivia information to read about Texas, and a few other "entertainment" items. The binder also has a zippered pencil pocket with a pack of chewing gum, some pens, additional Post-It Notes, and general note-bookish items.

The outside clear cover has a map of his country with pix of us together at each location on the map that we visited. (This is just to be schmarmy and to make it easier to identify the owner of the notebook if he gets seperated from it while there.) His name is down the long side of the binder.

My own contains copies of everything that is in his along with additional photo prints. The sections are the same.

I spent probably about 20$ each on them buy the supplies and prints of the photos and stuff. I then shipped his to him at a cost of 35$.

Note: We took a train trip together and they designated my nationality as Brazilian. I am not submitting that document!!!! Make sure that your information on your documents that were typed by some bored clerk is accurate.

[Tyeger87 10]

i prepared a binder for his interview with things organized by using section dividers and those clear plastic sheet protectors so he could pull stuff out quickly.

it was divided into three sections 1) I-129F - which had copies of our I-129F docs and the original evidence 2) Financial- the affidavits, paystubbs, co sponsor just in case they questioned my income etc. 3) Relationship - chats, call logs, photos etc.

In the very front were sections so he could put the documents he needed for his interview and the receipt for fee payment and extra passport photos.

I also labeled everything with a white label on the each sheet protector so that he knew what everything was and would not get confused looking for something. I knew he was going to be nervous so I mad sure everything was labeled so that he would feel better knowing where everything was and all.