Front load the extra stuff at the early I-130 stage?

[flybird 0]

I and my wife are doing CR1 and we are at the initial stage preparing the initial I-130 package. I had understood that this initial stage does not request mountains of support documents such as communications, travel receipts, wedding pictures, etc. However, I have heard more lately that it is good and/or preferable to provide all of that up front at the start even though it is not requested. Do you agree? Why?

What are the cons and pros? Are there really significant benefits to it?

Do the US officials actually start working on the second stage based on the documents provided extra early in the first stage? On one hand, I would like to be proactive and early. On the other hand, maybe doing all those extra stuff will a few more weeks delay in getting the first package out.

Does it really matter one way or another?

[Panda Sky 5]

I and my wife are doing CR1 and we are at the initial stage preparing the initial I-130 package. I had understood that this initial stage does not request mountains of support documents such as communications, travel receipts, wedding pictures, etc. However, I have heard more lately that it is good and/or preferable to provide all of that up front at the start even though it is not requested. Do you agree? Why?

What are the cons and pros? Are there really significant benefits to it?

Do the US officials actually start working on the second stage based on the documents provided extra early in the first stage? On one hand, I would like to be proactive and early. On the other hand, maybe doing all those extra stuff will a few more weeks delay in getting the first package out.

Does it really matter one way or another?

It has been mentioned by others that front load is really important for some countries and not so much for others.

What country are you/your wife coming from?

If I were you, I would send in everything I have now with the I-130 and not wait extra weeks to gather the documents. And while I-130 is being process, I would get everything else to front load in addition to what is needed for the second step, NVC. Average wait is around 5-6 months between USCIS and NVC, so that should give you enough time.

[TBoneTX 43,515]

*** Thread moved from CR-1 Case Progress subforum to the Process forum. ***

[Persepolis 5]

I front loaded alot, I sent in about 150 pictures, copy of airline tickets, copy of foreign passport, pages of phone records, among other things.

I was going to send copies of text messages but then I decided against it because it would have been over 50 pages just for one month alone

Edited February 21, 2013 by Persepolis

[NikLR 13,220]

It's better to send evidence before the interview so with the I-130 or ds-230. This way the CO can look at it because they often make their decision before you show up and an interview may simply confirm or change that opinion. They do not have to look at anything you bring to an interview. Also you should supply evidence with the I-130 because the USCIS can deny a petition based off of lack of evidence but they normally RFE for it first.

[Darnell 8,478]

Two things to think about -

if you just married last month - you won't have a pile of bonafide marriage evidence. You'll have some, but not a pile.

If the casefile is headed to Guangzhou or Lagos, it makes sense to front-load the I-130 as these are high-fraud IV Units.

[flybird 0]

In response, the country is Thailand. (I am the original poster.)

How does that affect things?

Next question: although I read a book, I haven't double checked what is the nature of each of the next steps. Is there not a second step that is specifically dedicated to providing the 2nd load, I mean, a step in which they will get the 2nd load and are dedicated to looking at it systematically before everything else (the interview)? I know, I should read all of the the website first. Maybe you can send me some links.

[Rukie 1]

I can't speak for Thailand or anything, but as for my personal experience I only ever sent proof with the I-130. All I had were some pictures of us together over the years in different places, photocopies of my passport showing I had visited England every year, and an affidavit from my mother stating that she attended the wedding at that our relationship was genuine. I never sent any other proof, although my husband did take more things with him to his interview, which they never asked to see. His was a pretty easy interview though. I have heard that some are more taxing than others. I would just suggest that you gather whatever evidence you can and take it to the interview with you, in case they ask to see it. Best of luck.

[NikLR 13,220]

In response, the country is Thailand. (I am the original poster.)

How does that affect things?

Next question: although I read a book, I haven't double checked what is the nature of each of the next steps. Is there not a second step that is specifically dedicated to providing the 2nd load, I mean, a step in which they will get the 2nd load and are dedicated to looking at it systematically before everything else (the interview)? I know, I should read all of the the website first. Maybe you can send me some links.

Did you read what I wrote? You can send in evidence with the I-130 or with the DS-230 which is at the NVC stage.

[flybird 0]

Did you read what I wrote? You can send in evidence with the I-130 or with the DS-230 which is at the NVC stage.

Oh, right, had misunderstood but now I got it.

[NikLR 13,220]

LOL no worries.