why do i have to have a duplicate(s) of i-129f packet?

[educator_71 22]

Why do i need an extra packet and should i have mailed the duplicate with my original package? I only sent one packet off to the Dallas lockbox. i received my first NOA yesterday. This was just one week after i tracked that they received it.

[Megan & Luke 93]

Why do i need an extra packet and should i have mailed the duplicate with my original package? I only sent one packet off to the Dallas lockbox. i received my first NOA yesterday. This was just one week after i tracked that they received it.

It is a good idea to keep a copy of the I-129F packet for a few reasons. You did not need to mail a duplicate with your petition, you keep the duplicate copy for your records and/or to send with your fiance to the interview.

1. Once your fiance gets to the interview at the embassy stage it's suggested to bring a copy of the NOA1 packet to this interview. The consular officers should have this in your file, but not all consulates run the same way and some get misplaced.

2. If USCIS loses your file, which as far as I know is rare, you will know what you sent and in what order so you can file a complaint/request or file a new packet.

3. General security reasons.. something as important as a document that petitions the government to allow your fiance to move to this country should be right up there on the 'important documents' list - like bills, cancelled checks, bank statements, social security card, etc... There's never a bad reason to make a copy. You never know down the line if it will be requested.

For this entire process you want to keep everything you've submitted and make duplicate copies of it. For example, once you receive your NOA2 you will need to present it for your AOS filing when your fiance arrives and you marry. There's no telling at what point USCIS, NVC or the embassy may ask for any document you've received or submitted.

Edited March 22, 2015 by Megan & Luke

[Pitaya 2,577]

Welcome to the forum.

A duplicate of the original contents of your petition may be useful in the unlikely event that the original is lost......

Edited March 22, 2015 by A&B

[educator_71 22]

Thanks for the information.

[Dashinka 24,591]

I actually made three duplicate packages. I sent one to my fiancé so she had all the same information when it came down to the interview, and I pilfered the others for the AOS package and AOS interview list. That may have been excessive, but it is a very good idea to keep copies for later use.

Good Luck!