how many ORIGINAL birth certificate translations do I really need???

[NUSHka 0]

Ok so I made all the copies of additional documentation needed for the AOS package and knowing that I need 3 sets of my birth certificate + its translation (I130,I485,I765),I made 3 copies of them,BUT I read this on the USCIS website:

"Original Vs. Photocopy:

...Translations of documents (even when the rules allow submission of a photocopy of the document itself.)

NOTE: If the applicant or petitioner has already submitted the original document to the USCIS in connection with another matter, he or she may submit a photocopy along with an explanation of when and why the original was previously sent to the USCIS...."

Now does this mean I have to get 2 more certified translations of the BC?? Or I can include this explanation letter saying that Im sending the original translation with the I130 application,therefore Im sending copies of it with the I765 and I485?

And what if I want to keep the original translation at home?Did anyone send just photocopies of it??

[Myopia 93]

Ok so I made all the copies of additional documentation needed for the AOS package and knowing that I need 3 sets of my birth certificate + its translation (I130,I485,I765),I made 3 copies of them,BUT I read this on the USCIS website:

"Original Vs. Photocopy:

...Translations of documents (even when the rules allow submission of a photocopy of the document itself.)

NOTE: If the applicant or petitioner has already submitted the original document to the USCIS in connection with another matter, he or she may submit a photocopy along with an explanation of when and why the original was previously sent to the USCIS...."

Now does this mean I have to get 2 more certified translations of the BC?? Or I can include this explanation letter saying that Im sending the original translation with the I130 application,therefore Im sending copies of it with the I765 and I485?

And what if I want to keep the original translation at home?Did anyone send just photocopies of it??

Dont send the original.

Send a copy of the original with the copy of the translation.

You need that for the I-130, I-1485 and I-765.

That is all you need.

[juliava 80]

I agree. You need to send copies, don't send any originals.

[NUSHka 0]

Ok.thanks guys.

[kayax 1]

Ok so I made all the copies of additional documentation needed for the AOS package and knowing that I need 3 sets of my birth certificate + its translation (I130,I485,I765),I made 3 copies of them,BUT I read this on the USCIS website:

"Original Vs. Photocopy:

...Translations of documents (even when the rules allow submission of a photocopy of the document itself.)

NOTE: If the applicant or petitioner has already submitted the original document to the USCIS in connection with another matter, he or she may submit a photocopy along with an explanation of when and why the original was previously sent to the USCIS...."

Now does this mean I have to get 2 more certified translations of the BC?? Or I can include this explanation letter saying that Im sending the original translation with the I130 application,therefore Im sending copies of it with the I765 and I485?

And what if I want to keep the original translation at home?Did anyone send just photocopies of it??

Why three copies of birth certificate (w translation) is required ?

Birth Certificate requirement of non-us citizen is only I-485, if you are getting by marriage.

Original document is not required, photocopy is acceptable.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Why three copies of birth certificate (w translation) is required ?

Birth Certificate requirement of non-us citizen is only I-485, if you are getting by marriage.

Original document is not required, photocopy is acceptable.

[NUSHka 0]

Why three copies of birth certificate (w translation) is required ?

Birth Certificate requirement of non-us citizen is only I-485, if you are getting by marriage.

Original document is not required, photocopy is acceptable.

Iim just going by the guide here on VJ- it says I have to send my BC+transl. for I130,I485 and I765,,...so that makes 3,doesnt it

and the thing about the original translations I saw from the USCIS website...

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I just looked at the VJ guides, and it doesn't say you need three. I'm not sure where you are reading that. We sent only one copy, as only the I-485 asked for it specifically. I'd read the uscis.gov instructions and trust those over VJ guides (the VJ guide has an error there, it says certified copy of marriage cert is needed and that is not true, though they are pretty good and helpful in most ways).

Only photocopies are required of documents you need for your real life, like birth certificate and marriage certificate. Anything you make especially for your package, like the forms themselves, or the Birth certificate translation, should be the original. You bring all of your originals to the interview, so the IO can verify them if needed.

Read here:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=4203194d3e88d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=9059d9808bcbd010VgnVCM100000d1f1d6a1RCRD

[NUSHka 0]

I just looked at the VJ guides, and it doesn't say you need three. I'm not sure where you are reading that. We sent only one copy, as only the I-485 asked for it specifically. I'd read the uscis.gov instructions and trust those over VJ guides (the VJ guide has an error there, it says certified copy of marriage cert is needed and that is not true, though they are pretty good and helpful in most ways).

Only photocopies are required of documents you need for your real life, like birth certificate and marriage certificate. Anything you make especially for your package, like the forms themselves, or the Birth certificate translation, should be the original. You bring all of your originals to the interview, so the IO can verify them if needed.

