hi all,

I've filed the CR-1/IR-1 for my wife back in 6/2006. Now the paperworks had left the NVC on 2/28/2007. I looked through the Instruction Packet and in particular the "Documents You Need to Obtain".

It says "Please obtain the original documents or certified copies from an appropriate authority (the issuing entity) for yourself and each family member who will accompany you to the United States." I take that they mean "yourself" as the immigrant, in this case, my wife.

My question: Is my birth certificate required? I'm in VN with my wife and I didn't bring the birth certificate with me. I can have my parents send the certified copy. Oh, certified = notarized, or is there anything else required?

BTW, how long can I expect to hear anything from the Consulate in HCMC? I called them and the person said something like 2 months. But I rather hear it from those who has been there.

Thanks!

Here is what I understand about BC and various forms of a BC.

Original Birth Certificate is required for ALL parties when you deal with USCIS. Simple reason: you need to let them know who you are and actually proof of your origin. That's all the Birth Certificate does! Am I wrong?

Certified Copy of your BC: When you lost your original BC, the Court where you were born can issue a CERTIFIED second copy of your BC, as good as the first original one.

Notarized Photocopy of your BC: Take your original or certifed BC, make photocopy of it, bring the original/certified with you to a Public Notary Agent, he/she will look at both documents then stamp/seal/sign. Now you have a Notarized Photocopy of your BC, and all that means is: "I have seen the Original copy of this piece of paper, it is an idential copied document"

Since you ARE in Saigon right now, you can take your passport, go to HCMC, through the USC Service desk, ask for a Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate from the Consular himself. Cost me $50.00, 3 years ago! Make sure to bring your wife with you as well. They will ask if you obtain this Certifed copy of BC for marriage purpose, where is your wife, etc. They may even interview both of you right then and there, before issuing the BC.

Good luck,

chuck and kim