Jump to content
NaCl

Original or photocopies of documents?

 Share

15 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Germany
Timeline

Apologies in advance if this question has been answered several times before, but after reading ds-230 guides, NVC section on USCIS website and other forum posts I'm still not 100% clear on the issue.

What needs to be sent with DS-230? Just original copies, original copies and photocopies, just photocopies, nothing at all???? Also, if copies are sent do they have to be certified or are photocopies sufficient as they will be inspecting the originals at the interview?

Applying for IR1/CR1 and our consulate will be AMS The Netherlands and the beneficiary is German. The documents are all currently in the Netherlands with the beneficiary. She will be bringing 1. Marriage cert 2. Birth cert 3. Police records 4. Copy of my IRS transmittal 5. Her passport (duh).

Thanks in advance for the help!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Timeline

Apologies in advance if this question has been answered several times before, but after reading ds-230 guides, NVC section on USCIS website and other forum posts I'm still not 100% clear on the issue.

What needs to be sent with DS-230? Just original copies, original copies and photocopies, just photocopies, nothing at all???? Also, if copies are sent do they have to be certified or are photocopies sufficient as they will be inspecting the originals at the interview?

Applying for IR1/CR1 and our consulate will be AMS The Netherlands and the beneficiary is German. The documents are all currently in the Netherlands with the beneficiary. She will be bringing 1. Marriage cert 2. Birth cert 3. Police records 4. Copy of my IRS transmittal 5. Her passport (duh).

Thanks in advance for the help!

Only originals or certified. NVC sends originals to the embassy.

Edited by art646

NVC

12/06/2010 -- NVC Received

12/07/2010 -- AOS fee paid

12/10/2010 -- DS-3032 NVC Received

12/11/2010 -- AOS I-864 mailed

12/15/2010 -- IV Bill invoiced

12/16/2010 -- IV Bill showed as paid

12/16/2010 -- DS-230 sent

12/17/2010 -- DS-230 NVC Received

12/21/2010 -- Entered DS-230 into the system

01/10/2011 -- RFE for i-864 signature

01/11/2011 -- RFE NVC Received

01/13/2011 -- RFE entered into system

SIF - 01/31/2011 :) Thank God!

Case completed - 02/01/2011

Interview - 03/29/2011 Scheduled on 02/11/2011

03/29/2011 put on AP for two weeks

04/16/2011 POE JFK!

ROC

1/29/2013 Sent in I-751 package

2/2/2013 Received NOA1

02/08/2013 Received biometrics appointment letter

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Germany
Timeline

:wacko: I don't know where I got the idea that you brought the originals with you to the interview... I swear that I read it some place. For some reason I thought I read too on one of the guides that around the time you get you're NOA2 you should apply for PCC...

I hope I haven't screwed us over too bad with this mistake.

Second question: Does anybody know if the visa applicant can provide an English translation of their own PCC provided that it has the magic words on it?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Mongolia
Timeline

:wacko: I don't know where I got the idea that you brought the originals with you to the interview... I swear that I read it some place. For some reason I thought I read too on one of the guides that around the time you get you're NOA2 you should apply for PCC...

I hope I haven't screwed us over too bad with this mistake.

Second question: Does anybody know if the visa applicant can provide an English translation of their own PCC provided that it has the magic words on it?

The reason for getting your police certificate at NOA2 time is so that it is "fresh" when it is sent to the NVC as most PCC have an expiration date some as short as 3 months. All documents submitted to the NVC must be originals or copies of the originals that have certified by the issuing agency. Uncertified photocopies will not be acceptable and will result in a RFE.

There are a few lines of thought on translations. Some say that the translation is not required if in the language of the country where the interview takes place, others hold that foreign language documents must always be translated. The DOS instructions are somewhat vague in their wording and use the verbage

"All documents not written 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 stating that the:

  • Translation is accurate, and
  • Translator is competent to translate."

So what it boils down to is, where is the application being made?

In our case and using an abundance of caution, translations of all civil documents were provided. Most were translated using an official translation bureau and had the registered stamp and signature, but no statement of certification yet they were accepted by USCIS and apparently by NVC. Only the PCC was translated by my wife and in that case she signed the certification language. DOS does not explicitly limit who may perform the translation only that they must sign the certification.

Hope my rambling is helpful

th_Untitled-3.jpg?t=1294114030

03/2008--Met while working together in Mongolia
06/21/10--Married in Ulaanbaatar on the Summer solstice
USCIS
09/06/10--I-130 package mailed to USCIS Chicago Lockbox
12/14/10--NOA2 hardcopy rec'd, Dec 09 notice date<APPROVED>86 Days
NVC
12/22/10-NVC / IIN Number issued, AOS bill paid
12/26/10-DS-3032 emailed
January4............IV bill paid, discovered error by preparer
USCIS ROUND 2
01/04/11-- I-130 package for stepson sent express with expedite plea
01/11/11---Congressional expedite plea lodged with USCIS
01/20/11--- Notice date, APPROVED 14 days
NVC ROUND 2
01/26/11--- NVC/IIN Numbers issued, DS-3032 Emailed
02/07/11--- AOS/IV packages fedexed to NVC
02/24/11--- Both Cases Completed at NVC
CONSULAR
04/27/11--- Interview passed
05/29/11--- POE ORD
08/2011--- I-551s arrive

