Organizing Documents

[PlusUltra 8]

Hi VJers!

This might seem such a silly question, but I believe this would benefit everybody especially those who want everything NEAT and TIDY! Almost everyone of you have already passed the stage of gathering documents (heaps of documents) needed for the petitions and I know that it won't stop there as you still need heaps of docs when you reach the US and file for whatever it is before you could be considered a USC.

1. Do you prefer the use of clearbooks for document organization?

2. Which is better? Separate folders?

3. If you could share your images with your organizing tips, that would be fantastic!

Help us out please!

[Moustafa/Crystal 65]

I have put everything into a giant three ring binder use the plastic page protectors. Then I keep a copy or two with the original in the same plastic page protector. I have tabs labeling the various documents and sections.

[VOL 425]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/assembly

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

I have a file folder that I keep all the relevant information that is needed for anything. That means birth certificates, rent & bank info, and anything to do with my wife's immigration paperwork.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/assembly

I think you missed the basis of her request. She is asking what do or did others keep their documents, forms and notes organized. What was their system.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hi VJers!

This might seem such a silly question, but I believe this would benefit everybody especially those who want everything NEAT and TIDY! Almost everyone of you have already passed the stage of gathering documents (heaps of documents) needed for the petitions and I know that it won't stop there as you still need heaps of docs when you reach the US and file for whatever it is before you could be considered a USC.

1. Do you prefer the use of clearbooks for document organization?

2. Which is better? Separate folders?

3. If you could share your images with your organizing tips, that would be fantastic!

Help us out please!

For the I-129F petition process at USCIS, simply stack all your documents together then use one of those industrial size clips to hold them all together. Don't bother with binders, sleeves or anything else as USCIS will pull everything apart and place the documents in their folder in the order they want it arranged.

For the interview at USEM the clear plastic sleeves are handy to organize everything, but make sure you can easily remove the documents from the sleeve for passing through the small opening in the window.

[rnab32 19]

Did you all staple the corresponding pages of the forms (i.e. I-129F with attachment) together?

Edited April 4, 2015 by rnab32

[Hank_ 9,174]

Did you all staple the corresponding pages of the forms (i.e. I-129F with attachment) together?

NO staples, paper clips only.

[rnab32 19]

NO staples, paper clips only.

Thanks Hank!

NO staples, paper clips only.

Thanks Hank!

[Al422 221]

THere is no specific requrement for neat and tidy, but nobody has said anything to convince me that throwing a sloppy mess at them, despite being perfectly legal, is a good idea.

One thing they definitely do not want is holes punched in the papers, os buy the binder that does not require them.

I used tabs to divide the documents into categories and added a cover letter on top.

From what I uinderstand, USCIS is going to toss your binder and organize the documents into their own binder. But why make it hard for them? To save $5? Send it pre-organized, and that will make it easier for them and less likely they will make mistakes.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

This page from USCIS outlines what they are looking for in assembling your documents for submittal.

http://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-and-fees/general-tips-assembling-applications-mailing

My wife used a legal size binder with clear plastic pages. She organized in such a way that she could quickly get to those documents that were used frequently.