DS-230, confused

[ossama&mariam 1]

Guys,

I’m ready to send in the DS 230 along with all the required Paper work but I have a quick question.

Do I need to translate the Original Documents (B CERTIFICATE, Criminal records, Marriage certificate, ….) before sending it to the NVC?

I just got of the phone with NVC operator and she said “ I don’t need to translate it as long as its on the native language” ( all the documents in Arabic(Egypt), and the interview will be in Egypt which is our native country)

At the same time I read here on VJ that we need to send a translation along with every original document.

Your help is really appreciate it.

Thanks

Ossama

[Bleauwolf 9]

It's really unfortunate you spoke with an operator who is beyond incompetent. They gave you really bad information. The following is directly from the US Department of State - Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants.

(Can also be found at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3195.html)

Translation Requirements

All documents not in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator that states that the:

* Translation is accurate, and

* Translator is competent to translate.

Required Documents

Original documents, photocopies, and translations of the following documents must be submitted to the National Visa Center for the applicant and each family member who will accompany the applicant to the United States.

* Birth Certificate

* Court and Prison Records

* Deportation Documentation

* Marriage Certificate

* Marriage Termination Documentation

* Military Records

* Petitioner Documents

* Photocopy of Valid Passport Biographic Data Page

* Police Certificate(s)

* Adoption Documentation

For further information I would strongly recommend reviewing the whole section titled Instruction for Immigrant Visa Applicants.

Can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3190.html

Hope this is helpful and helps clarify things. I feel sorry and angry that NVC has that kind of incompetence talking to anyone. Of course, most of the operators are fairly knowledgeable. But, I find there are too many in the system who have no business being there. In the future... if you have an uncertain feeling with the person whom you're talking to. Don't hesitate to ask for a supervisor.

Anyway, YES definitely translate all the required civil documents.

Best of Luck,

~Bleauwolf

[ossama&mariam 1]

Thanks for the replay, but do u notice that ”All documents not in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator.

That mean you need the translation if the document is NOT in English or the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

[Bleauwolf 9]

Thanks for the replay, but do u notice that ”All documents not in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator.

That mean you need the translation if the document is NOT in English or the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

I completely understand your meaning, but NO you are not correct.

Here's the direct quote:

All documents not in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations.

Now I'm going to re-write it... however, I'm going to adjust a couple of small things. Hopefully, it will help you understand it more clearly.

All documents not in English, -OR- that are written in the official language of the country where the visa application is being made, MUST be accompanied by certified translations.

[wendy&tamer 10]

For that she is correct....we just finished ours and had our interview and our documents were NOT translated. They were in arabic. As long as your documents are native language of where you will do your interview NVC does not need translations (maybe USCIS) but again NOT NVC. We were approved and everything has gone fine. I would recommend having them translated anyway for use in the US. I believe the future need of these papers will need appropriate translations and it is cheaper to have them done in Egypt and not in the US. I hope this helps. I am not sure of other countries but in Egypt this has been the procedure not only for me but for a few others (wife of mohammed can also give you insight on this topic). We both just completed and were approved. Best wishes.

[ossama&mariam 1]

Thank you all for your help

Wendy&Tamer, thank you very much, you just gave me what I was looking for.

.now we just need another member to confirm what you said.. 

I really don’t wana send any extra documents they don’t ask for…the more paper work the more the chance for RFE.

I really appreciate your help guys..

God Bless you all and good luck with your jurney.

Ossama