heart.gif NEW YEAR'S EVE 2011, WE WELCOME OUR BABY GIRL TO THE FAMILYheart.gif

REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS

04/18/13--- I-751 mailed

09/25/13---ROC approval

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Germany
Timeline

No, very helpful. Thank you. My wife is German, but living in NL so the official local language is Dutch and her PCC is in German. Obviously she is able to understand English and German and write both as well. We just weren't sure if they would have problems with the applicant themselves furnishing translations as they could potentially knowingly mistranslate lines to hide or change information.

All our other documents are in English.

We just got our txt/email NOA2 notification and requested the PCC, but were told it could take 3-4 weeks. I know a 1-2 week hold up is pretty minor, but as I'm sure you can sympathize with, all I can think of is that every day that we are holding the process up is another day prolonging our reunion. So here's hoping they are on their A game and mail it to us sooner.

Thanks again!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
Timeline

originals AND photocopy.

please read DS-230 - http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3190.html page 4, again.

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I didn't think NVC was needing photographs or photocopies, just original documents with the exception of the photocopied biographical page from the beneficiary's passport. A little help here someone??

Thanks.....

Bob

  • Married in Manila: 08/20/2010
  • I-130 Sent to lockbox: 10/01/2010
  • I-130 Received: 10/03/2010
  • NOA-1 Received: 10/04/2010
  • NOA-2 Received: 02/01/2011
  • Received NVC: 02/08/2011
  • AOS Bill Generated: 02/10/2011
  • AOS Bill Paid: 02/10/2011
  • DS 3032 Emailed: 02/10/2011
  • IV Bill Generated: 02/14/2011
  • IV Bill Paid: 02/14/2011
  • IV Packet Received @ NVC:02/22/2011
  • NVC Completed 03/08/2011
  • Interview Date Post Sputum results May 17
  • Results negative, Interview scheduled 6/13
  • Placed in A/R 06/13/2011
  • I-601 required 07/18/2011
  • I-601 filed 11/9/2011
  • I-601 approved 11/29/11
  • 2nd Sputum test ordered 12/21/11
  • 2nd Sputum Test passed 02/21/12
  • Visa Approved!! 03/15/2012
  • Visa In Hand 03/17/2012
  • POE SFO 03/24/2012

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
Timeline

Hi Bob - did you read page 4, at all ?

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes Darnell, I did. If you look to the top of the section in the middle of the page it states "Interview Preparation" and the previous page was "documents the applicant must submit" Kind of confusing for this simpleton. I had to re-read the page 1 and it said ALL MUST SUBMIT 2 PHOTOs. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!! :dance:

Bob

  • Married in Manila: 08/20/2010
  • I-130 Sent to lockbox: 10/01/2010
  • I-130 Received: 10/03/2010
  • NOA-1 Received: 10/04/2010
  • NOA-2 Received: 02/01/2011
  • Received NVC: 02/08/2011
  • AOS Bill Generated: 02/10/2011
  • AOS Bill Paid: 02/10/2011
  • DS 3032 Emailed: 02/10/2011
  • IV Bill Generated: 02/14/2011
  • IV Bill Paid: 02/14/2011
  • IV Packet Received @ NVC:02/22/2011
  • NVC Completed 03/08/2011
  • Interview Date Post Sputum results May 17
  • Results negative, Interview scheduled 6/13
  • Placed in A/R 06/13/2011
  • I-601 required 07/18/2011
  • I-601 filed 11/9/2011
  • I-601 approved 11/29/11
  • 2nd Sputum test ordered 12/21/11
  • 2nd Sputum Test passed 02/21/12
  • Visa Approved!! 03/15/2012
  • Visa In Hand 03/17/2012
  • POE SFO 03/24/2012

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Poland
Timeline

Page 3 is the one, I think.

It does say "bring original documents to the interview". I think I'll just obtain two of each when I get them for the NVC. 2 birth certs and PCCs. This way I'll make sure I don't run into problems. It's not that expensive, at least in Poland.

Worth a try.

USCIS Stage (147 days)

12/24/2010 - I-130 Sent

12/28/2010 - NOA1 (Receipt)

05/23/2011 - NOA2 (Approved)

NVC Stage

06-07-2011 NVC received

06-08-2011 Case # and IIN # assigned

06-09-2011 Received DS-3032/AOS bill

06-10-2011 Paid AOS Bill

06-10-2011 Returned Completed DS-3032

06-15-2011 Received I-864 Package

06-16-2011 Returned I-864 Package

06-16-2011 Received IV Bill

06-17-2011 Paid IV Bill

06-22-2011 Returned DS-230 (IV Package)

07-07-2011 Case Closed J

07-13-2011 Interview Date Assigned

US Consulate in Warsaw

08-24-2011 @ 8.45am - - > 240 days from NOA1 --> APPROVED! :-)

POE Chicago ORD --> 9.03.2011

event.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Darn Darnell.........I'm wrong again......THANKS!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully we'll avoid a RFE. We'll submit BOTH the original and photocopies of all documents requested. How many copies???

