original docs from USC?

[Paul and Natalia 0]

Please help me to understand one thing about the documents that I should have for the interview.

The K1 visa tips (visa application process described on the VJ) say:

"4.3.6)...What should I bring with me to the interview?

A...You need everything from the checklist, of course, but you also need originals of everything that was originally submitted as a copy, even with the I-129F petition (except the US Citizens passport and the original I-797 approval notice). Original birth certificates, divorce or death decrees, and originals of any documents to support the I-134 fall into this category. The Consulate has the right to ask for the original of any document, so best be prepared. "

Does it mean that I should have originals of Paul's Birth Certificate and Divorce decree?

Or does it say only about originals of my documents?

[clueless_in_usa 8]

Please help me to understand one thing about the documents that I should have for the interview.

The K1 visa tips (visa application process described on the VJ) say:

"4.3.6)...What should I bring with me to the interview?

A...You need everything from the checklist, of course, but you also need originals of everything that was originally submitted as a copy, even with the I-129F petition (except the US Citizens passport and the original I-797 approval notice). Original birth certificates, divorce or death decrees, and originals of any documents to support the I-134 fall into this category. The Consulate has the right to ask for the original of any document, so best be prepared. "

Does it mean that I should have originals of Paul's Birth Certificate and Divorce decree?

Or does it say only about originals of my documents?

Your: original birth certificate, passport, and police record

His: original employment letter, I-134, pay stubs, tax transcripts, and divorce certificates.

Both: original photos and proof of meeting and ongoing relationship.

[Don E 0]

Please help me to understand one thing about the documents that I should have for the interview.

The K1 visa tips (visa application process described on the VJ) say:

"4.3.6)...What should I bring with me to the interview?

A...You need everything from the checklist, of course, but you also need originals of everything that was originally submitted as a copy, even with the I-129F petition (except the US Citizens passport and the original I-797 approval notice). Original birth certificates, divorce or death decrees, and originals of any documents to support the I-134 fall into this category. The Consulate has the right to ask for the original of any document, so best be prepared. "

Does it mean that I should have originals of Paul's Birth Certificate and Divorce decree?

Or does it say only about originals of my documents?

You should have originals of everything - both yours and your fiance's.

[clueless_in_usa 8]

You should have originals of everything - both yours and your fiance's.

This statement is misleading. Why would the consulate want to see the USC's original Birth Certificate or Police Report, for example?

To the OP: Follow the list I gave you above. If I remembered correctly (consulate kept everything I gave my fiancee and I did not make copies) that list is complete and comprehensive.

[Paul and Natalia 0]

You should have originals of everything - both yours and your fiance's.

This statement is misleading. Why would the consulate want to see the USC's original Birth Certificate or Police Report, for example?

To the OP: Follow the list I gave you above. If I remembered correctly (consulate kept everything I gave my fiancee and I did not make copies) that list is complete and comprehensive.

Thank you! Just have talked to Paul, told him about the answers I've got. He will come to see me next week, so your answer is helpful to understand what documents to take.

As far as photos & other evidences, I'm going to take for the interview exactly the same photos that were sent with the petition, plus a couple of photos we will take during his trip next week... plus emails, Skype screen captures showing how he learns Russian, tickets... Hope, will be enough

Thank you again!

[Don E 0]

You should have originals of everything - both yours and your fiance's.

This statement is misleading. Why would the consulate want to see the USC's original Birth Certificate or Police Report, for example?

To the OP: Follow the list I gave you above. If I remembered correctly (consulate kept everything I gave my fiancee and I did not make copies) that list is complete and comprehensive.

That's your opinion, and that's all it is. This is just my opinion....do I really need to qualify it in this manner? I'll stand by my original answer. Unless specifically stated that copies are acceptable, original documents should be taken. This applies to any documents the visa applicant is required to take to the interview whether they pertain to the applicant or the petitioner. Where did you come up with the idea that the USC needs to provide a police certificate to anyone? BTW, the CO kept almost nothing that my fiancee took. How about that? Could that possibly mean that different individuals have different experiences?

