I-129F - Question regarding originals vs. copies

[SparklePony 238]

Hi everyone,

We're starting to put together all the things needed for the I-129F Package and I stumbled on a little something. As per VJ's tips, the Petitioner should make two copies of the entire package to keep with himself, while sending to USCIS the original package containing originals of the forms (for the signatures) and copies of the supporting materials (for which the originals might be needed later down the road).

My question is on which category do the Letters Of Intent To Marry fall into? Meaning, do we send the originals or copies? It would seem to me that you should send the originals, but reading the RFE Master List thread, there have been cases of people having to re-send that as apparently the initial letters were lost by the services. In that case, sending copies would be a safeguard, no?

Thanks.

[janessa1217 1]

you should send the original letter of intent to marry,, that's what we did :-) goodluck

[Don and Venus 2]

Send the original. Make two originals in case one gets lost you'll save time submitting the 2nd one when you get an RFE. You will also have to submit another Letter of Intent to Marry when you get to the interview at the embassy.

[Al422 221]

Evidence forms (like birth certificates) can be copies, although I sent a certified copy of mine nust to be sure.

But for documents you generate for the petition, you want original ink signatures on all of them.

[geff44 30]

It is a good idea to have a duplicate copies of the docs you send USCIS but not required. The letter of intent to marry for both couple must be original. To avoid any RFE on it, make sure the letters do not look like photocopies.

[sandgoose 8]

Yeah send originals of all the signed forms and letter of intent. Other things like birth certificate, marriage certificate (later), etc. can be copied and sent. Just make copies of everything - especially things that you might get translated.

[SparklePony 238]

Thanks, everyone.

I did end up finding the question after searching through more of the guides and tips on VJ - it's just that there's sooooooo much to read and I thought I had combed through everything before asking. I'm sending two originals to my guy, one for him to send, and another for him to keep in his stuff, both dated and signed in blue ink.

Thanks again!