How to organize the CR-1 folder.

[Fidelite 1]

Hello family, 

I am stuck on how to organize, my documents in the binder for my husband’s CR-1 visa files. 
does anyone has a format on how they organized their table of content? is a cover letter necessary? 
Does the documents has to be in a binder? Or is there any other folders? What do you guys recommend? 
please and thank you. 🙏🏾

[JeanneAdil 6,533]

USCIS  actually has information on how they want the petiition and documents to be submitted 

 

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

[Crazy Cat 41,974]

2 hours ago, Fidelite said:

Hello family, 

I am stuck on how to organize, my documents in the binder for my husband’s CR-1 visa files. 
does anyone has a format on how they organized their table of content? is a cover letter necessary? 
Does the documents has to be in a binder? Or is there any other folders? What do you guys recommend? 
please and thank you. 🙏🏾

Do NOT use a binder......don't make their job harder.

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

• Mark the envelope and the cover letter with the nature of the submission. For example, Original Submission, Brief for an Appeal, or Response to Request for Additional Information.
• Mark the envelope and the cover letter with the form number. For example, I-129, I-130, I-690 or I-698.
• 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.

[Fidelite 1]

@Crazy Cat thank you much, I sincerely appreciate it. 🙏🏾

[SteveInBostonI130 3,467]

You can also file for CR-1 online.  Form I-130.

[Fidelite 1]

@SteveInBostonI130 thank you for the advice. I have a question, can I also just mail in the form I-130 and I-130a together with all the supporting evidence? Or is it wise to do it online. 

[pushbrk 12,963]

1 hour ago, Fidelite said:

@SteveInBostonI130 thank you for the advice. I have a question, can I also just mail in the form I-130 and I-130a together with all the supporting evidence? Or is it wise to do it online. 

It's your choice.  I prefer mailing because of remaining bugs in the online form, but that's my personal preference.  Follow yours.

 

Also those old instructions for mailing were were written before they started scanning all files.  With that in mind two hole punching and unnecessary fasteners are no longer a good idea.  Some paper clips to hold like documents together and a big binder clip around the whole stack will do nicely.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,467]

5 hours ago, Fidelite said:

@SteveInBostonI130 thank you for the advice. I have a question, can I also just mail in the form I-130 and I-130a together with all the supporting evidence? Or is it wise to do it online. 

 

If the petitioner lives overseas, then online filing is easier. 

 

If the petitioner is in the US, then it comes down to your preference.  Some people have issues/trouble filling out the online form the way they want because all the fields are limited in the data they accept.  There is no possibility for a hand written entry.  Some people who have filed by paper have gotten RFEs for a piece of evidence or attachment, presumably because USCIS lost the original attachment at some point.  This is rare.

 

I personally would prefer to file online.  However, we actually filed by paper, because I didn't know about online option.  We did not have any issues with our paper filing.

 

P.S. If you do file by paper, make sure to have copies of everything you submit.  I would also recommend you to scan the entire package to have a digital backup.

 

Edited March 10, 2022 by SteveInBostonI130
P.S. added

[Fidelite 1]

@SteveInBostonI130 thank you so much, for taking the time to reply to me. Truly appreciate it. 

[Leon63 6]

I did exactly what the filing tips said.

All was accepted.

I mailed it by post.

I also made 2 copies of the entire packet

[Fidelite 1]

@Leon63 thank you so much for the helpful information. I will also make 2 copies of the entire package. 🙏🏾🙏🏾