Packet: sheet protectors vs fasteners

[VisaSaurus 0]

I've seen several different styles of K1 Visa packets.  Binders with sheet protectors, top fastener style, folder with paper clips, etc.

What did you use and why?  What is preferred in 2023 since they seem to be scanner more and more now?

Edited March 24, 2023 by VisaSaurus
spelling

[SalishSea 16,778]

4 minutes ago, VisaSaurus said:

I've seen several different styles of K1 Visa packets.  Binders with sheet protectors, top fastener style, folder with paper clips, etc.

What did you use and why?  What is preferred in 2023 since they seem to be scanner more and more now?

Have you read the USCIS instructions?   They clearly specify no binders.   Any additional fluff that makes it harder for them to disassemble  the packet is probably not a smart choice.   
 

The optional checklist/instructions that go with the form is a great resource, and a much better source for info then YouTube, etc.

[Crazy Cat 39,285]

Tips for Filing Forms by Mail | USCIS

I would not send documents in sheet protectors.

Edited March 24, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[SteveInBostonI130 3,319]

When the I-129F arrives, the receiving person will scan all pages to PDF.

 

That person will not be your friend if you send what you described.

 

Keep it complete and simple.

Edited March 24, 2023 by SteveInBostonI130

[Toriwings21 0]

I sent a binder with sheet protectors for organization. However, In that same application, I also sent a folder of all the files, as I had organized them. In the end, it worked and there was no issue 

[IWander 581]

10 hours ago, Toriwings21 said:

I sent a binder with sheet protectors for organization. However, In that same application, I also sent a folder of all the files, as I had organized them. In the end, it worked and there was no issue 

And all of your organizational activities were for nothing and all office supplies you included were separated and thrown in the trash bin

[Crazy Cat 39,285]

11 hours ago, Toriwings21 said:

I sent a binder with sheet protectors for organization. However, In that same application, I also sent a folder of all the files, as I had organized them. In the end, it worked and there was no issue 

 Their instructions are clear that binders and such are a no-no.

Edited March 26, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Mixel96 5]

So what exactly is the way to go now? Why is it so difficult to just have ONE right way of doing this? 
 

in our case we have lots of evidence for in person meetings and we are unsure of how to assemble it (so far we used sheets and paper clips). It says something else everywhere ..

[TBoneTX 43,069]

4 minutes ago, Mixel96 said:

So what exactly is the way to go now?

Read and follow USCIS's instructions.  How many times must this advice be given in this thread?

[Mixel96 5]

10 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Read and follow USCIS's instructions.  How many times must this advice be given in this thread?

It’s really not clear still. They do not tell you how they want photos to be attached. When I do not use sheets and have photos, boarding passes etc for evidence, what is the safest way to attach, when photos are not in standard paper format ?

 

The instructions also say it is „appreciated“ to not use binders and to hole punch documents at the top, there is no clear rule. It doesn’t say anything about sheets anywhere. 

[Crazy Cat 39,285]

14 minutes ago, Mixel96 said:

It’s really not clear still. They do not tell you how they want photos to be attached. When I do not use sheets and have photos, boarding passes etc for evidence, what is the safest way to attach, when photos are not in standard paper format ?

 

The instructions also say it is „appreciated“ to not use binders and to hole punch documents at the top, there is no clear rule. It doesn’t say anything about sheets anywhere. 

Scan, print, place in stack.....clip stack together with binder clip....problem solved.   You can index your evidence.

Edited March 21 by Crazy Cat

[TUC 37]

On 3/24/2023 at 5:26 PM, VisaSaurus said:

I've seen several different styles of K1 Visa packets.  Binders with sheet protectors, top fastener style, folder with paper clips, etc.

What did you use and why?  What is preferred in 2023 since they seem to be scanner more and more now?

2 hole punch the top of all the documents and use the metal fasteners. You can buy them at an office supply store. This is the preferred method and will make their job much easier. 
 

don’t put any extra sheet protector, sticky notes, paper clips or anything like that. You want a flat smooth surface on all the papers so they can easily be scanned into their system.

 

As far as protecting the documents I just put the fastened documents into one big plastic/waterproof, clear,  zip up folder and mailed that inside of a normal USPS BOX.

 

goodluck! 

[Mixel96 5]

29 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Scan, print, place in stack.....clip stack together with binder clip....problem solved.   You can index your evidence.

What do you mean by Index your evidence ?

thank you for your reply

2 minutes ago, TUC said:

2 hole punch the top of all the documents and use the metal fasteners. You can buy them at an office supply store. This is the preferred method and will make their job much easier. 
 

don’t put any extra sheet protector, sticky notes, paper clips or anything like that. You want a flat smooth surface on all the papers so they can easily be scanned into their system.

 

As far as protecting the documents I just put the fastened documents into one big plastic/waterproof, clear,  zip up folder and mailed that inside of a normal USPS BOX.

 

goodluck! 

Okay, that is another way of doing it and different from what’s described on the USCIS instructions.. 

[Gary Rich 201]

I sent a binder with sheet protectors. I made the binder an easy read for anyone. As far as them disregarding the sheet protectors and such..  i expected them to trash it.

Also, I had an attorney review my binder.. they said it was perfect, and I just saved myself $500...

[Family 3,483]

44 minutes ago, Gary Rich said:

I sent a binder with sheet protectors. I made the binder an easy read for anyone. As far as them disregarding the sheet protectors and such..  i expected them to trash it.

Also, I had an attorney review my binder.. they said it was perfect, and I just saved myself $500...

NO ONE handling the DEMOLITION of your Binder and dismantling of sheet protectors will read the contents . ..so your effort was futile . 
‘It’s true that USCIS is forgiving ( unlike courts that would bounce back submissions that don’t conform) …but that attorney was pulling your leg😂