NVC papers

[oohpartiv 484]

Just a few odds and ends I'm unsure about.

1. When I send the IV papers, it says I need the "original/certified" copies of my marriage cert., my husband's birth cert., etc. When it says "certified", does this mean I need an apostille, or just a stamp from a notary, or... ? I've made an appointment for apostilles, but just want to be sure.

2. In the i-864, part 6 - I've never had a "real" job, so I've checked "unemployed", but what do I put in the space asking since when? Forever? (haha, that makes me sound like such an outstanding citizen). And right after that, it asks about my household income, but since I don't rely on anyone in my household (I'm living with my husband and in-laws in South America), should I just put zeros? Or "N/A"? The part right after it, too - the only options they give imply that I've filed taxes, which I never have, but simply leaving the boxes unchecked seems... I don't know, just wrong. Thoughts?

3. In the i-864, when it asks about my assests, I know it says "optional" - but if I don't fill that part out, could it be detrimental? At this point, I feel like they're looking for any reason to delay the damn case, and really wouldn't be surprised if they sent it back for something dumb like that.

Sorry if these questions seem dumb - I'm sending them from South America, so it takes two weeks to get to the States, and it's super expensive, and I just want to make sure I'm doing things correctly to avoid having to redo anything! I'm sure I'll think of another thing or two before it's all over with, haha. Thanks for your help

[The Mean Lady 604]

Certified copies are not copies you make. They come from a gov source for instance ordering a new birth certificate or marriage license from your local courthouse. I can't tell on my phone what country you're from so that's as specific as I can get sorry.

[The Mean Lady 604]

You will put 0 income for your income of eAch of the 3 years past and must include an explanation of no tax returns which would be unemployed. You do not have to include assets. You must include a joint sponsor since you don't qualify to support.

[amyjohans 4]

1. Original copies of the birth certificate and marriage certificate from Ecuador means the actual paper you receive from the Registro Civil. You may want to get it legalized at the registro civil which means they put an extra legal sticker on the back of it. You don't have to get anything apostilled or notarized but you do need to have a translation of the document. You can have the translation done by a professional or do it yourself as long as you include a statement at the bottom that you are competent in both languages.

2. Put unemployed with zero income and explain your situation in a letter. It doesn't matter that you are unemployed, however you will be required to have a joint sponsor to meet the min. income requirements.

3. Doesn't matter if you don't fill out assets. It won't hurt your application.

I was living in Ecuador when I filed the paperwork for my husband and listed the little income that I made there and didn't list any assets, I used a joint sponsor and didn't have any problems.