About to submit my I-129f.. some last minute questions

[FattieBanton 35]

1. I am in Virginia so I believe i'm supposed to send to the Texas Service Center. Has anyone sent one recently... like this week? Do you know about the new address?

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/texas-service-center-moving-new-address-june-26

 

2. Anything that does not apply to me on the I-129f, i have left blank. Should I write in pen "N/A" or just leave it blank? The online form doesn't allow you to use the "/"

 

I think those are actually my main questions. I've compiled my documents in a binder, with dividers for each section (payment, notification, passport photos, form 129f, explanation of how we met, statements of intent to marry, proof of meeting in the past two years [photos and passport stamps, and a birth certificate we were issued by the US Embassy for our child], proof of ongoing relationship [long list of money transfers i've been sending since i came to the US for school fees and maintenance and stuff]).

 

I have separated every page of every form and put them in individual paper protectors (the transparent thingies), which are then grouped into sections. So for example, the form 129f is in 13 different sheet protectors, and in between two manila dividers.

 

I had started filing the 129f before covid started... then covid19 happened and i had to put it on hold. The reason is that in April the US Embassy organized an evacuation of Citizens stuck in Kenya (there were no flights) and my beneficiary, being the mother of my two US Citizen children, was granted a Visitor's visa to escort them to the United states. So now we're all here. Now i'm just worried she'll have to go back before 129f is sorted.

[xxlian 100]

Please do NOT send your petition to the Texas Service Center. It goes to the Texas lockbox. It's a different address.

 

[ThomasNC1988 762]

Take them out of the sheet protectors and follow the instructions. 

 

https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf?download=1

 

Quote

Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f

 

Quote

File Form I-129F at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility:
 

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-129F
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

 

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

 

Quote

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.
• Send single-sided copies of your supporting documentation.

 

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

17 minutes ago, FattieBanton said:

1. I am in Virginia so I believe i'm supposed to send to the Texas Service Center. Has anyone sent one recently... like this week? Do you know about the new address?

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/texas-service-center-moving-new-address-june-26

 

2. Anything that does not apply to me on the I-129f, i have left blank. Should I write in pen "N/A" or just leave it blank? The online form doesn't allow you to use the "/"

 

I think those are actually my main questions. I've compiled my documents in a binder, with dividers for each section (payment, notification, passport photos, form 129f, explanation of how we met, statements of intent to marry, proof of meeting in the past two years [photos and passport stamps, and a birth certificate we were issued by the US Embassy for our child], proof of ongoing relationship [long list of money transfers i've been sending since i came to the US for school fees and maintenance and stuff]).

 

I have separated every page of every form and put them in individual paper protectors (the transparent thingies), which are then grouped into sections. So for example, the form 129f is in 13 different sheet protectors, and in between two manila dividers.

 

I had started filing the 129f before covid started... then covid19 happened and i had to put it on hold. The reason is that in April the US Embassy organized an evacuation of Citizens stuck in Kenya (there were no flights) and my beneficiary, being the mother of my two US Citizen children, was granted a Visitor's visa to escort them to the United states. So now we're all here. Now i'm just worried she'll have to go back before 129f is sorted.

Please please please follow the directions on the official site. Handwrite N/A- or None depending on the question. Please don't include a binder; I wouldn't be surprised if they mailed you it back. It clearly states how to submit it- it may look neat and organized to you but it is a pain in the you know what for them; they aren't organizing your file on a book shelf. They are scanning page by page your documents. The above poster noted the form filing guidelines link; please review.

 

I definitely think your intention is good but it is a nightmare for them   You are more than welcome to keep your copy that way so its nicely organized for yourself and fiancé. (If you haven't made a copy of the entire packet you are sending- please do for yourself) 

 

Your fiancé will have to go back when her visa expires or when her medical/interview occur; whichever come first. May I ask since your fiance is now here and pending she doesn't have ties to close up back home why you don't marry and adjust status? It seems to make a LOT more sense since her intention was to never AOS, she will have to be separated from her kids (or take them back with her) and a million other reasons I can think of. Maybe want to think of that before you spend $$ on the I129F

Edited June 30, 2020 by Luckycuds

[FattieBanton 35]

Oh man... thank you all for your advice. I think i made the mistake of watching too many youtube videos and most of them use super-organized binders. But you're right, they're visually appealing, but not practical for someone in an office trying to sort through hundreds of applications.

[FattieBanton 35]

How did you guys go about physically presenting the application?

 

Just stack the pages one on top of the other and hold them together with binder clips?

[ThomasNC1988 762]

40 minutes ago, FattieBanton said:

How did you guys go about physically presenting the application?

 

Just stack the pages one on top of the other and hold them together with binder clips?

