Entered the US - do I get the documents taken at immigration back?

[Coraliine 1]

So my fiance and I are finally in the US. However, we didn't realize that they would be taking the paperwork at immigration from us. We didn't think ahead to get a second copy of my fiance's birth certificate, because I expected that they would return it to us. So now we're ready to file for our marriage license and we have no birth certificate for my fiance!

Do we get these items back in the mail or something? Or do we just need to file with his embassy/consulate/hometown to get a new one?

[Georgia16 2,858]

No you don't get it back. If it was the original one you can fill a form and ask for it but otherwise yes get a new one and maybe a few so you have them further on.

[teeak 224]

You can file this form to get the original documentation: https://www.uscis.gov/g-884

[Fr8dog 396]

May want to check if you cannot use the passport. That's what we used. Getting a copy of a dutch birth certificate when you are not in the country is somewhat of a pain (Unless their are relatives that are willing to help)

[Coraliine 1]

@teeak: Thanks! I'll look into filing for that.

@Fr8dog: Yeah, my fiance was saying that it's basically impossible to get one since he isn't there. I just find that so strange! What about people who live out of the country? Hopefully his parents can go pick up a copy and then overnight it to us. I am going to talk to the town clerk to see if she can just give us one without the birth certificate. I feel like a passport is enough proof of a birth date. Wish me luck!

[reggie473 0]

So my fiance and I are finally in the US. However, we didn't realize that they would be taking the paperwork at immigration from us. We didn't think ahead to get a second copy of my fiance's birth certificate, because I expected that they would return it to us. So now we're ready to file for our marriage license and we have no birth certificate for my fiance!

Do we get these items back in the mail or something? Or do we just need to file with his embassy/consulate/hometown to get a new one?

Hello Caroliine,

Nice to know you are finally together. I would personally just get a new one. They are not expensive to get and the Immigration department may take a much longer time to give it back to you. You should have him get more copies as you may need them in the future. Sometimes processes required for you to give the original and if you are doing two processes that required you would have to get a separate one anyways. It is always best to be prepared.

[Fr8dog 396]

@teeak: Thanks! I'll look into filing for that.

@Fr8dog: Yeah, my fiance was saying that it's basically impossible to get one since he isn't there. I just find that so strange! What about people who live out of the country? Hopefully his parents can go pick up a copy and then overnight it to us. I am going to talk to the town clerk to see if she can just give us one without the birth certificate. I feel like a passport is enough proof of a birth date. Wish me luck!

Have him check the website of the county he was born in. Several are now offering an online service. The dutch embassy will not or cannot help on this one.

There is no such thing as a dutch birth certificate, all you can get is an official transcript from the original books.

He will also need it for his AOS so you need to get one.

Make sure you/they ask for the international version (saves you the translation hassle)

Never send in originals to the USCIS unless specifically instructed to do so. Always sent copies and be prepared to present the original when asked. (There is some debate about the actual marriage certificate, but our courthouse was nice enough to present us with 4 certified copies so I did sent that one in).