Married in US. NVC DS-230 ask Beneficiary for certified marriage certificate

[ProudWife 0]

We were married in USA. Beneficiary is now back in Iran. We went through USCIS for I-130 and it was approved for CR1. NVC was paid the Affidavit of Support fee and we completed the DS-864 and DS-3032. We now paid the Immigration Visa (IV) Processing Fee. NVS sent instructions for Beneficiary to complete DS-230 and provide relevant documents. NVC wants beneficiary (in Iran) to include the original or certified copy of our USA marriage certificate amongst other documents. He doesn't have our marriage certificate in Iran. Why would he in a muslim country where an American marriage isn't even recognized or accepted? For me to send our original marriage certificate to him in Iran would be stupid, for we would be lucky if he ever gets US mail, let alone within this lightyear. Can I send NVC the USA marriage certificate with the cover sheet they provided?

[ao_cons 1]

Who is the designated agent in the DS-3032? If it's the US Petitioner, why don't you just have your husband fill out the DS-230, sign part I (not part II), have him send it back to you, and then you mail the whole IV packet yourself? That's what we intend to do... sort of. Going to send the IV packet to my mother-in-law and she'll send from our US address after we pay IV bill. Just put your name and address as return address.

Is there a US embassy in Iran? Where will the interview be held? Because I think the NVC will forward your whole package to the USEM once they declare "Case Complete" on it.

[ProudWife 0]

I am the Petitioner and Designated Agent of Record. That designation only means NVS forms come to me and notices. NVS stated only the Beneficiary may submit DS-230 and they want original signatures of Beneficiary. If he mails anything out from Iran to me and then I send it to NVC, it would be faster for him to just send it to NVC himself. There is no Embassy in Iran. US Embassy's are in Italy, Ankara Turkey or ABU DHABI. NVC selected ABU DHABI even after all forms stated we wanted Turkey. I am still wondering though: our marriage was in USA and my husband doesn't have our marriage certificate, only I do. Does it matter who provides the marriage certificate as long as it is the original or certified copy? Again, I am very apprehensive to send these legal original documents into Iran. Besides it highly unlikely of it ever being delivered and lost. The timeline of if/when he may eventually get it is pure chance/luck and slim to none. Time is ticking and I sure need more feedback. Thanks So Far To All My Friends Here.

Who is the designated agent in the DS-3032? If it's the US Petitioner, why don't you just have your husband fill out the DS-230, sign part I (not part II), have him send it back to you, and then you mail the whole IV packet yourself? That's what we intend to do... sort of. Going to send the IV packet to my mother-in-law and she'll send from our US address after we pay IV bill. Just put your name and address as return address.

Is there a US embassy in Iran? Where will the interview be held? Because I think the NVC will forward your whole package to the USEM once they declare "Case Complete" on it.

[ProudWife 0]

CR-1: Can USA Petitioner-Designated Agent-Wife send NVC the original USA marriage certificate instead of Beneficiary? The DS-230I asks for Beneficiary to provide marriage certificate.

[ao_cons 1]

Well, if that's the case, I'd have the Beneficiary send everything he can. But BEFORE that, I would send the BC myself with cover letter explaining the situation. I'm sure US would understand the issue with Iran (obvious there is no love there between the govs). But I wouldn't send the DS-230 first or they might conclude he forgot the BC and just issue an RFE. Make sure, when writing a cover letter, to include your full names and your full birth dates, plus your NVC case number.

Why don't you call NVC about this? They are very friendly and helpful.

Now I think about it, we'll probably just send our IV packet from where I am now. I hope more experienced people here will help. Next time I call NVC, I will try and ask about this (what you asked). Have to check if I still have phone card left.

Hang in there.

Postscript: Have you read this: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/...ge_.28DS-230.29

It says send a copy to the Beneficiary. Seems to imply the Petitioner can send the actual package, sends a copy to Beneficiary and one for him/herself for backup.

Anyway, let's wait for more replies.

Edited February 13, 2009 by ao_cons

[moonhunt 1]

Can you use FEDEX or UPS with signature required service ?

Even though you send to NVC, it may be lost somewhere, so US Embassy in Italy may not have it when they have interviewed with your husband.

You may ask Family Court to issue certified copies and tried to send it to him with multiple carriers.

