Best way to organize everything?

[Dolfishvisa 3]

Should I use a binder with plastic sheets? Or accordion file? Should each plastic sheet have one piece of paper in it, or can I collect multiple pieces of paper in one plastic sheet? Should the binder be three hole punch or no hole punch.... do these details matter??

[Ryan H 3,790]

10 minutes ago, Dolfishvisa said:

Should I use a binder with plastic sheets? Or accordion file? Should each plastic sheet have one piece of paper in it, or can I collect multiple pieces of paper in one plastic sheet? Should the binder be three hole punch or no hole punch.... do these details matter??

 

None of the above, just use binder clips.  Once the file arrives at USCIS, it will be disassembled and scanned, and ultimately reassembled to an adjudicator's liking.  Binders, plastic sheets, and accordion files will be unceremoniously discarded.

Edited May 11, 2019 by Ryan H

[Crazy Cat 39,218]

Agree 100% with @Ryan H.  

[Going through 5,668]

39 minutes ago, Ryan H said:

Once the file arrives at USCIS, it will be disassembled and scanned, and ultimately reassembled to an adjudicator's liking.  Binders, plastic sheets, and accordion files will be unceremoniously discarded.

Not to mention whomever is taking all that apart will be mentally cursing you while doing it LOL

[Going through 5,668]

In all seriousness---USCIS has filing tips in part reading:

 

• In preparing your packet, remember:
  • Do not use binders or folders that we cannot easily disassemble.
  • Use fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.
  • Sticky tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. For easy filing, place the tabs on the bottom of the page, not the side.
  • Do not use heavy-duty staples; instead use fasteners or heavy clips.
  • Do not submit originals unless specifically required. 
  • Do not submit oversized documentation unless it is necessary.
• If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or fasteners.

https://www.uscis.gov/forms-filing-tips

[Dolfishvisa 3]

So for all the different components of the visa, I should just clip them together with binder clips then put them in an envelope? Like a binder clip for the forms, a binder clip for the affidavits, a binder clip for the photo evidence, etc?? 

[Ryan H 3,790]

1 hour ago, Dolfishvisa said:

So for all the different components of the visa, I should just clip them together with binder clips then put them in an envelope? Like a binder clip for the forms, a binder clip for the affidavits, a binder clip for the photo evidence, etc?? 

 

Yes, then use one big binder clip to hold it all together.

[Bethany123 56]

17 hours ago, Dolfishvisa said:

Should I use a binder with plastic sheets? Or accordion file? Should each plastic sheet have one piece of paper in it, or can I collect multiple pieces of paper in one plastic sheet? Should the binder be three hole punch or no hole punch.... do these details matter??

For sending your i-130 packet, just paper clip it. Don't hole-punch, don't put it in a binder, don't staple. Organize the documents in the order you put them on your cover letter. 

 

For the interview, I put my binder together with divider folders and labeled tabs. I put original documents in sheet protectors, and hole-punched everything else. The details don't matter, though. When you go to your interview, they will ask you to hand over certain documents, so you'll have to take them out of the binder. Having it all organized, however, makes it much easier for you to take the papers out and put them back in when you're finished.
 

Edited May 12, 2019 by Bethany123