What constitutes a "certified" copy?

[Jscoope 0]

HI, I am an Australian in the US on an F-1 Visa, my current Visa expires in june (it is now mid march). I am in the process of applying for a Visa Extension but I don't know if I am eligible.

Anyway, last October I got married to a US citizen. My wife and I are currently compiling everything to send in for the adjustment of status. I've had a look at the guides but haven't been able to find any explanation as to what exactly the "certified" copies are. The guides on this website say that I need certified copies of certain documents whereas the instructions on the USCIS forms simply say I only need a photocopy, nothing about "certified". So I'm assuming that it's not required but simply makes the process easier, so what exactly makes it "Certified"?

Lastly, The guides explain a general order of compiling the forms together with their appropriate evidence (I-130, I-485 etc) but how do you keep everything in that order? I don't want to staple anything but other than that I'm unsure how to keep the specific order, paper clips? Oh and as for the plastic bags for the photos, do you just use a zip-lock type of thing? and then compile all the forms in its own specific envelope before placing all of those envelopes into another, bigger envelope with a cover page?

Thanks for your help, this has been an arduous task for my wife and I to say the least. I've only just come accross this site though.

We pretty much have everything in order. I had my medical exam last week and my wife got her tax transcript in the mail yesterday, we just need to make a few more photcopies and get the bank checks for the filing fee's. But I don't want to send this until we are absolutely certain everything is in order. If i could get some answers to the above questions it would really help. thanks again.

[colours 3]

HI, I am an Australian in the US on an F-1 Visa, my current Visa expires in june (it is now mid march). I am in the process of applying for a Visa Extension but I don't know if I am eligible.

Anyway, last October I got married to a US citizen. My wife and I are currently compiling everything to send in for the adjustment of status. I've had a look at the guides but haven't been able to find any explanation as to what exactly the "certified" copies are. The guides on this website say that I need certified copies of certain documents whereas the instructions on the USCIS forms simply say I only need a photocopy, nothing about "certified". So I'm assuming that it's not required but simply makes the process easier, so what exactly makes it "Certified"?

Lastly, The guides explain a general order of compiling the forms together with their appropriate evidence (I-130, I-485 etc) but how do you keep everything in that order? I don't want to staple anything but other than that I'm unsure how to keep the specific order, paper clips? Oh and as for the plastic bags for the photos, do you just use a zip-lock type of thing? and then compile all the forms in its own specific envelope before placing all of those envelopes into another, bigger envelope with a cover page?

Thanks for your help, this has been an arduous task for my wife and I to say the least. I've only just come accross this site though.

We pretty much have everything in order. I had my medical exam last week and my wife got her tax transcript in the mail yesterday, we just need to make a few more photcopies and get the bank checks for the filing fee's. But I don't want to send this until we are absolutely certain everything is in order. If i could get some answers to the above questions it would really help. thanks again.

1. "Certified" copies are equivalent to "True" copies. Here is the US you can get the documents "Notarized" by a notary public. Any lawyer can do it if you have a lawyer. Also, typically Human Resources department at work or your bank may have a "Notary Public" who can notarize your documents for you.

2. Organizing the documents - if you give them what they need exactly in the format they ask for it will make everything easier and less confusing for them. You are allowed to staple each set of documents and then put them together in one packet paperclipped together. Also, do not forget to make a complete set of copies for your ownself, including copies of the check(s) and envelope with the medical in it (since it is going to be sealed). A cover letter indicating what you are applying for, what forms you are submitting, nad what other details are in the packet in bullet points will make everything presentable and easy to find and serve as a good checklist.

I hope that was helpful. Good Luck!

[colours 3]

1. "Certified" copies are equivalent to "True" copies. Here is the US you can get the documents "Notarized" by a notary public. Any lawyer can do it if you have a lawyer. Also, typically Human Resources department at work or your bank may have a "Notary Public" who can notarize your documents for you.

2. Organizing the documents - if you give them what they need exactly in the format they ask for it will make everything easier and less confusing for them. You are allowed to staple each set of documents and then put them together in one packet paperclipped together. Also, do not forget to make a complete set of copies for your ownself, including copies of the check(s) and envelope with the medical in it (since it is going to be sealed). A cover letter indicating what you are applying for, what forms you are submitting, nad what other details are in the packet in bullet points will make everything presentable and easy to find and serve as a good checklist.

