originals vs. copies of documents

[RobertI 0]

Hi - I know that we need to have 3 copies of all important documents but my question is - who should get the originals? Do we really need to send these in to the USCIS? Also, what about copies of documents in foreign languages (like birth certificates)? Do these need to be translated? Thanks for the help!

[together2love 0]

DON'T send USCIS ANY origionals. You keep them and provide them for the interview. Yes, anything in a language other than english needs to be translated and the translation must be attached to the photocopy of what doc it was translating.

[YuAndDan 153]

Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required (Forms I-94, Labor certifications, etc.). Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

USCIS recommendations