I-864 Joint Sponsor Proof of Citizenship

[mountaingoat 4]

I am trying to find out if my joint sponsor's proof of US citizenship has to be a certified copy of their birth certificate or if it can be a photocopy. I'm confused because the instructions only say a copy of a birth certificate. My joint sponsor does not have a passport and does not wish to send the only certified copy of her birth certificate. It will take up to a month for her to get another certified copy. I called the NVC and was told that it only needs to be a photocopy of the birth certificate but I'm not certain that the person I spoke with knew what they were talking about because they told me that the Embassy will only accept a copy of a passport or citizenship papers as proof of citizenship and may not accept a birth certificate. I know they will accept a birth certificate. I would appreciate any help in this matter. I need this information as soon as possible. Has anyone sent in just a photocopy of the birth certificate for their joint sponsor and had it accepted???

[pushbrk 13,624]

I am trying to find out if my joint sponsor's proof of US citizenship has to be a certified copy of their birth certificate or if it can be a photocopy. I'm confused because the instructions only say a copy of a birth certificate. My joint sponsor does not have a passport and does not wish to send the only certified copy of her birth certificate. It will take up to a month for her to get another certified copy. I called the NVC and was told that it only needs to be a photocopy of the birth certificate but I'm not certain that the person I spoke with knew what they were talking about because they told me that the Embassy will only accept a copy of a passport or citizenship papers as proof of citizenship and may not accept a birth certificate. I know they will accept a birth certificate. I would appreciate any help in this matter. I need this information as soon as possible. Has anyone sent in just a photocopy of the birth certificate for their joint sponsor and had it accepted???

s

Send a photocopy of the certified copy and be done with it. No worries.

[Done--Really 331]

Right from the instructions--do you see anything about a certified copy of the birth certificate--didn't think so !!! Following the I-864 directions is easy--REALLY !!!

Proof of U.S. citizen or national status includes a copy of your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, consular report of birth abroad to citizen parents, or a copy of the biographic data page of your U.S. passport.