Monday, April 16, 2012

Returning of original USCIS paperwork

Hey there fellow adoptive parents! I just posted "THE US SIDE" and my comment box was lit up with "WHAT?!?! You can get your IR-3 Visa packet back from USCIS??!?!" Apparently so my friends, apparently so. This packet was the one given to you in Russia at the US Embassy in Moscow with all kinds of tape and seals all over it. The one that you had to promise NOT to open or your child would be refused entry into the United States. You remember? They made it seem as if it were the Holy Grail and if your human eyes gazed upon the contents they would burn out of your head? Yeah, that one. Rumor has it that not only does it contain another set of original documents, but MAY also contain tidbits of information regarding your adoptive child that you did not have privy to in Russia. I've even heard of one family getting their's back that had a photo of their child at the time of birth (wouldn't that be WONDERFUL???) Now, for me that is enough motivation to see EXACTLY what was in that sacred envelope.
The only stipulation is that you must already have received your child's Citizenship certificate in the mail (usually takes about 2 months after returning home and is sent automatically)
Here is the information you need along with the link to fill out the form. You will need to have the form Notarized, attach a copy of your driver's license and passport, and pop it in the mail. They say it will take anywhere from a few weeks up to TWO years to get the packet back (some kinda window huh? And you thought the Cable repair man was bad....) But I say, it's worth a shot right?
HERE is the form (g-884 application)
And HERE are their more detailed instructions.
If I can be of any assistance to you, because the form is a little confusing....Please leave me a comment with your email and I will be happy to provide you with a sample or answer any questions you might have.

16 comments:

  1. Thank you for this! I will be doing it this week and may ping you for help if I get confused. Even if I don't get a photo, which I am secretly hoping there is one... I want it because its (as Vera says and is her favorite word these days) MINE! hahah

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  2. 1. Wow, had no idea!
    2. I Love You
    3. ::hangs head in shame at lack of motivation to do paperwork::
    4. Thanks!!

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    Replies
    1. 1. Apparently this is some kinda secret!
      2. I love you too!
      3. Don't be ashamed. You just have to do it when you feel as if you've recovered from the previous paperwork nightmare.
      4. No Problems- email me if you need help or get stuck on the form. Some of the questions are confusing...imagine that....
      sdeetz1023@gmail.com

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  3. Omgosh this is really exciting...I will be filling the form out asap!
    thanks

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    Replies
    1. I know, isn't it? Its like the mystery bags at the store! You never know what's inside! Email me if you need any help with the form!

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    2. Do I need to take it to a USCIS to have it not or can I just have anyone not it? That part did confuse me a tad.

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    3. You have someone notarize your signature, then go online to find your local USCIS field office. Then you just mail it off!

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  4. Yeah! I'm not crazy. I just knew they said we could/would get that paperwork back, but I hoped it was just one of those things you wait so long for you forget about and then it comes in the mail. Thanks for posting the link!!

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  5. Hello - thank you so much for posting this! I saw this as a possiblity on another friend's blog, but she didn't post instructions and I kept forgetting to ask. So thank you so much for posting the links. OK -I'm kinda confused though - where do I use my name as the parent requesting and where do I list my adopted daughter's info??? If you wouldn't mind emailing me I'd be sooooo appreciative
    kimberly.b@comcast.net
    thanks!

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  6. Here is what you need to know about this. THERE IS NO TIME FRAME for them to return them to you! Because it is a free service provided upon request, they are under no obligation to send you the documents within x amount of time of requesting them. I requested my documents immediately upon receiving the CoC. Three months later nothing. I contacted Immigration and was told as long as 18 months is reasonable.

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  7. If only I had not skipped the second to last paragraph of your post. LOL

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  8. So is Part 1 my info as mom? Then Part 2 is Natalia's info? Or is it all her info and I should sign on her behalf? Thanks for your help with this!

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  9. I'm a little confused on who's info goes in each section too. Please e-mail me at natlanning77@gmail.com Thanks so much!!!

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  10. I have a couple of questions about this form.
    I tried to email directly to you but I am not sure that you got it. Can you please email
    me back when you get a minute. Thanks so much for your help.
    jww@charter.net

    Julie W

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  11. Hey Sarah, can you email me this info again? Thanks ddenson@kc.rr.com

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