Bob

  • Married in Manila: 08/20/2010
  • I-130 Sent to lockbox: 10/01/2010
  • I-130 Received: 10/03/2010
  • NOA-1 Received: 10/04/2010
  • NOA-2 Received: 02/01/2011
  • Received NVC: 02/08/2011
  • AOS Bill Generated: 02/10/2011
  • AOS Bill Paid: 02/10/2011
  • DS 3032 Emailed: 02/10/2011
  • IV Bill Generated: 02/14/2011
  • IV Bill Paid: 02/14/2011
  • IV Packet Received @ NVC:02/22/2011
  • NVC Completed 03/08/2011
  • Interview Date Post Sputum results May 17
  • Results negative, Interview scheduled 6/13
  • Placed in A/R 06/13/2011
  • I-601 required 07/18/2011
  • I-601 filed 11/9/2011
  • I-601 approved 11/29/11
  • 2nd Sputum test ordered 12/21/11
  • 2nd Sputum Test passed 02/21/12
  • Visa Approved!! 03/15/2012
  • Visa In Hand 03/17/2012
  • POE SFO 03/24/2012

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
Timeline

ya know, that link is in my notes, and the 'bits' covered in page 4 were always about civil documents to submit into nvc

however - if'n yer not seeing mondo cool stuff on page 4 pertaining to civil documents, then it's time for me to reread the entire thing, I'll even hazard a guess that the entire content has changed (again).

grrr..

watch this space.

ok la - it's page 3 -

here's the page 3 link - http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3195.html

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It has I think......been trying to get myself as agent using the shortcut template listed here. Called NVC just now and they want it on the form they send to the beneficiary. You can print it, fill it out , scan and email it back. Otherwise I think they're ignoring all emailed formats. Hope this helps someone!!

Bob

  • Married in Manila: 08/20/2010
  • I-130 Sent to lockbox: 10/01/2010
  • I-130 Received: 10/03/2010
  • NOA-1 Received: 10/04/2010
  • NOA-2 Received: 02/01/2011
  • Received NVC: 02/08/2011
  • AOS Bill Generated: 02/10/2011
  • AOS Bill Paid: 02/10/2011
  • DS 3032 Emailed: 02/10/2011
  • IV Bill Generated: 02/14/2011
  • IV Bill Paid: 02/14/2011
  • IV Packet Received @ NVC:02/22/2011
  • NVC Completed 03/08/2011
  • Interview Date Post Sputum results May 17
  • Results negative, Interview scheduled 6/13
  • Placed in A/R 06/13/2011
  • I-601 required 07/18/2011
  • I-601 filed 11/9/2011
  • I-601 approved 11/29/11
  • 2nd Sputum test ordered 12/21/11
  • 2nd Sputum Test passed 02/21/12
  • Visa Approved!! 03/15/2012
  • Visa In Hand 03/17/2012
  • POE SFO 03/24/2012

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
Timeline

nah - you get a different answer each time, CaliBob -

you probably thought you had a nice, pointed question to ask, of that NVC TeleOperator -

but - it doesn't matter - just use the DS-3032 EMAIL TEMPLATE at http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Email_DS-3032_form and follow the instructions EXACTLY, paying particular attention where the word 'beneficiary' is used.

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Darnell,

We used the EXACT template and got a response back asking us to follow the directions. The form has a barcode on it (for easier tracking I'd presume). That was the form he requested sent back, not in any other form. Hope I'm wrong though. The first time we sent it, it had the petitioners name first, we got no response......second time ,no response......third time I read the directions on the website and it had beneficiary's name / info first and that's what I put and they sent the last response. I then called and got that answer. Hope I'm wrong and nothing has changed but maybe it has. Don't know but we're sending in the info as requested in the format requested.

Bob

  • Married in Manila: 08/20/2010
  • I-130 Sent to lockbox: 10/01/2010
  • I-130 Received: 10/03/2010
  • NOA-1 Received: 10/04/2010
  • NOA-2 Received: 02/01/2011
  • Received NVC: 02/08/2011
  • AOS Bill Generated: 02/10/2011
  • AOS Bill Paid: 02/10/2011
  • DS 3032 Emailed: 02/10/2011
  • IV Bill Generated: 02/14/2011
  • IV Bill Paid: 02/14/2011
  • IV Packet Received @ NVC:02/22/2011
  • NVC Completed 03/08/2011
  • Interview Date Post Sputum results May 17
  • Results negative, Interview scheduled 6/13
  • Placed in A/R 06/13/2011
  • I-601 required 07/18/2011
  • I-601 filed 11/9/2011
  • I-601 approved 11/29/11
  • 2nd Sputum test ordered 12/21/11
  • 2nd Sputum Test passed 02/21/12
  • Visa Approved!! 03/15/2012
  • Visa In Hand 03/17/2012
  • POE SFO 03/24/2012

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...