does NVC accept laminated copies?

[portlib_jc 0]

Hi All,

I am preparing documents for DS-230, and i have laminated copy of the original birth certificate. does anyone know if its ok to send laminated birth-certificate to NVC ?

thanks in advance!

[Otto 83]

It is almost certain that NVC (or any other office) would NOT accept a laminated document such as a Birth Certificate.

Edited November 8, 2009 by Otto und Karin

[Scott and Mhay 57]

I would just send a regular photo copy of it since they say that copies are ok...unless the original is requested. Save the originals such as you have for the interview if needed.

[portlib_jc 0]

I would just send a regular photo copy of it since they say that copies are ok...unless the original is requested. Save the originals such as you have for the interview if needed.

NVC requires certified copies of birth certificate, marriage certificate . would they just accept regular photo copy ?

[Otto 83]

Save the originals such as you have for the interview if needed.

And P.S.,

Get a non-laminated version of the document at some point. It is never a good idea to laminate an important document when its the only one you have) since the document can't really be verified as an original when it is encased in plastic. To make a keepsake, laminate a legible copy.

[trailmix 77]

Actually copies - as in photocopies are not ok for NVC. They ask for 'certified copies from the issuing authority' - or originals.

There is a big difference. The 'copy' they want is like one you would get from a government office in your country, not a photocopy.

Edited November 8, 2009 by trailmix

[Malrothien 6]

in the US, laminating any document such as a birth certificate or your SSN card invalidates it.

[confused1 0]

Hi All,

I am preparing documents for DS-230, and i have laminated copy of the original birth certificate. does anyone know if its ok to send laminated birth-certificate to NVC ?

thanks in advance!

I sent a Laminated copies of birth cert and NVC accepted it and now my case is complete. I sent both Eng and local language birth cert. both laminated.

[trailmix 77]

Just to clarify on the photocopies vs originals or copies from the issuing entity - here is a link to the instructions regarding civil documents:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3195.html

Original Document Requirements

The applicant and each family member who will accompany the applicant to the United States will need to submit original documents or certified copies of the documents listed in this section from an appropriate authority (the issuing entity).

[Scott and Mhay 57]

Yes but you CAN get notorized copies and that is good. Right? that would certify as it is a true copy.

[confused1 0]

Yes but you CAN get notorized copies and that is good. Right? that would certify as it is a true copy.

I dont think they accept Notorized copies. They only want original or certified copies. Certified Copies are same as original, they are issued by same authority who issued originals.

[Scott and Mhay 57]

Hmm this is getting a lot more expensive...i have to get more certified copies from the NSO and give photocopies AND my wife has to take the same to the interview in manila!!!

Not to mention i have to send my wife out more to get them

Edited November 8, 2009 by Scott and Mhay

[trailmix 77]

Yes but you CAN get notorized copies and that is good. Right? that would certify as it is a true copy.

No, no notorized copies. This is a common misunderstanding of the instructions and has cost many people an RFE, no doubt.

For details of what they accept for each country, chose the country name from the drop down list here.

You either get them an original or you go to the issuing authority, for instance this is the requirement for a birth certificate if you were born in the Phillipines:

Birth Certificates

Available. Applicants may obtain birth certificates at any NSO branch for a small fee. Relatives in the Philippines may obtain these documents or they may be obtained online. The NSO can also provide an index of all children born to an applicant.

A certified copy of a birth registration (less preferred) may be obtained from the local civil registrar at the place of birth. Local Civil Registrar records are often incomplete and it is often necessary to augment local birth certificates with baptismal certificates. “Affidavits from two disinterested persons” are generally considered unreliable but may be useful in cases where pre-war records are not locatable.

Frequently, certificates for births occurring since 1946 may also be obtained from the National Census and Statistics Office (NCSO), at the NSO East Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. Certificates of birth before 1946 are maintained at the National Archives Division at T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. Issuance of a birth certificate takes approximately five working days, for which there may be a fee, plus an additional fee if issuance is to take place within 24 hours, or if the document is to be printed on special security paper.

[Scott and Mhay 57]

That's funny because the photocopy of our marriage certificate (NSO)is easier to read than the one actually from the NSO...Guess i will have her get a couple more NSO copies because I need to keep the one copy i have and she has one too. I will have her start gathering stuff...of course we have a couple of months until we are at that stage. I will probably be in the PI running around with her to get most of this stuff.

[pushbrk 12,827]

I would just send a regular photo copy of it since they say that copies are ok...unless the original is requested. Save the originals such as you have for the interview if needed.

NVC requires certified copies of birth certificate, marriage certificate . would they just accept regular photo copy ?

No, they will not. NVC is not USCIS. The requirements are quite different.