Read here:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=4203194d3e88d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=9059d9808bcbd010VgnVCM100000d1f1d6a1RCRD

ok I was talking about the birth certificate's translation,not the BC itself. Im not going to send my original BC,but specifically as I quoted in my 1st post, the USCIS guide says that the BC's TRANSLATION should be an original.Just like you said it too...

and since I was following the VJ assembly package guide I was confused cause it said I need 3 sets of BC + its translation..so therefore my question...but if u sent only 1 and had no problem Ill take it from u..

and hers what VJ says just in case u guys think Im making it all up:

"Assembling the I-130 Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a money order so you can track the payment. If a personal check is allowed, use that instead.

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-130), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

4. Copy of the Full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship.

5. A copy of petitioner's proof of naturalization. (If applicable)

6. A copy of petitioner's proof of permanent residency. (If applicable)

7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

8. A certified copy of your certified marriage certificate (again, translated if not in Engligh)

9. A certified official copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If one or both of you have been divorced before)

10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died)

11. G-325A filled out by the US Citizen, signed and dated.

12. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

13. G-325A filled out by the foreign spouse signed and dated.

14. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign spouse. Write the full name of the beneficiary on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

15. Evidence of a bonafide marriage (see note below for what to include)

......

Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Be sure to include the payment for both the I-485 and the biometrics fee*. Use a money order so you can track the payment. If a personal check is allowed, use that instead.

>> The fee for I-485 applications filed on or after July 30th 2007 inlcudes the cost of the I-131 and I-765 (no need to pay for them if filed with or while your I-485 application is pending adjudication -- as long as you paid the "new" rate for the I-485 effective July 30th 2007).

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-485), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-485: Petition for Alien Relative

4. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses Passport (biographical page as well as entry stamps).

5. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses valid I-94 (front and back copies)

6. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

7. A certified copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse)

8. A copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both of you have been divorced before)

9. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died)

10. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the Non US Citizen Spouse. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

11. G-325A filled out, signed and dated.

12. I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status

13. I-864, Affidavit of Support (see poverty limits here)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation

14. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation (including birth certificate + translation )or photos as well as payment per USCIS instructions.

......... "

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yeah, I noticed it said BC and/or passport for the I-130 (though the I-130 instructions say passport), which is kind of lame. I only saw this for I-765:

14. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment per USCIS instructions.

I am a bit annoyed that VJ would suggest you need a BC for EAD on what you quoted (must be in a different spot than what I saw), when you only need 2 identical photographs, as per the instructions. You don't even need a copy of the I-94 if filing under the C9 category.

Anyway, we only sent one copy of the BC, which was dual language, and everything went fine. Sounds like you're reading instructions thoroughly though, which is a good thing! Too bad VJ had some wonky advice Good luck!

[Myopia 93]

It's not a big deal. Better to send three than none. You know what I mean? Just make sure you have the copy of the original BC and the copy of the translation.

[NUSHka 0]

ok guys,so bottom line I DO NOT have to send the ORIGINAL TRANSLATION??

[Little_My 464]

Nowhere on USCIS.gov or in the form instructions does it specifically state that you must send the original translation. You send a copy of the original BC, attach a copy of the translation on it with the certification from the translator that says more or less:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date

If they want to see the original BC and/or the original translation, they will ask you to bring it to the interview. I've seen people here say they translated their BCs themselves and attached the above mentioned certification of their fluency in English and the original language of the BC and had no problems whatsoever.

[NUSHka 0]

Nowhere on USCIS.gov or in the form instructions does it specifically state that you must send the original translation. You send a copy of the original BC, attach a copy of the translation on it with the certification from the translator that says more or less:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date

If they want to see the original BC and/or the original translation, they will ask you to bring it to the interview. I've seen people here say they translated their BCs themselves and attached the above mentioned certification of their fluency in English and the original language of the BC and had no problems whatsoever.

well ok,then Im sending the copy,but just so u know there is a specified section in the USCIS site which says which documents MUST be originals and the BC translation was one of it...but if many people hace sent the copy with no problem then I guess its fine,thank u

[Little_My 464]

Well, if you found a section on USCIS site that states that you Must submit the original translation, then you should submit the original translation. I am going by the instructions and what I could find myself - but did not see anything that stated that the original has to be sent. However, if you have seen this, on USCIS instructions or website, then it seems to be a pretty clear case - right?

I personally submitted an excerpt from the Finnish population registry which was already in English, so I did not have to send a translation of BC at all.

Is there a specific reason you do not want to send the original translation?

Edited April 11, 2011 by Mrs.Finland-USA