How to assemble forms and who to make checks payable to?

[kpacitto 0]

Quickie questions here:

Do I make both checks payable for the i130 and the i485 payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?

And lastly, when I assemble all the forms into the envelope for mailing, should I staple the individual forms together, or use paper clip, and should I cip the checks and g1145 to the front of each form? And as I understand we need to include passport sized photos for us both in ziplock bags. Must all of these forms be in any particular order? I can't seem to find the answer to these questions on the USCIS website.

Thanks!

Also, I get child support. Do I include prrof of that payment in the same envelope with our apps, or should I just bring to the interview?

and medical exam papers should also go with the apps, yes?

[kpacitto 0]

And, what is the deal with the EFT when paying by check? does that just refer to personal checks? I was going to get cashiers checks, so the money is not actually in our acct.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Most of the answers are in the form instructions themselves. Looking them over again will help you avoid any other issues.

I will say that you should not use staples (clips are fine) because they are going to undo whatever you do and redo it their own way.

You only need one G-1145.

If you are using your child support to qualify as the sponsor for I-864, then yes, you must include proof of that and proof of your other income.

I would pay by personal check so you know when they cash it, but either way is fine.

[kpacitto 0]

Thank you that is helpful. I did find the payment info in the form instructions. I think my eyes are just crossing from spending so long filling these forms out and trying to make sure I'm not missing anything.

I appreciate the help!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

It says who to make the check out to exactly in the instructions, I swear Take another look?

[DandT14 272]

I would discourage using cashiers checks, and go with personal checks, like Harpa said. You can see when personal checks are cashed, which is a plus. But also, using cashier checks only really benefits the payee, not you. If those get lost, it will be pain to get them canceled and get your money back. If personal checks are used, then you get to hold on to your money until they are cashed. If they get lost, you just stop payment and write new checks. I really see no benefit to using cashiers checks or money orders.

(It's not that I think there's a huge chance that any of these things will get lost. But I don't like to risk my money. To me, cashiers checks and money orders are risky, and there's just no reason to do it.)