Conflicting information between VJ and USCIS!!

[atlantakid123 0]

Hello,

For filing I-130, I found that there is some conflicting information between VJ and USCIS. Please look at both links below:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-130instr.pdf

Couple of examples:

1) on VJ they are asking us to provide the beneficiary's birth certificate or all pages of her passport, whereas no documents related to beneficiary are being asked to submit according to the instructions on how to fill out I-130 by USCIS.

2) On VJ they are asking us to provide certified copy of marriage certificate whereas on USCIS they are just asking for a copy of marriage certificate (no certification necessary is what I am reading here)

Please help resolve this ambiguity!!

[michael82 0]

you don't need the beneficiary's passport for the I130, that's only needed for the DS230 at NVC. As far as the marriage certificate goes, I'd definitely provide a certified copy to USCIS, as they determine if your marriage appears valid. It might not be absolutely necessary, but I wouldn't be surprised if you got an RFE if you just sent a plain copy. Best of luck!

[Egypts Girl 9]

A photo copy of the marriage cert is acceptable, but include the English translation if not in English.

All originals and or certified copies are REQUIRED at the NVC stage and at interview....

Best wishes on your journey....

[Bule&Cantik 8]

A photo copy of the marriage cert is acceptable, but include the English translation if not in English.

All originals and or certified copies are REQUIRED at the NVC stage and at interview....

Best wishes on your journey....

....and IF translated....it needs a translator statement.....

[Anh map 2,098]

Hello,

For filing I-130, I found that there is some conflicting information between VJ and USCIS. Please look at both links below:

http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide2

http://www.uscis.gov.../i-130instr.pdf

Couple of examples:

1) on VJ they are asking us to provide the beneficiary's birth certificate or all pages of her passport, whereas no documents related to beneficiary are being asked to submit according to the instructions on how to fill out I-130 by USCIS.

2) On VJ they are asking us to provide certified copy of marriage certificate whereas on USCIS they are just asking for a copy of marriage certificate (no certification necessary is what I am reading here)

Please help resolve this ambiguity!!

Did you notice this at the top of every VJ Guide page: These are the basic steps required by the US Citizen. These steps should be followed as a guideline and not as specific requirements for any given case. Every case is unique and this does not address that uniqueness.

The VJ Guides are just that, guides. For exact current information a person should always consult the USCIS website for the latest form editions and instructions. Also, the actual requirements can vary from country to country. The VJ Guides try to give us the best info to have a successful outcome. In some instances this results in over preparation.

Are you filing for a spouse visa, or adjustment of status? In other words, is your spouse living outside the US or here with you? The guide you are linking is for an alien spouse currently living in the US. While both involve filing the form I-130, there are differences in what is submitted as supporting documents. The passport / birth certificate requirement is one of those differences.

You will need to have a certified copy of many documents at the interview. Often times you must only submit a photocopy for the processing. The photocopy that you will send is that of a certified marriage certificate. A photocopy of a non certified/sealed document will not be sufficient.

Try to have patience and review everything multiple times. Read in the appropriate regional forum to learn any specifics about where your interview will take place. That will aid you in preparing the most appropriate packet.

[Divs 35]

Hello,

For filing I-130, I found that there is some conflicting information between VJ and USCIS. Please look at both links below:

http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide2

http://www.uscis.gov.../i-130instr.pdf

Couple of examples:

1) on VJ they are asking us to provide the beneficiary's birth certificate or all pages of her passport, whereas no documents related to beneficiary are being asked to submit according to the instructions on how to fill out I-130 by USCIS.

I'd say, do send in a photocopy of the beneficiary's BC as well as a photocopy of the biographic page of the beneficiary's passport along with the I-130 application and G-325A forms.

2) On VJ they are asking us to provide certified copy of marriage certificate whereas on USCIS they are just asking for a copy of marriage certificate (no certification necessary is what I am reading here)

You do not need to send a certified copy along with your I-130. All you need to do is send in a photocopy, but if it isn't in English, then you need to send in the photocopy of the cert as well as a certified translated version.

Please help resolve this ambiguity!!

[atlantakid123 0]

Are you filing for a spouse visa, or adjustment of status? In other words, is your spouse living outside the US or here with you? The guide you are linking is for an alien spouse currently living in the US. While both involve filing the form I-130, there are differences in what is submitted as supporting documents. The passport / birth certificate requirement is one of those differences.

My wife lives outside US. My apologies Sir. I was looking at the wrong page. The right link is this:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

And it does not require us to either send in the passport/bc for the beneficiary nor a certified copy of marriage certificate

Thanks for your guidance and correcting me. I totally appreciate it.

[Anh map 2,098]

My wife lives outside US. My apologies Sir. I was looking at the wrong page. The right link is this:

http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1

And it does not require us to either send in the passport/bc for the beneficiary nor a certified copy of marriage certificate

Thanks for your guidance and correcting me. I totally appreciate it.

You're doing the necessary investigation to have the process go smoothly. Keep it up. Use the regional forum as well as the visa specific forum to learn from other members' experience.

Best of luck to you.