MHO, FWIW, YMMV

[clueless_in_usa 8]

That's your opinion, and that's all it is. This is just my opinion....do I really need to qualify it in this manner? I'll stand by my original answer. Unless specifically stated that copies are acceptable, original documents should be taken. This applies to any documents the visa applicant is required to take to the interview whether they pertain to the applicant or the petitioner. Where did you come up with the idea that the USC needs to provide a police certificate to anyone? BTW, the CO kept almost nothing that my fiancee took. How about that? Could that possibly mean that different individuals have different experiences?

MHO, FWIW, YMMV

NO! It is not my opinion, it is a fact: your suggestion was and still is misleading. Period!

For example, a copy of the Birth Certificate or Passport of the applicant is required to process the application (I-129F) at USCIS. That does not mean that the beneficiary has to take the originals of any of those documents to the interview. If they were needed, an RFE would have been issued by USCIS. The consulate does not have to assess the proper citizenship of the petitioner. It only has to assess the proper ID of the beneficiary.

My message was instead clear. It contains a list of the original documents required from every person at the consulate stage, without being vague, and possibly misleading.

If you believe that being vague is better than being specific, then go ahead. I, on the other hand, prefer SPECIFIC information.

[Rob_Lesya 4]

Natalia,

Keep in mind that the Guides here are written to be "all-inclusive" and to deal with any situation you could possibly encounter at any consulate. They are written that way because different consulates provide different levels of specificity regarding what the beneficiary needs to provide when they come for an interview .

Luckily for you, Moscow provides a very specific list of what they want to see from the beneficiary.

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/fiancee.html

List of Documents for Fiancé (e) Visa Interview

1. Biographical Form DS-230 filled out in English (part 1 and part 2). A separate form must be filled out for immigrating child over 16 years of age.

2. 2 completed Electronic Visa Application Forms DS-156. ( The Electronic Visa Application Form must be filled out online at http://evisaforms.state.gov. After filling out the form online, print a copy of the visa application form. The Electronic Visa Application Form is not available in the Russian language. Answers to the questions on the application must be in English and must use English characters. The applicants are welcome to use the Russian language translation to guide them through the online English Electronic Visa Application Form). A separate Electronic Visa Application Form DS-156 must be filled out for immigrating child.

3. Supplement DS-156K form. The form must be filled out in Russian. DO NOT SIGN DS-156K. No DS-156K supplement is required for immigrating child.

4. International Passport with a photocopy of the first page and the page with information about immigrating child if the child's name in included in the parent's passport.

5. Original birth certificate, photocopy and translation into English.

6. Police certificates in all names as well as all dates of birth ever used. Police certificate must contain references to each place (subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation) in which the applicant lives or has lived for more than six months since attaining the age of 16. This includes localities where applicants have lived during university studies. If the applicant was on military service, he/she should bring the certificate from the local draft board. If an applicant has lived abroad for more than one year, a police certificate must also be submitted from the country in which he/she lived. Police certificate validity is one year since the date of issuance.

7. Evidence of termination of prior marriage(s) (if applicable), original, photocopy and translation into English.

8. One color non-glossy full-face photo 50x50 mm for visa. The eye level should be between 28mm and 35mm from the bottom. Another two pictures will be required for medical examination.

9. Visa application fee of $131 (or ruble equivalent) for each applicant

10. Documents confirming relationship: photos of Petitioner and Beneficiary together, letters to each other, phone bills, airplane tickets, emails, etc.

11. Results of Medical Examination in a sealed envelope. The medical must be taken at one of the embassy-designated medical centers. It takes 2 days to complete the medical examination.

