just curious what the purpose of copying the package is

[sojourner99 0]

I keep seeing everyone say to "make a copy" of your entire package before sending it in. I am actually wondering why. I understand for the check for the fee, but for everything else I am sending in including the passport copy and pictures etc., I have them all electronically scanned or in .pdf or word and can just print out again and sign if they lose for some reason.

So am just wondering are you all making copies of your final package because you don't have it all electronically and simply want a backup? Or has there been some other reason like a killer RFE or claim from USCIS that you didn't sign something where having an actual photocopy of what you sent in has been critical, versus me just printing it out again?

Thanks in advance.

Edited July 29, 2012 by sojourner99

[Que Saudade 284]

as long as you can recreate it quickly. It is not unheard of for a package to get "lost".

[Thomas and Kristi 17]

...or certain documents either.

[Dave&Roza 748]

I keep seeing everyone say to "make a copy" of your entire package before sending it in. I am actually wondering why. I understand for the check for the fee, but for everything else I am sending in including the passport copy and pictures etc., I have them all electronically scanned or in .pdf or word and can just print out again and sign if they lose for some reason.

So am just wondering are you all making copies of your final package because you don't have it all electronically and simply want a backup? Or has there been some other reason like a killer RFE or claim from USCIS that you didn't sign something where having an actual photocopy of what you sent in has been critical, versus me just printing it out again?

Thanks in advance.

I too have an electronic copy of everything and can print it out, sign the forms and re-submitt. This is a CYA just encase the package gets lost and USCIS requests something you already sent in. In this day and age a "copy" can mean a paper copy of every page or a scanned version that can be printed at will. I prefer the electronic copy that I can print at will and look at anytime I want to.

You have what is suggest which is another version of the material sent to the USCIS.

Good Luck,

Dave

[canadian_wife 1,831]

If you get an RFE you can see exactly what was sent so you can fix it before the hardcopy letter arrives

If the beneficiary travels it is good to bring a copy to show that it has been filed

Good luck

[dwheels76 5,484]

Also many of us make a copy for us to keep and a copy for our SO's so they know exactly what was submitted and go over for interview. It's just a good backup. I have mine all in 3 ring biinder and labled for my husband and will send off to him. The other copy is tucked away. You never know.

[TnJ 131]

Also many of us make a copy for us to keep and a copy for our SO's so they know exactly what was submitted and go over for interview. It's just a good backup. I have mine all in 3 ring biinder and labled for my husband and will send off to him. The other copy is tucked away. You never know.

:thumbs: This is the importance of it. It is good to have an electronic copy. I have an electronic copy sorted in a folder exactly in the order that I organized the petition. Being able to make another hard copy is crucial if it does get lost/destroyed in route. Having a copy, electronic or not, is also for being prepared for your interview. Your SO needs to know all contents of the petition. The CO will have studied your petition. Your fiance/e should do the same if he/she wants to be prepared for the interview. The CO could ask any question in regard to the ton of information inside that petition.

[Moomin 292]

I keep seeing everyone say to "make a copy" of your entire package before sending it in. I am actually wondering why. I understand for the check for the fee, but for everything else I am sending in including the passport copy and pictures etc., I have them all electronically scanned or in .pdf or word and can just print out again and sign if they lose for some reason.

So am just wondering are you all making copies of your final package because you don't have it all electronically and simply want a backup? Or has there been some other reason like a killer RFE or claim from USCIS that you didn't sign something where having an actual photocopy of what you sent in has been critical, versus me just printing it out again?

Thanks in advance.

Scan the entire packet, keep it safe, eg. on a locked usb pen/flash key. No need to have a printed copy of entire packet unless it's required that you bring it with you to the interview. My husband scanned the packet to me and send it through an encrypted connection. I printed it for the interview. He only sent the originals(i-134 and so on) through snail mail.

The reason why it's good to have a backup is you know exactly what you've submitted to USCIS. I admit, it's a bunch easier for me to just look over the g325A and see my employment history rather than searching for all my employment contracts all over.. again. If you ever loose NOA2 it's way easier to just access your usb pen and print one out - or any other document. And you will need NOA2 later on for AOS.