Or you can visit him and/or accompany him to the interview.

[turbo2253 0]

It may cost you an extra week, but your best bet would be to have him send the whole packet to you and for you to add the marriage cert. and forward the entire package to the NVC. Any other way could cost you much more time IMO. Also, you will have a second chance to review the visa application before submittal. Mike & Yizhen

[ProudWife 0]

Hey, thansk all here for your brainstorming so far. My husband is scheduled for ABU DHABI not Italy and I do plan to fly there for his interview. There is only DHL service out of Iran and again, anything leaving Iran to USA is not guarenteed. As soon as they see the address of USA incoming or outgoing, they are known to intercept it for one reason or another. But in all hopes and prayers he gets the DS-230 out of Iran by DHL and onto USA soil, we WILL be able to track it. I sent my husband certified original's of our marriage, as there was many other personal original and copied personal documents. It is over 1 month now and still nothing has shown up at his Iran address. I have my own marriage certificate, which is the one I would send on his behalf if permitable. To ask a court for another copy of marriage certficate serves no purpose here. For one; I am chancing to send a second original marriage certificate to Iran? For two: If I have the authority to send the marriage certificate, I have an original in USA. So, I am still back to square one. Can I send the marriage certificate instead of beneficiary?

Can you use FEDEX or UPS with signature required service ?

Even though you send to NVC, it may be lost somewhere, so US Embassy in Italy may not have it when they have interviewed with your husband.

You may ask Family Court to issue certified copies and tried to send it to him with multiple carriers.

Or you can visit him and/or accompany him to the interview.

[moonhunt 1]

Can I send the marriage certificate instead of beneficiary?

You could try.

Anything NVC received with the case number will be forwarded to US Embassy.

But still there is a chance that it might be lost somewhere.

I heard that in very rare case, the package was not arrived to US Embassy before the interview, so they had to postpone the decision until they have the info. But at the time, the person was having extra copy of most documentation, so it wasn't a big problem.

[ProudWife 0]

You know, you are right. I am just going to have him send me the entire paperwork. I then can check all and add the marriage certificate and send it next day service. My stupid worries is that they know he is in Iran and the packet is coming from Florida to NVC. I just don't want them to be suspicious or question the validity of the submitted documents. Do you think NVC is thinking as hard as me?

It may cost you an extra week, but your best bet would be to have him send the whole packet to you and for you to add the marriage cert. and forward the entire package to the NVC. Any other way could cost you much more time IMO. Also, you will have a second chance to review the visa application before submittal. Mike & Yizhen

[YuAndDan 153]

Moving to NVC forum

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3190.html

Edited February 13, 2009 by YuAndDan

[AddyG 0]

I agree with Turbo - get him to send everything to you - you double check it and add the marriage certificate and then overnight it to NVC. What's the problem in that? That is what most people have done - check the guides, it's perfectly fine to come from you. In fact I wouldn't do it the other way!!

[ao_cons 1]

Two suggestions:

#1: Call NVC and ask for their advice.

#2: Can't your husband cross the Iranian border (or even fly out) and mail the package from a more US-friendly territory? I can understand your concern now, with the way the Iranian gov tampers with US mail. I'm not familiar with Mid-East geography. I'm just thinking maybe he can go to a safer country and send you the signed documents from there (docs that require his original signature), etc.? Since the nearest embassy is in Abu Dabi, can he not go there (he'll be there for interview anyway), send paperwork from there, and/or maybe get advice from US consulate?

Regarding your worry about using your address. I don't see how this can cause a problem. I'm going to find out anyway because we're going to send our DS-230 soon. I'd attach a cover letter if I were you, explaining why you had to send the package yourself.

[ao_cons 1]

Hey, check out this link:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=178732

Can send DS-230 from petitioner's address no prob.

[ProudWife 0]

Hello All; Thanks again for brainstormimg with me. I spoke to my husband this morning. He will mail out everything by DHL directly to me and I will attach the rest and mail it from my address to NVC . I will copy his envelope from Iran as proof it came from him. This will serve a double purpose. I am all set here and will keep you all posted. Of course, the mail out from Iran is chancy, but less chancy then incoming USA mail. Pray for Navid and me as I will for all my friends here on VisaJourney.com

Hey, check out this link:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=178732

Can send DS-230 from petitioner's address no prob.