12. Financial documents from the petitioner – a US citizen: please note, that Affidavit of Support (form I-134) is not required, but may be requested. The document must be notarized. Please submit financial documents to show that the applicant will not become a public charge in the United States. Such documents may include, but are not limited to:

- Most recent year tax returns (form 1040) or tax transcripts from IRS

- Copy of bank account

- Earnings and leave statement

- W-2 forms

- Letter from employer

Of course, you can bring along more documents if you wish -- some people feel more secure having that security blanket with them "just in case" --- but the documents listed above are the ones that the Consulate in Moscow might want to see and/or possibly keep.

As long as you have the documents in the list--- you'll be fine.

[Jamaican JNR 2]

Please help me to understand one thing about the documents that I should have for the interview.

The K1 visa tips (visa application process described on the VJ) say:

"4.3.6)...What should I bring with me to the interview?

A...You need everything from the checklist, of course, but you also need originals of everything that was originally submitted as a copy, even with the I-129F petition (except the US Citizens passport and the original I-797 approval notice). Original birth certificates, divorce or death decrees, and originals of any documents to support the I-134 fall into this category. The Consulate has the right to ask for the original of any document, so best be prepared. "

Does it mean that I should have originals of Paul's Birth Certificate and Divorce decree?

Or does it say only about originals of my documents?

You should have the official certificates or certified by the issuing organization.

[Paul and Natalia 0]

That's your opinion, and that's all it is. This is just my opinion....do I really need to qualify it in this manner? I'll stand by my original answer. Unless specifically stated that copies are acceptable, original documents should be taken. This applies to any documents the visa applicant is required to take to the interview whether they pertain to the applicant or the petitioner. Where did you come up with the idea that the USC needs to provide a police certificate to anyone? BTW, the CO kept almost nothing that my fiancee took. How about that? Could that possibly mean that different individuals have different experiences?

MHO, FWIW, YMMV

NO! It is not my opinion, it is a fact: your suggestion was and still is misleading. Period!

For example, a copy of the Birth Certificate or Passport of the applicant is required to process the application (I-129F) at USCIS. That does not mean that the beneficiary has to take the originals of any of those documents to the interview. If they were needed, an RFE would have been issued by USCIS. The consulate does not have to assess the proper citizenship of the petitioner. It only has to assess the proper ID of the beneficiary.

My message was instead clear. It contains a list of the original documents required from every person at the consulate stage, without being vague, and possibly misleading.

If you believe that being vague is better than being specific, then go ahead. I, on the other hand, prefer SPECIFIC information.

Wow!

After such a hot discussion Paul decided to bring me all his originals (except his passport ). Even if they are not required. Just to be sure that I will have everything what may be requested by an inventive interviewer.

Thank you both for your advices!

[Don E 0]

That's your opinion, and that's all it is. This is just my opinion....do I really need to qualify it in this manner? I'll stand by my original answer. Unless specifically stated that copies are acceptable, original documents should be taken. This applies to any documents the visa applicant is required to take to the interview whether they pertain to the applicant or the petitioner. Where did you come up with the idea that the USC needs to provide a police certificate to anyone? BTW, the CO kept almost nothing that my fiancee took. How about that? Could that possibly mean that different individuals have different experiences?

MHO, FWIW, YMMV

NO! It is not my opinion, it is a fact: your suggestion was and still is misleading. Period!

For example, a copy of the Birth Certificate or Passport of the applicant is required to process the application (I-129F) at USCIS. That does not mean that the beneficiary has to take the originals of any of those documents to the interview. If they were needed, an RFE would have been issued by USCIS. The consulate does not have to assess the proper citizenship of the petitioner. It only has to assess the proper ID of the beneficiary.

My message was instead clear. It contains a list of the original documents required from every person at the consulate stage, without being vague, and possibly misleading.

If you believe that being vague is better than being specific, then go ahead. I, on the other hand, prefer SPECIFIC information.

Not worth the time......

Edited October 12, 2009 by Don E