That is the ticket. Most put a little table of contents at the front and then just a nice stack. I put my entire package into one sheet protector to protect from possible moisture but not necessary. The main thing to remember is they are going to take it all apart and put it in their files which are the kind that use 2 prongs at the top and you want to make it as easy for them as possible.

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

46 minutes ago, FattieBanton said:

How did you guys go about physically presenting the application?

 

Just stack the pages one on top of the other and hold them together with binder clips?

Yes! 
Some people put sticky notes on the bottom as tabs but we did not. 
 

If you don’t have a cover letter I would suggest one- it explains what you are applying for and lists the documents in order of your packet. And helps it look more professional 🙂

Edited June 30, 2020 by Luckycuds

[FattieBanton 35]

i have a cover letter and had each section numbered, then i had manila dividers with the colored tabs and printed out labels with each section number and brief description. but i guess that part won't be necessary now. i'll just have the cover letter, and then each document flowing after that. i think what i'll do is maybe paper clip each section (like the 13 page 129 form), then put them all into a single sheet protector like ThomasNC1988 suggests.

 

i'm considering doing the two-hole punch at the top, but i'm unsure about how to adjust our three hole puncher at the office. i know i could figure it out, or ask our office admin, but i'm not tryina screw up this packet

[NoMansLand2020 298]

1 hour ago, FattieBanton said:

How did you guys go about physically presenting the application?

 

Just stack the pages one on top of the other and hold them together with binder clips?

I had a very organized packet. I used a table of contents as the first page which introduced my packet and the contents with page numbers. 

 

Then each section was held together with paper clips. I held the entire packet together with a few binder clips. Then I put the packet in a Manila envelope and labeled it I129F. 

 

Then sent it in via Priority mail in a padded envelope. 

 

I did the same thing with my RFE Response. 

[SalishSea 16,809]

4 hours ago, Luckycuds said:

May I ask since your fiance is now here and pending she doesn't have ties to close up back home why you don't marry and adjust status? It seems to make a LOT more sense since her intention was to never AOS, she will have to be separated from her kids (or take them back with her) and a million other reasons I can think of. Maybe want to think of that before you spend $$ on the I129F

I wondered this, too.  OP, do you know that this is an option?

[FattieBanton 35]

1 minute ago, Jorgedig said:

I wondered this, too.  OP, do you know that this is an option?

Can someone please explain this option to me? I would much rather just get married and do whichever process is easier/quicker etc.

 

We have been together for years and have two american children together.

 

I figured since they kind of STRONGLY suggested that visitor visa and getting married on it is kind of a no-no that i shouldn't do it. It's something the border/customs people kept asking about.

[Allaboutwaiting 2,500]

4 minutes ago, FattieBanton said:

Can someone please explain this option to me? I would much rather just get married and do whichever process is easier/quicker etc.

 

We have been together for years and have two american children together.

 

I figured since they kind of STRONGLY suggested that visitor visa and getting married on it is kind of a no-no that i shouldn't do it. It's something the border/customs people kept asking about.

So CBP agents questioned you specifically about that at arrival? 

Edited June 30, 2020 by Allaboutwaiting

[SalishSea 16,809]

Just now, FattieBanton said:

Can someone please explain this option to me? I would much rather just get married and do whichever process is easier/quicker etc.

 

We have been together for years and have two american children together.

 

I figured since they kind of STRONGLY suggested that visitor visa and getting married on it is kind of a no-no that i shouldn't do it. It's something the border/customs people kept asking about.

It all has to do with intent at POE.  You cannot come in with the intention to marry and adjust status and stay.  It sounds like in your case, there was no intention to do this.

 

If she does not need to return to her country within the next 8 months or so, I'd say go for it.  You would get married and then concurrently submit an I-130 (petition) as well as I-485 (AOS), along with all of the required supporting documentation.  She would be in a period of authorized stay after the AOS is filed, even if her tourist visa expires.

 

She would have to wait for work and travel authorization, which historically has taken 4-6 months, but now with furloughs and COVID, it is anyone's guess.  She would have had the same wait coming here on a K-1.  Adjusting here just means she doesn't have to wait on I-129f approval and consulate interview.

[ThomasNC1988 762]

4 minutes ago, FattieBanton said:

Can someone please explain this option to me? I would much rather just get married and do whichever process is easier/quicker etc.

 

We have been together for years and have two american children together.

 

I figured since they kind of STRONGLY suggested that visitor visa and getting married on it is kind of a no-no that i shouldn't do it. It's something the border/customs people kept asking about.

The option is perfectly legal and not a No-no in anyway other than in people on the internet's minds. If you are in the US on any type of legal entry and decide to get married you can do so and file I-130 and 485 concurrently and get a greencard. The steps are laid out in the VJ guides.