Copies vs Certified Copies?

[Nayson 1]

Since visiting this website for the first time today I've noticed numerous mentions of certified copies and copies (of documents such a birth certs and marriage licenses).

 

I am preparing my AOS packet (which will include the I-130) and have made regular photocopies on a copier machine of all documents. Is this inadequate? 

 

What is the real difference between a copy made on a photocopier and printed out, vs a certified copy? And which do I need for what documents? 

 

Thanks. 

[NikLR 13,227]

regular photocopies are just fine for the AOS package. 

 

A certified copy is a copy that is certified by the original issuer.  Basically it would be like ordering another birth certificate or marriage certificate from the place that issued the original.

[ricnally 258]

Photocopies are fine to send in with the package. If you're called for an interview, you may want to bring your certified copies (what you would call your "originals") with you so they can have a look. They asked for them at my AOS interview.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

Often original records of marriages and births are filed bound in dusty books in the county office where the event took place. A certified copy means some official employee from that records office has  "certified" that the copy they provided to you is a true record of the original on file at the county records office. Thus you have a replica of the filed record with some kind of certification note, stamp, embossing or signature on it that shows it is "certified".  In your immigration journey you can think of that one with actual ink or embossing as your "original" albeit certified copy. You may submit photocopies of that inked, signed or embossed document with your applications, but understand that USCIS may want to see the original certification at any interview you attend.