Original Documents and Certified Documents when ?

[Ms Hogan 295]

I'm trying to clarify when I'll need originals vs copies of items. The I-130 application says "copies" of things like marriage certificate, divorce paperwork, birth certificates etc. Does that just mean regular photo copies?

In other areas I see that originals or "certified" copies are needed but I don't know if that's just the items coming from ME after my husband-to-be uses copies of items with the I-130 petition.

Am I going to be sending MORE items after his petition is submitted?

Have I just got it all wrong?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[jkelly07 120]

yes the nvc will ask for certified copies, at the interview they ask to see original documents after there viewed he will make copies and give you back the originals or you ask for them back.your going to need them again with other forms along the way on your journey.

[Ms Hogan 295]

So the NVC will need originals mailed to them? And then I need them back for my interview to show again?

[Saylin 1,605]

I'm trying to clarify when I'll need originals vs copies of items. The I-130 application says "copies" of things like marriage certificate, divorce paperwork, birth certificates etc. Does that just mean regular photo copies?

In other areas I see that originals or "certified" copies are needed but I don't know if that's just the items coming from ME after my husband-to-be uses copies of items with the I-130 petition.

Am I going to be sending MORE items after his petition is submitted?

Have I just got it all wrong?

Thanks in advance for any help.

For the I-130 petition, just copies are needed. Yes, that means regular photocopies.

For NVC, they want originals or certified copies.

But, since you're Canadian, you can do EP (electronic processing). EP means that you'll be EMAILING both the AOS and IV packages, so you'll be scanning your certificates and then bringing the originals/certified copies to the interview. The officers will take them, review them to be authentic, then return them back to you.

Just a note: EP is optional still for Canadians.

If you choose not to do it, then you send your originals/certified copies to NVC, along with a regular photocopy, and then your originals/certified copies will be returned at the interview. You wouldn't bring any certificates with you to the interview if you go this way (although having regular copies on you would be a good idea, just in case).

[Ms Hogan 295]

OK so electronic filing is absolutely what I would do. Is that my NVC process? Will they TELL me to file electronically?

So I could be scanning all of these items now to get ahead and be prepared. Do you know if they will need to be labelled a certain way?

I want to do as much prep ahead of time as I can so that I'm really ready to go when it's go-time! Which is, of course, within the next few weeks hopefully.

[Saylin 1,605]

OK so electronic filing is absolutely what I would do. Is that my NVC process? Will they TELL me to file electronically?

So I could be scanning all of these items now to get ahead and be prepared. Do you know if they will need to be labelled a certain way?

I want to do as much prep ahead of time as I can so that I'm really ready to go when it's go-time! Which is, of course, within the next few weeks hopefully.

Since EP is optional for Canadians, you need to optin (once you get to NVC and have a case number assigned). Once the optin is accepted, you're enrolled in EP and then can send the two packages to NVC.

So, yes, you could be scanning in your certificates now, along with the other documents. No specific labeling or anything needed.

I highly suggest you click on the wiki linked in my signature below. It's all about the NVC process, in relation to EP and online forms, designed specifically for Canadians (although other EP/online form countries can still relate).

[Ms Hogan 295]

Saylin, thanks as always for your patience!! I've clicked on your link before and will do so again. All your work is extremely helpful to me!

[Saylin 1,605]

Saylin, thanks as always for your patience!! I've clicked on your link before and will do so again. All your work is extremely helpful to me!

Glad to be of help

[bsd058 296]

Saylin rocks the Canadian VJ world.

Edited September 10, 2012 by bsd058

[Saylin 1,605]

Saylin rocks the Canadian VJ world.

[jessicaruizw 9]

In other areas I see that originals or "certified" copies are needed but I don't know if that's just the items coming from ME after my husband-to-be uses copies of items with the I-130 petition.

I noticed you said husband-to-be...are you just really ahead of your game and will do the CR-1, or do you plan on doing the k-1 fiancee visa? (for which you would file the I-129f petition).

[Saylin 1,605]

I noticed you said husband-to-be...are you just really ahead of your game and will do the CR-1, or do you plan on doing the k-1 fiancee visa? (for which you would file the I-129f petition).

She's just really ahead of the game

[Ms Hogan 295]

Yes, I'm just very much preparing ahead. We will be getting married soon in a small civil ceremony. I want to be ready to go immediately after so making sure I already have all my questions answered and items ready as much as possible so I don't mess it up.