When sending in the DS-230 and related documents, is it a requirement to write the case number in right hand corner of all original civil documents like birth, marriage and divorce certificates? If so, it seems a little crazy to handwrite NVC numbers on official documents we may need for other situations.

I use pencil to mark those important documents and pen for others for my prepared DS-230 package. Once my wife get them back after the interview, if CO ever returns, I can easily erase the case number. So, in reality it's not a big deal after all.

No, it is not a requirement, it's up to you, someone here said that an NVC operator suggested it to them once.

We didn't mark ours, however I don't think it's a bad idea to write it lightly in pencil.

If you don't want to mark your documents, try putting a document into a plastic sleeve (aka a sheet protector, like this one) and write your case number on the sleeve.

That's what we did. That way, the documents are protected from coffee too!

I put my case number in pen on all documents since I didn't want them misplacing them. Also keep in mind that it's very rare that you get your documents back after your interview and POE.

Diana

That plastic sleeve is a good idea.

If everything goes to the consulate, why is it rare to get back original documents? If originals are lost, that's bad news especially marriage certificate. I guess you can get replacements but it would be a pain in the ***.

I did write on front top right side of each documents.