WORRIED about the way I assembled I29f petition?

[stephandmuz 0]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first time posting here, but I read topics from this site daily. My fiance and I mailed our petition at the end of June and it was not received by the California service center until July 5th. My question is this; When I assembled our petition for mailing, I did not use fasteners, clips of any sort to hold the petition and supporting documents together. I simply placed all paper work loosly in a large envelope and mailed it. I did not find this site until after the fact, which is unfortunate. I guess I assumed that the service center would put the petition in the order that they preferred. I am now extremely concerned that parts of the petition could get misplaced, if it hasn't allready. In everyones oppinion, do you think that we have anything to be worried about? I need some sort of peace of mind. I'm an absolute mess over this.

Thank You....

[Fandango 1,439]

Whether or not you used clips to fasten your docs is irrelevant to your petition....

[Meriem_DZ 37]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first time posting here, but I read topics from this site daily. My fiance and I mailed our petition at the end of June and it was not received by the California service center until July 5th. My question is this; When I assembled our petition for mailing, I did not use fasteners, clips of any sort to hold the petition and supporting documents together. I simply placed all paper work loosly in a large envelope and mailed it. I did not find this site until after the fact, which is unfortunate. I guess I assumed that the service center would put the petition in the order that they preferred. I am now extremely concerned that parts of the petition could get misplaced, if it hasn't allready. In everyones oppinion, do you think that we have anything to be worried about? I need some sort of peace of mind. I'm an absolute mess over this.

Thank You....

I really think it does not matter if it is clipped together or not. They take it apart anyway and rearrange it according to their rules. It is not beyond USCIS to lose something, clipped together or not. I hope that will not happen in your case. Good luck!

Meriem

[reeses16 8]

Yep. Its doesn't matter. Don't sweat the small stuff. This process is too long and detailed to second guess yourself.

Just make sure that when you/your fiance goes for the interview that he/she has a copy of the application that is in order...that way if there are any questions relevant paperwork can be found quickly and easily.

Good luck!

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Well, that may cause a little trouble for them. There is no perfect order to it, as we all submit a little something different. However, it should have been bound together in some sort of way (a set of Acco fasteners, attached to the top, seem to be the preferred method.) As you already pointed out, it will also be very easy for them to lose some of your paperwork. If it were me, I'd be a little worried too. Just keep a lookout for an RFE if they do happen to lose a needed piece of information. Wishing you well!

[desert_fox 32]

From the USCIS site....

General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

Mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the nature of the submission. Example: ORIGINAL SUBMISSION - BRIEF FOR AN APPEAL - RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - etc.

Use the appropriate mailing address and mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the form type. Example: I-129; I-130; I-690; I-698, etc.

Provide both the receipt notice number and the A-Number as an identifier, if they are available.

If the packet is being resubmitted in response to a REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.

If evidence is being submitted in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, a cover letter stating "BRIEF FOR APPEAL", etc., should be placed on top of the packet.

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

Use ACCO 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.

The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or clip fasteners.

A form G-28 is not acceptable unless signed by the authorized representative and the petitioner (re: petitions) or the applicant (re: applications). Facsimile signature stamps are acceptable for the signature of the representatives. However, applicants/petitioners must live sign the initial Form G-28 submitted with the application/petition. Any subsequent Form G-28 relating to the same case may be a photocopy of the original, which should be already attached to the relating case.

Send copies of any prior approval notices with any new requests for extensions of stay, change of status or amended petitions.

Keep copies of all submissions. Don't assume the officer will have access to a prior file or record. Submit as complete a packet as possible so the case can be adjudicated from what you submit. Submit a complete packet of information for each petition or application. If officers have to review prior files or records, the adjudication of the case can be delayed substantially.

Be sure to complete all pertinent items on the petition or application. Ensure all entries on the forms are legible. Note the appropriate consulate, embassy, or a request to adjust status on the petition. Do note enter "N/A" when "None" is appropriate.

If you believe your situation to be unique, explain it fully in an attachment to the packet, not as a cover letter.

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

Reminder: The best way to locate records is through the receipt number and/or the A-Number. Always provide this information whenever possible. If you don't know the A-Number, provide a COMPLETE name and date of birth. ALSO: Provide ANY AND ALL names used by the individual, including aliases, maiden names, names used when originally admitted to the United States, etc. Providing this information is extremely helpful and speeds up processing time.

