I-485 Question about docs in the guide - certified marriage certificate

[mattaco 0]

I'm putting together the packer for filing the I-485 for my wife and step daughter and have a question about the docs in the guide here:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/guides/i130-spouse-inside-usa/

 

In the section Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist it lists this:

 

8.    A certified copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse)

 

 

However on the I-485 checklist page on the USCIS website, nothing about being certified is listed. 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-485Checklist

 

So my question is  - what does certified mean in this instance? And does it actually need to be certified?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

[Lil bear 4,251]

15 minutes ago, mattaco said:

I'm putting together the packer for filing the I-485 for my wife and step daughter and have a question about the docs in the guide here:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/guides/i130-spouse-inside-usa/

 

In the section Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist it lists this:

 

8.    A certified copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse)

 

 

However on the I-485 checklist page on the USCIS website, nothing about being certified is listed. 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-485Checklist

 

So my question is  - what does certified mean in this instance? And does it actually need to be certified?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

What is required is the certificate you get directly from the state /county dept that this record. Usually obtained by a fee for each certificate and ordering online or in person. The issuing authority will issue with security markings /seals etc which identify it as bonafide…this is a certified copy .. .  not a photocopied copy 

Edited September 25, 2022 by Lil bear

[powerpuff 6,728]

You request certified copies of your marriage certificate at the city/town clerk that issued your original marriage certificate.

 

The guide was written a few years ago. At the time USCIS issued RFEs for a certified copy but that seems to have been an isolated occurrence. I have not heard USCIS issuing RFEs for that so far that I’ve been here on VJ. It is fine to include a photocopy of your marriage certificate, that is what we did and were approved just fine, no RFEs. Of course if you choose to include certified copies that’s fine and that’s an option too.

Edited September 25, 2022 by powerpuff

[mattaco 0]

1 hour ago, powerpuff said:

You request certified copies of your marriage certificate at the city/town clerk that issued your original marriage certificate.

 

The guide was written a few years ago. At the time USCIS issued RFEs for a certified copy but that seems to have been an isolated occurrence. I have not heard USCIS issuing RFEs for that so far that I’ve been here on VJ. It is fine to include a photocopy of your marriage certificate, that is what we did and were approved just fine, no RFEs. Of course if you choose to include certified copies that’s fine and that’s an option too.

 

 

Thanks! We were married outside of the US and have originals, certified translations etc. I'm just not sure if the copy with the translation counts as "certified". But I'll go with sending copies and have everything ready in case they ask to see it later. I only have a couple extra stamped copies and don't want to lose them if I don't have to.