Certificate of Citizenship or Passport?

[honbako 1]

Hello everyone,

I obtained my U.S. citizenship through my parents and have a Certificate of Citizenship. I have a U.S. passport, but it unfortunately expires in 2012 which doesn't make it eligible (since it falls outside the '5 year validity' period). I noticed in the I-129F requirements that they want the original Certificate of Citizenship. If I send the Certificate of Citizenship with my documents, will I receive it back?

[Justine+David 218]

The 5 year thing just refers to it having a total lifetime of at least 5 years, which is not the case for under-agers, so you're fine to use your U.S. passport to prove citizenship...

[Jaime and Melvin 0]

You only need to supply a copy (front and back) of your Citizenship certificate. Originals are needed at the Interview stage of the K1 process.

[honbako 1]

The 5 year thing just refers to it having a total lifetime of at least 5 years, which is not the case for under-agers, so you're fine to use your U.S. passport to prove citizenship...

Oh really? That's a relief! I'll go with using my passport then. I wasn't too comfortable with the idea of sending my original Certificate of Citizenship with no indication of whether I'd get it back or not. Thanks again!

[honbako 1]

You only need to supply a copy (front and back) of your Citizenship certificate. Originals are needed at the Interview stage of the K1 process.

If that's the case, the instructions for the I-129F seem to be a bit confusing. It says:

What Documents Do You Need to Show That You Are a U.S. Citizen?

A. If you were born in the United States, give USCIS a copy, front and back, of your birth certificate.

B. If you were naturalized, give USCIS a copy, front and back, of your original Certificate of Naturalization.

C. If you were born outside the United States and you are a U.S. citizen through your parents, give USCIS:

1. Your original Certificate of Citizenship

My case falls under part C. and unfortunately it doesn't mention a copy of my Certificate of Citizenship, but the original. Since it looks like I can actually use my passport, I'll go with that as it seems to be the less stressful and uncertain route. Thank you kindly for your response, I sincerely do appreciate it.

[Jaime and Melvin 0]

If that's the case, the instructions for the I-129F seem to be a bit confusing. It says:

My case falls under part C. and unfortunately it doesn't mention a copy of my Certificate of Citizenship, but the original. Since it looks like I can actually use my passport, I'll go with that as it seems to be the less stressful and uncertain route. Thank you kindly for your response, I sincerely do appreciate it.

Sorry, I was only relaying info from the *Step-by-Step Guide on How to File for a K-1 Visa for your Foreign Fiance(e)* on VJ

Link: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...e=k1guide#proof

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

Good luck with it all

[honbako 1]

Sorry, I was only relaying info from the *Step-by-Step Guide on How to File for a K-1 Visa for your Foreign Fiance(e)* on VJ

Link: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...e=k1guide#proof

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

Good luck with it all

No problems at all! The only problem I have at the moment is how to fill out that section since I'm using the passport. I want to send in my passport information instead of the Certificate of Citizenship. But it's not too clear how to indicate this on the form.

[Jaime and Melvin 0]

No problems at all! The only problem I have at the moment is how to fill out that section since I'm using the passport. I want to send in my passport information instead of the Certificate of Citizenship. But it's not too clear how to indicate this on the form.

Hi honbako

Which section do you mean? Are you talking about question 10 on the K1 petition form? If so, even though you are supplying your passport as proof of citizenship, you will still be required to enter your type of citizenship, certificate number, date and place it was issued etc.

You only need to photocopy all the pages in your passport, if you are using that as your proof that you are a USC ... I can't see anywhere on the form that you would need to state what form of citizenship proof you were providing.

I hope I've been helpful, if not, then someone else feel free to jump in lol.