Originals vs Copies

[Khun Spoon 0]

So I'm getting ready to go through the DCF process in the next month or two and I'm wondering which documents absolutely *have* to be originals and which can be copies. Mind you, I also have a joint sponsor so knowing about financials is also important.

Particularly, I want to know if these need to be originals or if they can be copies:

1. Bank Statements

2. Tax Returns/W4/W2s

3. Proof of domicile.

In my experience, these documents can usually be copies, but I'm a bit paranoid and want to check with the community before I start submitting them. Thanks for any information or insight

[K and L 27]

As K1-based AOS, we didn't have to do proof of domicile, but we sent photocopies in for everything (marriage license, birth certificate, etc) but the medical (which has to be original/signed/sealed by the doctor) with a signed statement that originals were available upon request. They did not request originals.

HOWEVER: just because that's good enough for USCIS does not mean it's necessarily good enough for the consulate, and mileage varies greatly by consulate. Your best bet is to contact your consulate and ask. Probably, they will be - you have to bring originals to the interview, anyway.

Edited December 24, 2010 by K and L

[Ning 619]

So I'm getting ready to go through the DCF process in the next month or two and I'm wondering which documents absolutely *have* to be originals and which can be copies. Mind you, I also have a joint sponsor so knowing about financials is also important.

Particularly, I want to know if these need to be originals or if they can be copies:

1. Bank Statements

2. Tax Returns/W4/W2s

3. Proof of domicile.

In my experience, these documents can usually be copies, but I'm a bit paranoid and want to check with the community before I start submitting them. Thanks for any information or insight

Copies of these listed documents are acceptable to BKK embassy. You will also need tax transcripts rather than the returns you indicate. The transcripts are free thru the IRS. Contact them by phone or on line to request the docs. Same for your joint sponsor.

[tommymac 1]

Copies of these listed documents are acceptable to BKK embassy. You will also need tax transcripts rather than the returns you indicate. The transcripts are free thru the IRS. Contact them by phone or on line to request the docs. Same for your joint sponsor.

You can have copies of everything except birth certificates. It specifically says copies and not originals unless stated. Make sure your copies are notarized so they can certify they are true copies of the originals.

[Ning 619]

You can have copies of everything except birth certificates. It specifically says copies and not originals unless stated. Make sure your copies are notarized so they can certify they are true copies of the originals.

You dont need a notary for these docs. A notary only verifies the signature of the person signing a document & has nothing to do with the content. There is no need to sign the docs.