question about IV package documents

[nycnewbie 0]

Hi, i am helping my mom on preparing her documents for IV package. Package requires original or certified copies of beneficiary's (my mom's) birth and marriage certificates. We don't want to send out the original ones but we don't know where to get the certified copies especially she locates oversea. How do you guys prepare these documents? Please advise! Thanks a lot!

[apple21 953]

Where is your mom from? Your profile doesn't show the country.

[Ian H. 207]

Getting documents from certain countries can vary. For example, the DR lets you get certified civil documents from the embassy or consulate here. You would have to check if your country does that too. You shouldn't send the her original docs since those are kept for memories and/or personal reasons. Therefore, you should get a certified copy, otherwise you may have no choice but to send the original. Remember that a certified copy is used exactly the same way as the original, unlike a photocopy.

[nycnewbie 0]

My mom is from Hong Kong, China. Do you think we can get a certified copy through a lawyer in Hong Kong? Thank you so much for your advice again.

[Ian H. 207]

Here is a link:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country/HK.html

As for lawyers, you may be able to use one, I wouldn't know. Also, I would find out with the embassy/consulate here to see if you can obtain a birth record through them.

My mom is from Hong Kong, China. Do you think we can get a certified copy through a lawyer in Hong Kong? Thank you so much for your advice again.

[nycnewbie 0]

Thank you very much Ian.H. I really appreciate your help!