DUPLICATE FILINGS (without fee): Cases will be accepted as a duplicate filing only when USCIS has specifically requested that a duplicate be filed. In such a case be sure to submit the receipt number of original filing or any copies of notices received from USCIS on the first filing when submitting a duplicate petition or application.

The address block on the forms is the data field captured for all of our mailings. Consistent with the limitations on the number of characters per line (a maximum of 32) and the total numbers of lines

blah blah blah....

[stephandmuz 0]

From the USCIS site....

General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

Mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the nature of the submission. Example: ORIGINAL SUBMISSION - BRIEF FOR AN APPEAL - RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - etc.

Use the appropriate mailing address and mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the form type. Example: I-129; I-130; I-690; I-698, etc.

Provide both the receipt notice number and the A-Number as an identifier, if they are available.

If the packet is being resubmitted in response to a REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.

If evidence is being submitted in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, a cover letter stating "BRIEF FOR APPEAL", etc., should be placed on top of the packet.

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

Use ACCO 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.

The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or clip fasteners.

A form G-28 is not acceptable unless signed by the authorized representative and the petitioner (re: petitions) or the applicant (re: applications). Facsimile signature stamps are acceptable for the signature of the representatives. However, applicants/petitioners must live sign the initial Form G-28 submitted with the application/petition. Any subsequent Form G-28 relating to the same case may be a photocopy of the original, which should be already attached to the relating case.

Send copies of any prior approval notices with any new requests for extensions of stay, change of status or amended petitions.

Keep copies of all submissions. Don't assume the officer will have access to a prior file or record. Submit as complete a packet as possible so the case can be adjudicated from what you submit. Submit a complete packet of information for each petition or application. If officers have to review prior files or records, the adjudication of the case can be delayed substantially.

Be sure to complete all pertinent items on the petition or application. Ensure all entries on the forms are legible. Note the appropriate consulate, embassy, or a request to adjust status on the petition. Do note enter "N/A" when "None" is appropriate.

If you believe your situation to be unique, explain it fully in an attachment to the packet, not as a cover letter.

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

Reminder: The best way to locate records is through the receipt number and/or the A-Number. Always provide this information whenever possible. If you don't know the A-Number, provide a COMPLETE name and date of birth. ALSO: Provide ANY AND ALL names used by the individual, including aliases, maiden names, names used when originally admitted to the United States, etc. Providing this information is extremely helpful and speeds up processing time.

DUPLICATE FILINGS (without fee): Cases will be accepted as a duplicate filing only when USCIS has specifically requested that a duplicate be filed. In such a case be sure to submit the receipt number of original filing or any copies of notices received from USCIS on the first filing when submitting a duplicate petition or application.

The address block on the forms is the data field captured for all of our mailings. Consistent with the limitations on the number of characters per line (a maximum of 32) and the total numbers of lines

blah blah blah....

[mox 298]

It may be more convenient for USCIS if you had assembled your packet more in line with their general tips, but as another poster pointed out, don't sweat it. The important thing is that your packet was complete and that you included payment.

[stephandmuz 0]

From the USCIS site....

General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

Mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the nature of the submission. Example: ORIGINAL SUBMISSION - BRIEF FOR AN APPEAL - RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - etc.

Use the appropriate mailing address and mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the form type. Example: I-129; I-130; I-690; I-698, etc.

Provide both the receipt notice number and the A-Number as an identifier, if they are available.

If the packet is being resubmitted in response to a REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.

If evidence is being submitted in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, a cover letter stating "BRIEF FOR APPEAL", etc., should be placed on top of the packet.

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

Use ACCO 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.

The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or clip fasteners.

A form G-28 is not acceptable unless signed by the authorized representative and the petitioner (re: petitions) or the applicant (re: applications). Facsimile signature stamps are acceptable for the signature of the representatives. However, applicants/petitioners must live sign the initial Form G-28 submitted with the application/petition. Any subsequent Form G-28 relating to the same case may be a photocopy of the original, which should be already attached to the relating case.

Send copies of any prior approval notices with any new requests for extensions of stay, change of status or amended petitions.

