Hey guys, just a quick question here. Since we seem to need two copies of everything for our interviews for CR1/IR1 visas, is that true as well for the long versions of birth certificates? I already sent one in to NVC, but I'm assuming come interview time, they are going to ask for one again, correct?
If I do need another original, has anyone had any trouble ordering another one? I imagine they are going to question me as to why I need another copy since I just ordered one about two months ago for NVC.

Anyways, any answers would be appreciated:)

You should be able to keep the original for future puposes.

You don't need to send them originals (unless things have drastically changed since I went thru all this). You should send them photocopies, and then just take your originals with you to interviews for them to verify. That way you keep them, and don't have to order new ones for each step.

For the DS-230, they required originals, so I sent one in with that form. I think for the interview they will want another one, but I'm not sure. I'm just not sure how hard it is to get another original copy from Vital Statistics since I have heard of a person or two getting refused when they asked for a second copy not long after they ordered their first.

IU went through CR-1 and did send in originals AND I had a second set of originals. I had no problem getting a second long form birth cert from Sask. It wasnt needed as MTL already had the mailed in originals!! But it was comforting to me that I had a back up set of everything,lol And it really wasn't that $$$ to get 2 of everything, maybe not required, but was peace of mind.

I would think that when you go for your interview, the officer has all of your documents at his or her possession because they will want to look over them once again. Get a second copy if you think it's necessary, but they aren't going to keep your original.

Most vital statistics office don't care how many you order. Since you no longer have the original, order another copy. Which reminds me that I should order a second copy "just in case".

Hey Misty,

You don't need another set of originals. Send in your original BC and Marriage certificate and a copy and keep a copy for yourself. Take your copies with you to the interview just incase - probably won't need them though. The consulate will return the origianls to you at the interview and they keep the copy for your file. The copies gets put in the "mysterious" brown envelope with the rest of your file and it gets sent out with your passport visa.

I got a long form cert in less than 2 days in Alberta. Not sure if you need another one, i think you just need to bring the original and a copy of it with you to the interview and they keep the copy. Dont quote me on this...cuz i am not sure. good luck!

If the immigration procedure was perfect, you would not require a second set, as ur originals do get transferred to Montreal, and they will hand them back to you at the interview, and in my case and many others it does work that way!! But as we all know it isnjt a perfect evolution, so it can be a peace of mind thing to have a second set. lol

Thanks for the replies, everyone:) I already have 2nd sets of originals for everything else (I tend to be a little too over-prepared), so I guess as long as I can trust MTL (ummm..) I won't bother getting a second BC. Then again, I guess I could order one for my own use incase I ever need one again for something non-immigration related, and that way if they do happen to lose my stuff...ta da I will have it all ready to go.

All this preparation and I most likely won't even end up with an interview in the next couple months lol. Bah humbug

And on a side note, Neiks, Flames and Misa you guys rock. You're always jumping in answering all the confusing questions us fellow Canadians throw out there, even though all 3 of you have already dealt with your own visas and put this mess behind you. All your advice is greatly appreciated!!!

I appreciate the responses too, I was wondering about this myself. I don't think we will be getting additional originals, hopefully they won't lose them and will hand them back at the interview

In ontario you can only have one birth certificate, dunno about other provinces. I imagine if you try to order 2 in one year, they won't send it, or they'll need to know a dang good reason before they'll send it.

Well that's just weird!! In Alberta you can have as many as you like. You do have to prove who you are to them before they will issue one - and for the 'long form' you have to give them a reason why you want it - but that seems reasonable.

Vital Statistics is a provincial thing so it will vary among the provinces. I don't think it mattered in Manitoba how many you had or why you want them. Just fill out the form, pay the fee and send it in.

Really? Does it matter which one you ordered? I ordered 2 last year (one short and one long) with no issues. Got them both in a matter of a couple of days. I don't remember ever having to write in a reason for ordering them.



Thanks! I'm not done yet though... AOS interview next month. I'm also pretty much tied to the computer all day and I like being here on VJ. Well, not the Off Topic forum.

ETA, I'm just going through the Ontario birth certificate thingy and it does have reasons but you can select "other". I'm going to put down "U.S. Immigration" and see if they come. I ordered my short form last July and my long form sometime before the end of the year.

I got my long form from Ontario in May or early June. I'm not sure what I wrote down for the reason. But it actually came very fast...I got it in about 2 weeks!

I think you can have one of each, but you can't order 2 long forms or 2 short forms at the same time, or within a short timeframe. I think they're afraid you'll sell them to counterfieters er sumthin

I order 2 Birthcert withing a couple days of each other...i guess it depends on where you are getting them from.