What documents to bring to the US

[Alianza Terps 12]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering what documents my fiance should make sure he has before immigrating to the US. He is going be bringing copies of his birth certificate, diploma, school transcripts, documents of employment history....is there anything else that he would need in order to start his new life here? He may either work or study during his first year here so we want to be prepared for anything and everything. Also, we want to make sure we are ready with all the needed documents for AOS.

Are we missing anything?

As always, thanks for the help and advice

[jenkatx 52]

Maybe medical records?

[TBoneTX 46,167]

Maybe medical records?

Si, man, and he should bring multiple copies of each document, if possible -- two at minimum, three preferably.

If his visa isn't already in his passport, he should renew his passport for as long a term as possible.

If he has a driver's license, he should renew it for as long as possible. If he doesn't drive, he should do everything in his power (as a priority) to get a driver's license before he comes here.

As part of his medical records, he should try to get (or to have constructed or reconstructed) a vaccination record that stands on its own, signed or stamped by a doctor or clinic on letterhead. Get three original-signature/stamp copies of this.

If applicable, divorce certificate, birth certificate(s) of child(ren), baptismal or other official religious records...

[Peter&Jaime 1]

You mentioned your fiancee might study. If this is the case you should look into which school he may study at. The reason I say that is because different schools have different requirements for highschool transcripts. Some universities require transcripts to be evaluated by companies like WES. Wes only accepts transcripts signed, sealed, and sent directly from the high school. My husband did not get copies of his high school transcript (even though I told him ) and we ended up having to make a trip to Peru because they would not release them to his relatives. So make sure you get several copies and make sure you look at the local community colleges and colleges to determine how they want copies of his transcripts. My husband ended up going to a community college because they only required a translated copy of his transcript and no SAT. But after two years in the United States I would say his high school transcripts where the most important thing to get.

[Alianza Terps 12]

Great! Thanks for the advice everyone!

One other thing - where and when do you get documents, like a birth certificate, translated? Do you have go to a lawyer and should it be done in the US or in my fiance's home country?

[TBoneTX 46,167]

where and when do you get documents, like a birth certificate, translated? Do you have go to a lawyer and should it be done in the US or in my fiance's home country?

I don't know why you'd need a lawyer. If there are translation agencies convenient to him now, consider them... although sometimes their English skills are overrated. You might be able to find someone here, even a bilingual nonprofessional who will provide a "translator's certification" much like what will suffice during the I-129F or I-130 petition stage. If I'm inaccurate, someone will chime in, si man.

[nylonmac 10]

I'm in the UK and my old school said they couldn't give me a transcript because they destroy all records for students 7 years after they leave. How wonderful is that?!

[Alianza Terps 12]

I'm in the UK and my old school said they couldn't give me a transcript because they destroy all records for students 7 years after they leave. How wonderful is that?!

ahh that sucks! Was it your old high school or college? We are running into difficulties getting transcripts in Peru since his high school doesn't really give transcripts - just the diploma.

[nylonmac 10]

Just High School. Fortunately I was able to start talking with a tech support company where I'm going and as soon as I'm authorized for work, they want to take me on based on my experience and knowledge.