Original docs at the IR-1/CR-1 interview?

[gigi_a 0]

When I was gathering my application, I submitted a front and back copy of my birth certificate (like I was required), however, that is all I have ever had on me - a copy,scanned and saved to my email (i never had the need/desire to have my original with me since I have my Bulgarian passport with visa and I-94, stamps, etc). I received my interview appointment yesterday and I am supposed to bring my birth certificate. I have copies of the thing, my grandma has the original, and a friend of mine will get it and send to me via DHL so I have it. I am hoping it will get here on time for the interview on 7/27/2011 (a month from now).

Question: If the original birth certificate doesn't get here withing that month, how big of a deal is that? Should I try to reschedule the interview in other words?

I know that for my husband I can take his birth certificate or his US passport (which I will probably be taking it all - hospital and court birth certificate and his passport)

But for myself, I suppose, I must bring both my birth certificate (original and not a copy) and passport (in my case passports), right?

Thank you for your answers :}

[Ryan H 3,790]

Question: If the original birth certificate doesn't get here withing that month, how big of a deal is that?

If the Embassy does not have all the documents they request, they will not issue a visa until they receive them.

[Done--Really 331]

Some embassies will give a little wiggle room, but you can't depend on it. I had a friend who recently went thru Costa Rica, with a situation very similar to yours. His wife did not have her original birth certificate, but after some persuasion, they accepted the copy. One thing for sure, it's a risk they put everything on hold.

[gigi_a 0]

Some embassies will give a little wiggle room, but you can't depend on it. I had a friend who recently went thru Costa Rica, with a situation very similar to yours. His wife did not have her original birth certificate, but after some persuasion, they accepted the copy. One thing for sure, it's a risk they put everything on hold.

I guess I am going to have to trust the DHL international shipping service that the letter with my birth certificate gets here on time (7/6/2011 according to their estimations).

[gigi_a 0]

I really feel bad for the people who are doing their I-130 from their home countries. It is a fortune to send documents with courier services to the US. and all I needed from my home county is 1 page :{

P.S I am already in the US, so we did a concurrent filing of I130, I485 and my interview is in Pittsburgh, PA. Do I still have to go though an Embassy? Those places are scary. When I was applying for my student visa ( like 100 yrs ago lol) I had to do an interview there and I was mortified.

Edited June 28, 2011 by gigi_a

[Done--Really 331]

Some local offices are a piece of cake and others treat you like, well, you know !! Click here to read about experiences in Pittsburgh.

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=&cty=Pittsburgh+PA&dfilter=5