Certified Copies

[Ontarkie 14,950]

This has probably been asked many times but...

What makes a copy "certified"? Is it simply the institution (where the originals are held) stamping and/or printing "certified" on it?

Edited February 19, 2007 by Ontarkie

[bostonparis 0]

This has probably been asked many times but...

What makes a copy "certified"? Is it simply the institution (where the originals are held) stamping and/or printing "certified" on it?

Basically, yes. It depends on what the document is. i.e. A divorce decree is certified by the court clerk (from the court where you were divorced) with a seal, stamp and signature.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

This has probably been asked many times but...

What makes a copy "certified"? Is it simply the institution (where the originals are held) stamping and/or printing "certified" on it?

You can self certify that all of the copied documents attached to your I-129F petition are copies of originals by including this form:

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/FC-029.pdf

With some types of documents, such as divorce decrees, it is a good idea to go to the clerks office and have them make you a copy with their own certifcation stamp affixed, which indicates the document is true and correct with the original on file with the court.

FC-029 is an optional form, but I would recommend it. It covers all of the forms, such as the copy you make of your birth certificate, which you wont be able to get "certified" any other way. Just make sure you hang on to your originals, so if asked you can produce them.

Good luck on your journey!

[rebeccajo 14]

This has probably What makes a copy "certified"? Is it simply the institution (where the originals are held) stamping and/or printing "certified" on it?

With some types of documents, such as divorce decrees, it is a good idea to go to the clerks office and have them make you a copy with their own certifcation stamp affixed, which indicates the document is true and correct with the original on file with the court.

It's not just a good idea. It's required. As bostonparis said, 'certified copy' means a document bearing the mark of the clerk or recorder in the county wherein the document was filed. Sometimes certification involves a rubber stamp, sometimes it is a raised seal - every office has a different method.

You can photocopy certified documents and send these to USCIS.

Edited February 20, 2007 by rebeccajo