All -

I have my application all ready to be mailed out. I'm submitting both, the I-130 and I-129F for my wife. We were married in Canada and our marriage certificate is in English.

The question I have is, do I need to mail my original marriage certificate with I-129F or just the copy of it? Do I need to get the certificate notorized or anything like that?

I ask this as I just completed my final check of the application package and in the instructions read the following paragraph:

"In addition, U.S. citizens petitioning for K-3visas for their alien spouses must also include evidencethat they have filed Form I-130, Petition for AlienRelative, on behalf of the alien spouse listed on this form,and a marriage certificate evidencing the legal marriagebetween the citizen and alien."

The instructions on the form I-129F do not say "copy" anywhere, so what am I supposed to send? Can I just send an un-notorized copy?

Just a little confused...would appreciate some clarification. Thanks!

-Fahad

Whenever someone asks for a marriage certificate, it usually means a copy of same. You'll need to provide "certified" copies at interviews. (The one with the raised stamps). Always good to have several copies of this along the way. The "orginal" is filed with the courts, so you'll never have the original in your possession anyway. Whenever in doubt, it's always okay to send certified copies if you have lots of them. I think I got 5 or 6 certified copies at $2.00 a piece when I picked up my marriage certificate "just in case".

Certified copies are copies that are "official" by way of seals, which are waxed or raised, or a stamp is put on them indicating it's a certified copy and signed by an official.

Notorization is the process of someone (usually someone that knows you), signing or notorizing (verifying) that your signature is really yours.

Carla

Make copies and send the copy

For the I-130 application, a clear photocopy works fine.

If you decide on going the CR1 route, then you'll need to send an original or certified copy of your documentation to the NVC with your DS-230 application.

Thanks to all for replying.

I mailed out my application just half an hour ago. Lets see how long it takes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

-Fahad

Good luck, hope the process is speedy for you!

Fahad,

On Form I-129F Instructions (Rev. 07/30/07) Y Page 4, you will find this default statement regarding copies. It applies unless otherwise specified in any particular line item of the instructions.

"Copies.
Unless specifically required that an originaldocument be filed with an application or petition, an ordinarylegible photocopy may be submitted. Original documentssubmitted when not required will remain a part of the record,even if the submission was not required."