Originals needed?

[fiestagirl 7]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I just filed the I-130/765. We sent in a copy of my divorce decree that my ex-husband had sent me. From reading the forums, I am going to need an original divorce decree. I called the Canadian courthouse and know how to do this- however is that necessary? The copy has the courthouse stamp on it and I don't believe the original has anything but the same thing on it.

Any advice from those who have been through this?

Thanks!

[TheBears 9]

Haven't been through AOS, but an original or certified copy isn't a bad thing to have around. I would suggest getting it now anyway. If they don't want it, then fine. But if they want it, you won't waste any time.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You don't really get an 'original' Divorce Decree - you get a certified copy of the document even with the actual divorce. You can make a copy of the certified document - which will have the court stamp or seal or raised seal on it - for submission, but for the interview you will need to bring the 'original' certified copy of the document so they can compare the photocopy with the 'original' copy.

[trillium13 84]

You don't really get an 'original' Divorce Decree - you get a certified copy of the document even with the actual divorce. You can make a copy of the certified document - which will have the court stamp or seal or raised seal on it - for submission, but for the interview you will need to bring the 'original' certified copy of the document so they can compare the photocopy with the 'original' copy.

This is what I did, no problems.

[trailmix 77]

It might suffice or not, if not it might be easier, if your Province offers it, to get a certificate of Divorce - more information can be found on this page regarding what they will accept:

Canada Reciprocity Schedule - Travel.State.Gov

Divorce and Child Custody Records

Canadian divorce records are maintained by provincial and territorial courts. Primary evidence of divorce is the original or court-certified copy of the final divorce decree from the court where the divorce took place. Some provinces also issue a "Certificate of Divorce" similar to a large or full-size marriage certificate (a computer-printed extract of information on currency style stock paper, 21.6 x 17.8cm or 7 x 8.25 in., with an intaglio border). The Certificate of Divorce is also acceptable evidence of divorce, though it has no information about child custody.