I hope that was helpful. Good Luck!

Also, notarizing documents will cost you very little (perhaps anywhere from $0 to $6). So be careful of someone trying to extort more money from you.

[besaangel 18]

1. "Certified" copies are equivalent to "True" copies. Here is the US you can get the documents "Notarized" by a notary public. Any lawyer can do it if you have a lawyer. Also, typically Human Resources department at work or your bank may have a "Notary Public" who can notarize your documents for you.

2. Organizing the documents - if you give them what they need exactly in the format they ask for it will make everything easier and less confusing for them. You are allowed to staple each set of documents and then put them together in one packet paperclipped together. Also, do not forget to make a complete set of copies for your ownself, including copies of the check(s) and envelope with the medical in it (since it is going to be sealed). A cover letter indicating what you are applying for, what forms you are submitting, nad what other details are in the packet in bullet points will make everything presentable and easy to find and serve as a good checklist.

I hope that was helpful. Good Luck!

As you said, the new instructions no longer requires certified or notarized copies.

[Jscoope 0]

Thanks for the quick help everybody. I'm surprised you can staple them together, I didn't think they'd allow that.

I just went and bought some oversized envelopes, figuring I can put each form and it's corresponding evidence in it's own envelope, stapled, and then compile all those envelopes into one larger envelope.

I have one more question, do you know if it matters if my visa expires while the adjustment of status is in process? Or should it be OK as long it is valid once they receive the packet?

We are hoping to send the files by the end of the week, so they should have the packet for over 2 months before my F-1 expires. The only reason I'm attempting to get my visa extended is because I am leaving the US for a week in July (the visa expires June 1st) and I don't know how long it will take for the Advance Parole to be approved, so the visa extension will allow me re-entry if the AP hasn't gone through by July (I am aware that if I leave without the AP it will forfeit my application, but it is essentially our Honeymoon).

Thanks for your help guys, a lot easier and cheaper than getting a lawyer!

[Jscoope 0]

Any thing I need to add for the overall packet cover letter? Or is this pretty much the gist of it?

Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status

The following packet is a request for “Adjustment of Status” based on marriage to a US Citizen with a concurrent I-130

The packet includes:

I-130

- G-325 A for L*** ***** (maiden H***)

- G-325 A for spouse, J*** *****

- Accompanying evidence

I-485

- G-325 A for J*** *****

- I-693 Medical Examination in sealed envelope

- I-864

- I-131

- Accompanying evidence

??

[Jscoope 0]

Do I need to include a listing of the evidence (passport photo's, passport copies, marriage certificate etc) on the overall cover letter even If I include a more detailed description in the contents for the specific form? Like I write the cover letter for the I-130 and have a much more detailed list of contents pertaining to the I-130, is that fine? or do I really need to be specific on the overall coverletter as well? Or is simply writing "accompanying evidence" adequate?

thanks.

[besaangel 18]

Let me try to help- for the intial cover letter your idea is good, or you could write I-130 package for example (up to you). And you can also use paperclips to attach evidence.

I personally wouldnt leave until I receive the AP, honeymoon or not. I also noticed no I-765, are you seeking EAD or do you have one already?

I would advice you to talk to a professional cuz I wouldnt extend my visa just to go on vacation, instead I would wait on AP to as not to confuse the whole issue - just my opinion.

[Jscoope 0]

I-765 enables you to work while your form is in process, correct? I'm a full time student anyway so I don't have a whole lot of time to work, so I was simply going to wait until a get a green card before I looked for work.

[alex and astrid 38]

Hi Jscoop, it looks like most of your questions have been answered here, but if you want, there are a few threads that are Aussie-Specific if you want more help!

Aussies Doing AOS

Aussie Chat Page

I was an F1 student too, but my husband and I elected to do a K1 instead of Adjusting right off the bat. I wish we had adjusted, or at least done a CR1, but, oh well

[longey 1]

Indeed most things seem to have been answered, but just to make sure: Once they receive your application, *do not* leave the country until you have the AP! Reentering on your F1 will void your AOS application and can get you into all sorts of trouble.

That being said, if you apply now and don't forget anything important (i.e., don't get an RFE), chances are good you'll get your AP in time, it takes about 8 weeks for most people. Also, I'd say that you can save yourself the effort (and expenses) of getting a visa extension.