Decree Absolute RFE

[debbylyn 0]

Just curious if anyone has received an RFE during the K-1 process for sending in the stamped copy of UK Decree Absolute. After waiting over 4 months, I received an RFE requesting an "official" SIGNED copy of the decree...which as I understand is not the norm to send out in England. Wish I'd have known this back in October when I submitted the package.

[TracyTN 237]

I've heard that sometimes, photocopies throw off the USCIS because they don't 'see' the stamp on it. We printed out a color copy of my hubby's (then fiance) so that the red stamp from the court would be obvious.

All you can do is send what you have - possibly get another original from the court, then enclose a letter explaining that you sent a photocopy of this same document last time, but this is an original from the court.

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

I'm worried that I will also get an RFE for this, although I did get a colour copy of the decree absolute to send in with our application. It seems to be a bit hit and miss depending on whether you get someone who understands what a UK divorce certificate looks like.

[TracyTN 237]

Agreed. There isn't much you can do on this one other than send what you have. And resend a 'better' copy if you do happen to get an RFE.

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

Well, I think I read somewhere here about someone going back to the court and getting a clerk to put another stamp on the decree absolute which they sign... but I have no idea why that would be more acceptable. I think UK divorce certificates just don't look very official - I remember looking at it when I got it from my solicitor originally and thinking 'is that it???'

[desert_fox 32]

Just curious if anyone has received an RFE during the K-1 process for sending in the stamped copy of UK Decree Absolute. After waiting over 4 months, I received an RFE requesting an "official" SIGNED copy of the decree...which as I understand is not the norm to send out in England. Wish I'd have known this back in October when I submitted the package.

What did you send originally???

They need a copy of a certified copy where it is stamped and signed as being a true copy of the original.

[TracyTN 237]

Most absolute decrees in the UK AREN'T signed - just stamped. This fact seems to escape many USCIS adjudicators -- which is what we've been saying in this thread all along.

[Eli the Barrowboy 16]

We got out of jail free on this one. All I had was a photocopy of a typed of Decree Absolute which I got of my ex - funny that my ex has in a way made my journey towards a new marriage much smoother ... lol.

In the meantime I went and got a new copy from the local courthouse which has an official stamp and signature and a covering letter so I can show that, plus the one I sent in, to the officer in the embassy!!!

Phew!!!

R

[truffles 2]

hey Debby,

I had the same problem....the only thing i could put it down to was that when i photocopied it the red stamp didnt come out well enough.

In the end i went back to the courthouse where the divorce proceedings took place and asked them for a further copy - with the red stamp - i explained to the clerk why i wanted it - ( it cost me £1 for them to do it).

I also included a brief outline of the process - explaining that the decree is a one paged document, and at the bottom of the document it was labelled as a ( and there is a letter and number if i recall) and the statement decree absolute is clearly worded at the very bottom of the document.

Good luck!

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

I've been worried about this so I e-mailed the court where my divorce was handled and they confirmed that the document having the red court stamp on it means that it is certified. I think probably it would be a good idea for anyone filing with a UK decree absolute to ensure that they send a colour photocopy so that the stamp is obvious and perhaps to include the letter from their solicitor as supporting evidence. I'm keeping the e-mail response in case we get someone unfamiliar with UK divorce certificates handling our case.

[debbylyn 0]

those are good suggestions for future filers...

My stamped and signed copy of the decree absolute (RFE reply) we mailed while I was in England March 22 , still has not been entered into the system at CSC. I've called several times to check and the latest is there are new contractors in the mailroom and any received mail is taking up to 4 weeks to reach it's recipient in the office.....ugh....

[*julez* 124]

CSC seems to be the worst for updatign cases after RFE responses are received. I hope processing resumes for you very soon!

[debbylyn 0]

CSC finally received our RFE and updated our file!

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

CSC finally received our RFE and updated our file!

Yay! Hope it's full speed ahead from here on.