Keep copies of all submissions. Don't assume the officer will have access to a prior file or record. Submit as complete a packet as possible so the case can be adjudicated from what you submit. Submit a complete packet of information for each petition or application. If officers have to review prior files or records, the adjudication of the case can be delayed substantially.

Be sure to complete all pertinent items on the petition or application. Ensure all entries on the forms are legible. Note the appropriate consulate, embassy, or a request to adjust status on the petition. Do note enter "N/A" when "None" is appropriate.

If you believe your situation to be unique, explain it fully in an attachment to the packet, not as a cover letter.

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

Reminder: The best way to locate records is through the receipt number and/or the A-Number. Always provide this information whenever possible. If you don't know the A-Number, provide a COMPLETE name and date of birth. ALSO: Provide ANY AND ALL names used by the individual, including aliases, maiden names, names used when originally admitted to the United States, etc. Providing this information is extremely helpful and speeds up processing time.

DUPLICATE FILINGS (without fee): Cases will be accepted as a duplicate filing only when USCIS has specifically requested that a duplicate be filed. In such a case be sure to submit the receipt number of original filing or any copies of notices received from USCIS on the first filing when submitting a duplicate petition or application.

The address block on the forms is the data field captured for all of our mailings. Consistent with the limitations on the number of characters per line (a maximum of 32) and the total numbers of lines

blah blah blah....

Like I said....I have no idea what I was thinking when I assembled our I29f packet without fastening it together in some way, shape or form. But I can't worry about it at this point, What's done is done. I just pray that documents will not be lost, or the entire petition for that matter. Thanks for everyones reply. I appreciate it so much.

Kindest Regards

Steph

[vanessaandbrent 0]

Steph, no point to sweat it now. Seriously!

The wait is going to stress you out quite enough all on it's own, don't kill yourself over a heavy duty clip!!! Breathe

[Fandango 1,439]

Well, that may cause a little trouble for them. There is no perfect order to it, as we all submit a little something different. However, it should have been bound together in some sort of way (a set of Acco fasteners, attached to the top, seem to be the preferred method.) As you already pointed out, it will also be very easy for them to lose some of your paperwork. If it were me, I'd be a little worried too. Just keep a lookout for an RFE if they do happen to lose a needed piece of information. Wishing you well!

Honestly, I don't know why you'd say something like this.

[Sinergy 3]

I didnt use anything. i put all the papers in a folder and sent it. no one lost my papers. your fine, whether you bond them together with clips or not. you are fine.

Well, that may cause a little trouble for them. There is no perfect order to it, as we all submit a little something different. However, it should have been bound together in some sort of way (a set of Acco fasteners, attached to the top, seem to be the preferred method.) As you already pointed out, it will also be very easy for them to lose some of your paperwork. If it were me, I'd be a little worried too. Just keep a lookout for an RFE if they do happen to lose a needed piece of information. Wishing you well!

This is why if your not 100% sure you shouldnt say anything at all. your going to have her worried for nothing, NOTHING at all.

OP your paperwork is fine. you dont have to use clips.

[Krikit 1,163]

Don't worry, stephandmuz. I just stuck a couple of paperclips on my submission. It's not a big deal. You're fine. Stop worrying.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

I said this because we are all dealing with a very slow and very ####### government organization that handles thousands upon thousands of papers every day. My opinion is just putting everything in an envelope is risky. I believe it should be bond in some fashion to keep all the papers from your case from migrating to the case setting on top, under, or even around it. I would rather cautiously say, it may cause a little trouble than spout off the "feel good, no worries" "Oh, you'll be just fine!" What if something does get lost? There is a reason the USCIS has a post of "General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing". If someone takes the time to write, "We like it this way", I am sure going to listen! That is why I said something like that.

Well, that may cause a little trouble for them. There is no perfect order to it, as we all submit a little something different. However, it should have been bound together in some sort of way (a set of Acco fasteners, attached to the top, seem to be the preferred method.) As you already pointed out, it will also be very easy for them to lose some of your paperwork. If it were me, I'd be a little worried too. Just keep a lookout for an RFE if they do happen to lose a needed piece of information. Wishing you well!

Honestly, I don't know why you'd say something like this.

[Jasman0717 8]

Whether or not you used clips to fasten your docs is irrelevant to your petition....

They just give it to the new guy to break apart for the CO to review