Can I send in Photocopied Divorce Decree with I-130

[Wunderali 0]

I am preparing the I-130 package for both my husband and stepson. I will be bundling the required documents separately but sending them in the same envelope with a note explaining I'd like them to processed at the same time. I understand that I can send photocopies of most of the documents at this stage, but when it asks for the divorce decree, do I have to send the original certified copy or will a photocopy work for that too? (The instructions say "copy" but I don't know if that means photocopy or not.) If I send the original copy in with my husband's form, will a photocopy work for my stepson, or vise versa?

I hope this question isn't too confusing. I'm sure there is a simple answer.

Thanks in advance.

[Ryan H 3,812]

do I have to send the original certified copy or will a photocopy work for that too?

Photocopy will work for that too.

Edited October 22, 2011 by Ryan H

[Josie-Be-Happy 11]

Yes, you don't have to provide the original documentation for the I-130, but you will need to during the NVC stage. You will get your original documents back when you or your spouse is interviewed. If the consular forgets to give them back to you, just ask for them.

[meika 1]

Yeah my husband went to a centre n did the package and they said no original documents shouldn't be sent to uscis unless they request it

[Jojo92122 1,924]

I am preparing the I-130 package for both my husband and stepson. I will be bundling the required documents separately but sending them in the same envelope with a note explaining I'd like them to processed at the same time. I understand that I can send photocopies of most of the documents at this stage, but when it asks for the divorce decree, do I have to send the original certified copy or will a photocopy work for that too? (The instructions say "copy" but I don't know if that means photocopy or not.) If I send the original copy in with my husband's form, will a photocopy work for my stepson, or vise versa?

I hope this question isn't too confusing. I'm sure there is a simple answer.

Thanks in advance.

Do not send any original supporting documents with the I-130. Only send photocopies.

[Mark&Fatima 14]

I think it asks for a Certified copy of your divorce decree. Just to be safe, I got a Certified copy from my county courthouse instead of just running my papers though a copy machine. It was only $12 and they stamped the page where the judge signed. Maybe I was being paranoid but better to be safe than get a dreaded RFE.

[Jojo92122 1,924]

I think it asks for a Certified copy of your divorce decree. Just to be safe, I got a Certified copy from my county courthouse instead of just running my papers though a copy machine. It was only $12 and they stamped the page where the judge signed. Maybe I was being paranoid but better to be safe than get a dreaded RFE.

The instructions says "copies." It does not say "certified copies." Sending a copy of the divorce decree is not going to result in an RFE.

[pushbrk 12,882]

I think it asks for a Certified copy of your divorce decree. Just to be safe, I got a Certified copy from my county courthouse instead of just running my papers though a copy machine. It was only $12 and they stamped the page where the judge signed. Maybe I was being paranoid but better to be safe than get a dreaded RFE.

You do need a certified copy, so you can photocopy it and send the photocopy of the certified copy with the I-130. If you already sent the actual certified copy, you'll need another one for the NVC stage.

For the OP, that certified copy of the divorce decree will only be needed for the spouse's NVC stage. Certified copy of the birth certificate will be needed for both spouse and child.

[Darnell 8,478]

For USCitizen divorce decree:

never send certified copies with the I-130 of any divorce decree-

you'll need that certified copy to show at the interview, only.

PHOTOCOPY ONLY, done at a COPYING MACHINE, is what you need for the I-130 submittal, for divorce decrees. MAKE CERTAIN the SEAL of the certification of the copy (making it a certified copy from the court) is showing IN the photocopy.

For Foreign Spouse divorce decree:

MUST SEND IN certified copy to NVC during NVC processing along with a photocopy. This divorce decree will be returned on interview day.

Good Luck !

Edited October 24, 2011 by Darnell

[ayomide1 5]

Photocopy will do for now. You will need the original during the NVC Stage

[pushbrk 12,882]

Photocopy will do for now. You will need the original during the NVC Stage

Actually, the US citizen's divorce decree is not asked for at the NVC stage. It will be a good idea to have the actual certified copy available at the interview, in case the Consular Officer asks to see it. Civil documents for the beneficiary are what is needed at NVC. The petitioner provides only the affidavit of support and its supporting documents at that stage.

[Wunderali 0]

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I really appreciate it.