Confusion abt what to send to NVC :(

[Maryamm 1]

hi all, i need help n advice from you all

last time i talked with my husband, we agreed to just send the original of our marriage cert and my birth certificate. but today he changed his mind and we will send the Certified copies since we r afraid that the originals might get lose in the way or in NVC when my husband asked NVC, they told my husband that i have to get my docs certified at the agencies. the CERTIFY STAMP will be in Indonesian language, so i might have to get this part TRANSLATED by the translator. is it correct? i mean i never heard ppl did it b4? document certified by agencies and got them (the CERTIFY STAMP) translated?? anyone has the experience? please, i'm so confused

please helpppp,

[Prettysunshine 4]

hi all, i need help n advice from you all

last time i talked with my husband, we agreed to just send the original of our marriage cert and my birth certificate. but today he changed his mind and we will send the Certified copies since we r afraid that the originals might get lose in the way or in NVC when my husband asked NVC, they told my husband that i have to get my docs certified at the agencies. the CERTIFY STAMP will be in Indonesian language, so i might have to get this part TRANSLATED by the translator. is it correct? i mean i never heard ppl did it b4? document certified by agencies and got them (the CERTIFY STAMP) translated?? anyone has the experience? please, i'm so confused

please helpppp,

Hi Maryamm:

Please read this. I hope it helps.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/363219-nvc-marriage-certificate-question/

[Bleauwolf 9]

Maryamm,

Perhaps the link provided in the previous post may cause you more confusion.

To answer your question, yes, it is quite normal and common to submit certified/notarized copies of marriage and birth certs to NVC.

I would NOT recommend sending your original. You can and should take the original with you to your consulate/embassy interview where the visa officer conducting your interview can examine originals if they ask for it.

Regarding certified copies. It is quite straightforward.

Take your marriage certificate (or book) and birth certificate (or book) to a notary office (many/most countries have a governmental office who provide these services).

1) Have a copy made of both marriage/birth documents (they should be able to do this for you at the notary office and often times have their own procedure or way of preparing it). The copies then should be notarized with original seal of the government office/notary (this may be in the form of an ink stamp or an embossed impression (or both) on the paper along with the notary's signature.

2) NOTE: as you said, many foreign documents are in the native language and don't have an English translation as part of the document. Here's what you do:

The notary office should also prepare an English translation of the document they are certifying. The translation verifies the information of the foreign document and is also notarized/certified.

The translated document does not need to be a word for word translation of the foreign document, as some of them are in the form of a book and quite lengthy. BUT, the translation DOES need to verify what the foreign document is AND confirm what it says.

Example: (Here, I just use proof of birth as an example, but, the same principals would apply to other docs needing translation and certification as well (i.e. Marriage Certification, Police Record Certification).

Your birth record may be in the form of a book or family register rather that just a one page certificate of birth. The whole book does NOT need to be translated. Rather, the translated verification just needs to include the important information regarding your birth.

Example:

"This is to certify that (you), was born on (date) (in city and country). (your name) father is (father's name) and (your name) mother is (mother's name)".

NOTE: My example is just an example, it is not a format of exactly how it should be written. Simply, I'm trying to show you the simple information required for the English translation. It's a verification rather than a word for word translation.

IMPORTANT: On the English translation... it should also certify that the translation conforms to the original notarized copy (of the foreign document).

3) IF NO TRANSLATOR: If the notary or government official certifying your documents is not competent in English to provide a translation, it would be very wise for you to take a translator with you when you go to have your documents certified.

NOTE: If it is an independent person translating, the translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

• Translation is accurate, and
  
• Translator is competent to translate.
  

Hope this information helps clear things up a bit and provides a general guide on what you need to do.

Very Best Wishes,

~Bleauwolf

Edited April 19, 2012 by Bleauwolf